The Logistics of Logistics is a podcast hosted by industry expert Joe Lynch. Joe interviews founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of logistics and supply chain. Topics include transportation, logistics, warehousing, technology, supply chain, and ecommerce. The Logistics of Logistics audience expects an inside perspective of what’s next in logistics and supply chain delivered via podcasts, videos, and articles.
Topics include:
Transportation Topics
Small package, Small parcel, Air Cargo, Ocean Shipping, Ocean freight, Bulk carriers, Cargo ships, Container ships, Tankers (ocean tankers), Refrigerated ships (reefers), Roll-on/roll-off ships, Multi-purpose ship, General cargo ship, Break bulk cargo, General cargo, Less Than Truckload, LTL, Tractor,
Trailers, Tractor-trailers, 48-foot trailer, 53-foot trailer, Truck lift-gate, Truck terminals, Truckload (TL),
Full Truckload (FTL), Freight, Palleted freight, Pallets, Fleet acquisition, Equipment, Drivers, Truck Drivers, Driver leasing, Driver training, Driver safety, Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Device (ELD), Driver outsourcing, Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) Carrier contract, Spot rates, Contract rates, Pickup and delivery, Carrier Instructions, Freight characteristics, Dock management, Intermodal, Containerization, Containers, Final mile, Last mile, Rail transportation
Warehousing Topics
Warehouse storage, manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly, Site Location, Distribution Center Management, Inbound shipping, Outbound shipping, Receiving, Putaway, Put-away, Order processing, Replenishment, Pulling, Restocking, Picking, Validation, Sorting, Distribution Center Management System (DCMS), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Supply, Demand, Inventory, Inventory Management, Cross-docking, Cross-dock, Ecommerce fulfillment, Fulfillment, Packaging
Logistics Topics
3rd party logistics, 3PL, 4th party logistics, 4PL, Just-in-Time (JIT), Payment auditing, Freight auditing, Payment Processing, Freight brokerage, Freight broker, Digital freight brokerage, Digital freight broker, Transparency, Visibility
Special Topics
Direct to Home, Direct to Store, Sustainability, Green Logistics, Reverse Logistics, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Security Analysis, Contingency planning, Crisis Planning, Global Expansion, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), Logistics Consulting, Transportation Consulting, Import / Export, Customs, Labor Management, Marketing Services, Customer Service
Technology Topics
Supply chain technology, Freighttech, Freight tech, Freight technology, EDI, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Predictive Analytics, Technology Services, Web Services, Global Trade Management (GTM), Transportation Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Supplier Management, Customer Management, Cloud Based Solutions, Wireless
Navigating the Roller Coaster Freight Market with Ryan Schreiber
Ryan Schreiber and Joe Lynch discuss navigating the roller coaster freight market. Ryan is the Vice President, Industry and Growth, at Metafora, the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. About Ryan Schreiber Ryan Schreiber is the Vice President, Industry and Growth, at Metafora. Ryan was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Ryan earned a degree in History from the University of South Florida and then a Law degree from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Metafora, Ryan worked at a variety of logistics companies and even started and exited a few tech-enabled freight brokerage start-ups. Ryan is a skilled technologist and strategist who has helped transform many leading transportation and logistics companies. In Ryan’s experience, great technology is important, but finding and keeping the right people is the key to success in the 3PL business. About Metafora Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. They partner with carriers, shippers, and freight tech vendors to help them optimize their business and build software to fuel their growth. Welcome to the new way forward. Welcome to Metafora. Key Takeaways: Navigating the Roller Coaster Freight Market Ryan Schreiber and Joe Lynch discuss navigating the roller coaster freight market including: Freight market recovery timing Technology adoption and changeover costs AI readiness The future of tech-centric freight brokerages (Convoy/Uber) Metafora is a management consulting and technology delivery firm focused on transportation, logistics, and supply chain. They provide consulting and software development services exclusively for companies in these sectors. Partners with various stakeholders: Metafora collaborates with carriers, shippers, and even freight technology vendors. Specializes in technology strategy: They help businesses in the transportation and logistics industry develop and implement effective technology solutions to optimize their operations and achieve growth. Offers a partnership network: Metafora+ connects clients with various industry experts and resources. Values collaboration and learning: Their company culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Metafora aims to propel clients forward: Metafora goes beyond simply delivering services; they strive to be a "tailwind of possibility," helping clients reach their full potential. Learn More About Navigating the Roller Coaster Freight Market Ryan Schreiber | Linkedin Metafora LinkedIn Metafora website Metafora Services The Metafora Story with Peter Rentschler | The Logistics of Logistics The Competitive Advantage with David Bell and Peter Rentschler | The Logistics of Logistics 3 Freight Trends to Watch with Ryan Schreiber | The Logistics of Logistcs The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/26/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 13 seconds
The Grocery & Produce Supply Chain with John Gillespie
John Gillespie and Joe Lynch discuss the grocery & produce supply chain. John is the Chief Technology Officer at MegaCorp Logistics, an award-winning logistics firm with remarkable growth based on their superior service. About John Gillespie As an Information Technology Senior professional with over 15 years of experience, he has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, banking and logistics. Starting in 2008, John was in the healthcare industry providing network and security support. In 2014, John moved into the banking industry and focused on information security, data center management and Enterprise Architecture. In 2020, John returned to the Logistics industry creating an effective IT department at MegaCorp streamlining processes and moving to 100% cloud platform for freight management. About MegaCorp Logistics For nearly a decade, MegaCorp Logistics has reigned supreme as a top US freight leader, consistently recognized by Transport Topics for its excellence. Catering to diverse clients, from Fortune 500 titans to small enterprises, MegaCorp thrives on being a trusted, reliable partner. Led by Ryan Legg's 35+ years of expertise, the company fosters a culture of innovation, aiming to become the premier long-term partner for both customers and carriers. Offering FTL, LTL, and intermodal solutions, MegaCorp boasts a vast network of vetted carriers across North America, ensuring efficient deliveries. Their success stems from dedicated employees and partners, creating a performance-driven environment exceeding customer expectations. Unwavering in the face of evolving supply chain challenges, MegaCorp prioritizes innovation, quality, reliability, and understanding each client's specific needs. This commitment solidifies their position as a dependable partner in today's complex logistics landscape. Key Takeaways: The Grocery & Produce Supply Chain John Gillespie and Joe Lynch discuss some of the unique logistics challenges posed by the grocery & produce supply chain including: Multi-pick and multi-stop shipments Cold chain monitoring Federal regulations including USDA and FSMA Grocery & produce are perishable Hard to predict shipping because of weather and harvest variability Seasonal nature of the freight makes capacity planning difficult MegaCorp Logistics specializes in grocery & produce transportation so they understand how to manage the unique challenges of grocery & produce shipping. MegaCorp Logistics is an award-winning logistics firm that is recognized for superior service and growth. MegaCorp customers enjoy the following benefits: National reach: Operates across the continental US and Canada, with offices in multiple locations. Focus on partnerships: Committed to building long-term, strategic relationships with customers. Full-service provider: Handles full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and intermodal logistics. Carrier network: Maintains a network of vetted and certified transportation partners. Innovation focus: Continuously seeks ways to improve efficiency and reliability. Dedicated team: Emphasizes employee satisfaction and performance-driven culture. MegaCorp is also recognized as a top workplace with low employee turnover. Learn More About The Grocery & Produce Supply Chain John Gillespie | Linkedin MegaCorp Logistics | Linkedin MegaCorp Logistics Master a Golden Work/Life Balance & Your RFPs with John Carter Gillespie | Dissecting Popular IT Nerds Podcast John Gillespie, my journey to becoming CTO of MegaCorp | Fractional Podcast MegaCorp Logistics: The Courage of Confidence | Boss Magazine The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/23/2024 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
The Freight Talent Gap with Will Jenkins
Will Jenkins and Joe Lynch discuss the freight talent gap. Will is Founder and CEO of Journey, a freight brokerage-focused recruiting, consulting, and training company. About Will Jenkins Will Jenkins is Founder and CEO of Journey, a transportation recruiting resource and community-based sales academy. Will has spent the past 15 years of his career building businesses and cultivating sales talent, having successfully hired and trained hundreds of sales professionals. His passion for personal and professional development is the driving force behind his new venture, Journey. Journey is a freight brokerage-focused recruiting, consulting, and training company. Prior to starting Journey, Will co-founded and helped build the freight brokerage MoLo Solutions. MoLo was acquired by ArcBest in 2021 for $235 million and grew to over 900+ employees and $1 billion in annual revenue in 2022. At MoLo, Will built out the training and onboarding program which allowed the organization to efficiently bring on hundreds of new employees and standardize the training process. He also scaled their customer-facing sales team, which included identifying, recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. This gave him first-hand experience in what it takes to attract and retain top talent. About Journey Journey is a freight brokerage-focused recruiting, consulting, and training company. They cater to freight brokerages looking to expand their teams and grow their businesses, candidates seeking new opportunities, and individuals aiming to improve their skills. Their goal is simple: To help you succeed on your Journey, whatever that may be. Key Takeaways: The Freight Talent Gap Will Jenkins and Joe Lynch discuss how freight brokerages can overcome the freight talent gap and thrive by selecting the right recruitment and training partner. Journey offers the following benefits to their customers: Double Expertise: They offer both #1 transportation recruiting services and a premier sales academy for skill development. Full-Spectrum Focus: They cater to employers seeking talent, candidates seeking jobs, and individuals wanting to upskill. Industry Experts: Their team boasts extensive experience and knowledge in transportation and logistics recruitment. Candidate Connection: They specialize in connecting qualified candidates with leading companies in the industry. Community-Based Academy: They provide exclusive on-demand training and a platform for learning, networking, and growth within a supportive community. Personalized Approach: Their mission is to help you "succeed on your journey," which includes individualized support for employers, candidates, and academy members. Secret Weapon: The Journey Community is the difference, fostering connection and collaboration within their network. Learn More About The Freight Talent Gap Will Jenkins | LinkedIn Journey: Overview | LinkedIn Contact: will@journeydelivers.com Journey | Your #1 recruiting and sales training resource The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/21/2024 • 48 minutes, 31 seconds
Retail Non-Compliance Costs with Tony Altman
Tony Altman and Joe Lynch discuss retail non-compliance costs. Tony is the President and CEO of Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services, a leading omnichannel 3PL based in Southern California. About Tony Altman As President and CEO of Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services, Tony Altman brings a remarkable blend of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial vision, and a profound commitment to excellence. Altman grew up in and around the Motivational logistics business. His father, Hal Altman founded the company in 1977, when Tony was six years old. After a successful tenure running his own law firm, Altman embraced the opportunity to help lead the family business. With experience working just about every role in the warehouse, Altman served as Vice President of Operations, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel. Altman now guides the company with an unwavering commitment to deliver stellar service to Motivational customers and to ensure that Motivational continues to be a great place to work. About Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services is a leading omnichannel 3PL based in Southern California. With a legacy spanning back to 1977, the Motivational team brings invaluable expertise. Motivational partners with a variety of consumer products, from housewares & appliances to consumer electronics, to beauty, cosmetics, toy & baby, and more. With more than 2.6 million square feet of space, Motivational boasts a prime location in SoCal with easy access from the LA/LB ports. Motivational offers turnkey direct-to-consumer services, award-winning e-commerce fulfillment, and retail distribution to all of the major retailers. Beyond standard logistics, they offer a spectrum of value-added services such as custom kitting, displays, product rework & refurbishment, re-boxing, reticketing, and more. The Motivational commitment to customers is to deliver beyond logistics – they are a true partner, going the extra mile on the logistics front, so you can focus on what you do best: grow your business! Key Takeaways: Retail Non-Compliance Costs In the podcast interview, Tony and Joe discussed: Retail non-compliance definition. Retail non-compliance costs including financial penalties, damaged relationships, and lost business. Preventing retail non-compliance costs. Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services provides the following benefits to their customers: Full-service logistics: Handles both retail distribution and direct-to-consumer fulfillment, offering a one-stop shop for your needs. Extensive value-added services: From kitting and assembly to labeling and quality control, they go beyond basic storage and shipping. Omnichannel expertise: Supports sales across various channels, including retail, online marketplaces, and your own website. Flexible solutions: Adapts to your unique requirements, offering custom solutions that scale with your business. Experienced team: Over 45 years in the industry, ensuring a knowledgeable and efficient operation. Discounted shipping rates: Leverages strong relationships with carriers to offer competitive pricing. Customer-focused: Prioritizes exceeding customer expectations through fast processing, accurate fulfillment, and real-time tracking. Learn More About Retail Non-Compliance Costs Tony Altman | LinkedIn Motivational | LinkedIn Motivational Website Blog about Vendor Compliance & Chargebacks Downloadable Guide: How to Minimize Chargebacks in Retail Logisitics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/19/2024 • 42 minutes, 57 seconds
The Brand-Centric 3PL with Kate Klemmer Terry
Kate Klemmer Terry and Joe Lynch discuss the brand-centric 3PL, Outerspace. Kate is the Chief Commercial Officer at Outerspace, a 3PL made for brands, by brands. About Kate Klemmer Terry Kate Klemmer Terry is the Chief Commercial Officer at Outerspace where she leads a cross-functional team that oversees all marketing, sales, and existing customer commercial relationships. Before joining Outerspace, Terry was the Chief Revenue Officer of Quiet Logistics starting in 2019. Prior to Quiet Logistics, she was the founder of Dash Group NY, a consulting firm helping fashion brands scale their digital success, with clients such as Michael Kors, TUMI, Oscar de la Renta, and J. Crew. Prior to that, she served in senior leadership roles at companies such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger. Kate received an MBA from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business. About Outerspace Founded in 2019, Outerspace partners with leading omni-channel consumer brands, revolutionizing ecommerce fulfillment. Specializing in enhancing post-purchase experiences, the Outerspace team crafts tailored solutions that transcend the one-size-fits-all approach, driving brands toward exceptional growth. Serving as a strategic brand partner, Outerspace delivers a top-notch operations solution, seamlessly integrating frictionless order fulfillment, skilled client service teams, and proprietary software. Key Takeaways: The Brand-Centric 3PL Outerspace was founded by ecommerce veterans, Outerspace aims to be a brand-centric alternative to traditional 3PLs, focusing on high-growth consumer brands. Customer-Obsessed: They prioritize premium fulfillment services and a proprietary "Ops Stack" to help brands deliver exceptional customer experiences. Technology-Driven: Built for omnichannel fulfillment, Outerspace utilizes dedicated floor teams, proactive communication, and strategic carrier partnerships to optimize operations. Scalable Solutions: They handle order volumes ranging from 20,000 to 300,000+ per month, offering same-day processing, fast receiving, and efficient shipping. Data-Driven Insights: Their technology platform provides real-time visibility and analytics to empower brands with data-backed decisions. Strategic Partnerships: Outerspace collaborates with leading technology and service providers to offer a comprehensive logistics ecosystem. Learn More About the Brand-Centric 3PL Kate Klemmer Terry | LinkedIn Outerspace: Overview | LinkedIn Outerspace - High-touch fulfillment & logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/16/2024 • 44 minutes, 46 seconds
Channel Free Logistics with Bill Thayer
Bill Thayer and Joe Lynch discuss channel free logistics. Bill is the Founder and CEO, of Fillogic a logistics-as-a-service platform for retail that converts underutilized space at retail centers into tech-enabled, micro distribution hubs. About Bill Thayer Bill Thayer is the Founder and CEO, of Fillogic a logistics-as-a-service platform for retail that converts underutilized space at retail centers into tech-enabled, micro distribution hubs. Bill has over 30 years of experience in retail logistics, ecommerce, technology, store operations, and consulting. Bill started his career in the Buyer Training Program at Macy's, moved to Loehmann's (a $500M retailer) where he ran the Company as COO / CIO. Bill worked again with Macy's to help design and set-up the Macy's Backstage logistics network. Through 2020, Bill was the CLO of Century 21 Stores (an $800M retailer). He has worked with companies like Barneys, the Hearst Corporation, and SDI Systems, a logistics automation manufacturer. During these 30 years, Bill noticed a major gap in the logistics capabilities supporting physical retail locations. He identified a need for a local market logistics network, converting underutilized space in shopping malls into micro-logistics capacity in the middle and final mile. Using these locations as logistics nodes, the Fillogic team has developed proprietary technology and solutions that create a circular, sustainable, and efficient B2B logistics network. About Fillogic The leading platform for local market logistics. Fillogic converts under-utilized space in retail centers - shopping malls - by deploying the technology and operations to create local logistics hubs. They provide retailers a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable channel-free model that enables their partners to optimize their existing assets; their stores, people and inventory. The Fillogic network unlocks savings and efficiencies in the middle mile, where customers live, shop and interact. Key Takeaways: Channel Free Logistics Fillogic transforms retail ecosystems by creating a well-oiled machine that streamlines middle- and final-mile logistics, making them efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. Micro-fulfillment platform: Converts underutilized retail space into local logistics hubs, closer to consumers. Reduced costs & time: Saves retailers 65% in time & money compared to traditional fulfillment. Faster delivery: Enables same-day or next-day delivery for 98% of the mainland US. Sustainable solution: Utilizes existing infrastructure, reducing carbon footprint and warehouse construction. Full suite of services: Provides picking, packing, shipping, returns management, & more. Technology-driven: Connects retail systems to hubs and delivery network for efficiency. Reusable packaging: Utilizes 100% recyclable and reusable packaging for shipments. Growing network: Has hubs in multiple US locations with continued expansion. Learn More About Channel Free Logistics Bill Thayer | Linkedin Fillogic | Linkedin Fillogic Fillogic | Twitter The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/14/2024 • 44 minutes, 50 seconds
Level Up Your Freight Brokerage with Kary Jablonski
Kary Jablonski and Joe Lynch discuss how to level up your freight brokerage. Kary is the CEO of Trucker Tools, the leading carrier relationship management platform that helps brokers grow their carrier network, book loads digitally, track freight, and build enduring relationships with carriers to drive reuse. About Kary Jablonski Kary Jablonski is Trucker Tools’ CEO and is passionate about building great teams that underpin any successful business. Prior to Trucker Tools, she advanced through operations, logistics, and strategic planning roles with Uber in the U.S. and internationally and worked as a consultant with Deloitte. She currently lives in Chicago and enjoys anything active, especially running, pickleball, and basketball. She holds a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA from Northwestern University. About Trucker Tools Trucker Tools is the leading carrier relationship management platform that helps brokers grow their carrier network, book loads digitally, track freight, and build enduring relationships with carriers to drive reuse. Brokers access carriers through the Trucker Tools app, which has been downloaded 2 million times in North America and offers drivers tools for life on the road, including a fuel optimizer, document scanner, and leading digital marketplace. Brokerages using Trucker Tools digitize tribal knowledge and manual operations, build strong and lasting carrier relationships, and have industry leading visibility into active shipments. Key Takeaways: Level Up Your Freight Brokerage In the podcast interview, Kary explains the services that Trucker Tools provides to carriers, brokers, and shippers. Trucker Tools provides load visibility, predictive freight matching, and trip planning solutions for the transportation industry. Trucker Tools provides the following solutions for freight brokers/3PLs Load tracking tool that provides increased load visibility, fewer check calls, and increased operational efficiency. Book It Now, a fully automated tool that enables brokers to eliminate manual steps, improve tracking and move from manual to digital. Broker Advantage, a white label interface that provides brokers with visibility to a larger carrier network, a superior carrier experience, and a portal specifically branded to the broker’s individual specifications. Driver Loyalty Program that rewards drivers for performing specific actions within the Trucker Tools app (increasing visibility and operational efficiency). Trucker Tools provides the following solutions for owner operators/carriers Trucker Tools app that enables tracking/tracing along with tools and resources that make life on the road simpler and easier. Digital freight matching – easily find and book the right freight. Book It Now, which enables carriers to easily book freight with trusted brokers – less hassle, less haggling, and more driving. Tracking and tracing made easy using the Trucker Tools app or ELD integration Driver Loyalty Program that rewards drivers for performing specific actions within the Trucker Tools app. Learn More About Trucker Tools Trucker Tools with Kary Jablonski | The Logistics of Logistics Kary’s LinkedIn Trucker Tools on LinkedIn Trucker Tools Trucker Tools for Brokers Trucker Tools for Carriers Trucker Tools just made finding middle ground easier for brokers, carriers The #1 Capacity Tool for Freight Brokers Avoid Death by Excel: How Trucker Tools Can Automate Broker and 3PL Operations of All Sizes Driver Loyalty Program Announcement The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/12/2024 • 50 minutes, 44 seconds
Preventing Freight Fraud with Dale Prax
Dale Prax and Joe Lynch discuss preventing freight fraud. Dale is the Founder and CEO of FreightValidate, a carrier and freight broker identify verification and vetting system serving shippers, carriers, freight brokers. About Dale Prax Dale Prax is a dad, husband, grandfather, friend, mentor, Marine Corps veteran, inventor, innovator, disruptor, entrepreneur, fighter of fraud, freight executive, mobile app developer, freight rate analyst, philanthropist, and coach. Dale is the Founder of an Expedited Freight Brokerage company Direct Expedite. He also is the founder of two nonprofit organizations, a freight cost rating company, and a social media platform for freight professionals (FreightClub.us). His latest undertaking is FreightValidate, an identity and compliance verification system for shippers, freight brokers, motor carriers, load-boards, and factoring companies to verify that entities are in compliance with regulations and identify past, present, or potential fraudulent or double brokering threats. About FreightValidate FreightValidate is a carrier and freight broker identify verification and vetting system serving shippers, carriers, freight brokers, load-boards, and factoring companies. The FreightValidate platform ensures regulatory compliance and swiftly identifies any past, present, or potential fraudulent or double brokering threats within the industry. FreightValidate checks Motor Carrier Authority, DOT number validity, business location, and blocklisting history to flag potential fraud or non-compliance. Carriers are "Validated," "Not Validated," or given "Warning/Caution" statuses based on multiple data points. Key Takeaways: Preventing Freight Fraud FreightValidate is a carrier and freight broker identity verification and vetting system. They assist logistics businesses in mitigating risks and upholding compliance. FreightValidate utilizes advanced facial recognition technology for identity verification, reducing fraud and impersonation. The company serves shippers, brokers, carriers, and partners in the freight industry. FreightValidate provide improved transparency, minimized risk of identity theft, enhanced compliance with regulations. FreightValidate focues on compliance: Verifies licenses, insurance, and other vital information for carriers and brokers. FreightValidate collaborates with other companies like MyCarrierPortal to offer a broader range of services. They offer transparent pricing structure with various subscription plans tailored to different users. Learn More About Preventing Freight Fraud Dale Prax | Linkedin FreightValidate | Linkedin FreightValidate Direct: info@FreightValidate.com Sales: sales@FreightValidate.com The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/9/2024 • 48 minutes, 44 seconds
REPOST: Navigating the Freight Downturn with Kevin Coomes
Kevin Coomes and Joe Lynch discuss navigating the freight downturn in the logistics and transportation space. Kevin is the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. About Kevin Coomes Kevin Coomes, the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, is an accomplished freight tech professional with over 15 years of sales, business development, and start-up experience spanning two countries. His expertise extends across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, energy efficiency, logistics, and technology applications. Kevin’s journey in transportation and logistics began in China, where he managed ocean and air imports for his own venture, Phoria Energy Solutions. Additionally, he collaborated with AnSen Beyond Investments on various logistics projects involving commodities and agricultural products, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating international markets. Fluent in Mandarin, Kevin spent three years living and working in China, immersing himself in the culture and language. Over the past decade, Kevin has built an extensive network that has fueled success and innovation in the U.S. logistics market. He has made significant contributions through his involvement in consulting projects with Metafora (formerly CarrierDirect) and his instrumental role in developing and executing sales, marketing, and product growth strategies for ExFreight Zeta, Inc. and Revenova, LLC. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a concentration in Chinese, from Kansas State University. This comprehensive academic background further enhances his ability to navigate diverse markets and engage with stakeholders on a global scale. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a pricing platform specifically tailored for the truckload spot freight market. Through the utilization of advanced machine learning techniques and big data, Greenscreens.ai offers real-time market price predictions that take into account the buying power of your company. Their platform not only provides highly accurate buy rates but also offers sell price suggestions based on comprehensive data analysis. This proven solution has been designed to assist companies in boosting their win rate, safeguarding, and expanding their profit margins, and improving the productivity of their sales representatives. Greenscreens.ai empowers businesses in the truckload spot freight market with the tools they need to make informed decisions and maximize their success. Key Takeaways: Navigating the Freight Downturn Kevin Coomes is the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. In the podcast interview, Kevin and Joe discuss navigating the freight downturn in the logistics and transportation space. By leveraging Greenscreen’s dynamic pricing platform, freight brokers can generate precise pricing with greater efficiency, empowering them to thrive even in times of freight downturn.Greenscreens.ai is a pricing platform specifically designed for the truckload spot freight market. The platform utilizes big data and advanced machine learning techniques to provide real-time market price predictions. Greenscreens.ai considers your company’s buying power when generating accurate buy rates. Greenscreens.ai’s solution has been tested and proven to help companies increase their win rate. The platform enables businesses to protect and grow their profit margins through optimized pricing strategies. By leveraging comprehensive data analysis, Greenscreens.ai enhances the productivity of sales representatives. Greenscreens.ai provides users with the tools to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively. The platform’s real-time market insights allow companies to stay competitive and adapt to market fluctuations. Learn More About Navigating the Freight Downturn Kevin on LinkedIn Greenscreens.ai website GS on LinkedIn Related episodes: Highlights from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier The Power of Partnerships with The Matt Silver Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/7/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 21 seconds
The B2B's Final Mile with Steve Lopez
Steve Lopez and Joe Lynch discuss B2B’s final mile. Steve is the Vice President of Partnerships at FRAYT, an on-demand, last mile delivery solution that enables businesses to meet their customers’ same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon’s level of service. About Steve Lopez Steve Lopez is a self-made entrepreneur and strategic thinker from North Texas. Steve was an early participant in PICKUP, joining as a side hustle "Good Guy" delivery driver. His involvement with the company played a significant role in its growth, expanding from five Texas markets to 83 markets across 42 states. Between February 2018 and May 2022, revenue skyrocketed by 1600%. Starting May of 2023, Steve joined FRAYT as their Vice President of Partnerships. Steve's passion for strategic partnerships, tech innovation, last-mile delivery, ecommerce, and customer experience sets him apart in the industry. His skills include sales and operations, market expansion, and serving as an advisor, while also being fluent in Spanish. Steve Lopez is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and innovation. About FRAYT FRAYT is a nationwide, on-demand, last mile delivery solution that offers businesses an automated web, mobile app, and advanced API platform to move their products efficiently and cost-effectively. With FRAYT, businesses can meet their customers’ same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon’s level of service. The platform boasts a network of over 22,000 vetted drivers who own and operate their own vehicles, utilizing their time and excess cargo capacity to earn extra income. FRAYT’s multi-stop service enables businesses to maximize efficiency by easily scheduling multiple stops along a driver’s route. Additionally, FRAYT provides fleet augmentation, allowing companies to replace their middle and last-mile fleet with a fluid network of delivery assets, ranging from sedans to 26-ft box trucks. By leveraging FRAYT, businesses can enhance the customer experience, expand their offerings, and accomplish more within a day. Key Takeaways: The B2B's Final Mile B2B companies are increasingly using ecommerce and ecommerce shipping solutions like FRAYT for their shipments. Companies that ship industrial products, building materials, or auto parts have traditionally used less-than truckload (LTL) or local shipping companies that don’t have the scale, technology, service area, or operational expertise to support an enterprise shipper. FRAYT has a better solution – a nationwide, on-demand, last mile delivery solution that offers businesses an automated web, mobile app, and advanced API platform to move their products efficiently and cost-effectively. FRAYT is faster than LTL with far less damage. FRAYT enables businesses to meet their customers’ same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon’s level of service. FRAYT has a network of over 15,000 vetted drivers who own and operate their own vehicles, utilizing their time and excess cargo capacity to earn extra income. FRAYT offers an automated web, mobile app, and advanced API platform for businesses to efficiently and cost-effectively move their products in a nationwide, on-demand last mile delivery solution. FRAYT’s multi-stop service allows businesses to maximize efficiency by easily scheduling multiple stops along a driver’s route. Additionally, FRAYT provides fleet augmentation, allowing companies to replace their middle and last-mile fleet with a fluid network of delivery assets, ranging from sedans to 26-ft box trucks. FRAYT’s Preferred Driver Program is designed to reward and recognize the best drivers in the industry. The program offers exclusive benefits and incentives to drivers who consistently deliver exceptional service and meet performance standards. Preferred drivers receive priority access to high-paying loads and have the opportunity to earn more money through increased rates and bonuses. FRAYT provides ongoing training and support to help preferred drivers improve their skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations. Preferred drivers also enjoy flexible scheduling options and the ability to choose the loads they want to haul, giving them greater control over their work-life balance. The program promotes a positive driver experience by providing access to a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 to address any issues or concerns. FRAYT’s Preferred Driver Program creates a community of top-performing drivers who can share their insights and experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the company. Learn More About The B2B's Final Mile Steve Lopez | Linkedin FRAYT | Linkedin FRAYT Get started with FRAYT | Contact FRAYT Industrial Suppliers | FRAYT 3PLs and Freight Brokers | FRAYT Five Essentials for Fleet Diversification | FRAYT The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/5/2024 • 45 minutes, 33 seconds
Blind Spots of Visibility with Andrew Wimer
Andrew Wimer and Joe Lynch discuss the blind spots of visibility. Andrew is Director, Operations – North America Activations for Descartes, a global leader in on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions for logistics businesses. About Andrew Wimer Andrew Wimer is Director, Operations – North America – Activations for Descartes, a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions for logistics businesses. With over 15 years of dedicated expertise in the field of logistics, Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the intersection of technology and freight management. For nearly a decade, he has served in pivotal roles at Descartes for its Descartes MacroPoint multimodal freight visibility platform. As Director of Operations, his responsibilities encompass spearheading new customer implementations, facilitating seamless carrier onboarding, and ensuring the ongoing success of their valued clientele. Andrew’s career reflects a commitment to optimizing supply chain operations through innovative solutions and strategic leadership in the dynamic landscape of logistics and freight technology. About Descartes Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. One of Descartes’ solutions in its cloud-based transportation management software portfolio, Descartes MacroPoint is a multimodal visibility platform designed to help freight brokers, third-party logistics companies (3PLs) and shippers gain better visibility to their freight operations and shipments. Carriers can easily connect with the solution via GPS-based electronic logging device (ELD), transportation management systems (TMS), or mobile app-based tracking methods. The platform allows for increased control and management of the supply chain—with more efficient and high-quality data to improve communication and decision-making. Using Descartes MacroPoint, companies can enhance customer service, increase distribution efficiency, better collaborate with customers, suppliers and carriers, and minimize the impact of disruptions and late delivery penalties. Connect with Descartes MacroPoint on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. Key Takeaways: Blind Spots of Visibility Andrew and Joe discuss some of the blind spots in visibility including: Clunky onboarding Dirty data Port blackholes Descartes MacroPoint is part of a world-leading Software-as-a-Service solution suite focused on improving productivity, performance, and security for logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes focus on visibility and control: Their Descartes MacroPoint platform grants freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers real-time insights into their operations and shipments. The company provides easy carrier integration: Carriers can connect via diverse methods like GPS trackers, TMS systems, or mobile apps for seamless data sharing. Descartes improves supply chain management: The platform offers increased control, data quality, communication, and decision-making, leading to better customer service, distribution efficiency, collaboration, and disruption mitigation. Learn More About Blind Spots of Visibility Andrew Wimer | Linkedin Descartes MacroPoint | Linkedin Descartes MacroPoint The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/2/2024 • 52 minutes, 45 seconds
Drought, Drones and Delays with Brian Kempisty & Frank Kenney
Brian Kempisty, Frank Kenney and Joe Lynch discuss drought, drones, and delays. Brian is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Frank is the Director of Industry Solutions at Cleo, an ecosystem network that enables companies to rapidly connect with thousands of trading partners worldwide. About Brian Kempisty Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian grew up as a farm kid outside of Buffalo, NY and learned how to work at a young age. While earning his degree at Canisius College he needed a job and found himself working in the logistics industry. Since those early days, he has run multiple companies and his latest adventure called for him to create Port X Logistics which is a national drayage and transloading company with offices on both coasts. About Port X Logistics Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. With a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and logistics network Port X Logistics can effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics provides drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking to help clients meet their fulfillment and production plans. The team operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ultimate in visibility. About Frank Kenney Frank Kenney is the director of Industry Solutions at Cleo. A former Gartner analyst and current market evangelist and strategy director, Frank Kenney is widely credited as the creator of the term managed file transfer (MFT) and was the first to write about and discuss its modern architecture, platform, and use cases. Previously, Frank served more than 10 years as a research director at Gartner, where he defined the MFT, B2B gateway, SOA governance, and cloud service brokerage (CSB) markets. Frank holds a degree in music technology from the Center for the Media Arts, holds degrees and certifications in digital multimedia and instructional technologies, and studied English and computer science at the University of Tampa. About Cleo Cleo is an ecosystem integration software company focused on business outcomes, ensuring each customer’s potential is realized by delivering solutions that make it easy to discover and create value through the movement and integration of B2B enterprise data. Cleo gives customers strategic, “outside-in” visibility into the critical end-to-end business flows happening across their ecosystems of partners and customers, marketplaces, and internal cloud and on-premise applications. Cleo’s solutions empower teams to drive business agility, accelerate onboarding, facilitate the modernization of key business processes, and capture new revenue streams by reimagining and remastering their digital ecosystem through robust application, B2B, and data integration technologies. Keay Takeaways: Drought, Drones and Delays Drought, drones, and delays refers to the challenges facing the ocean freight industry including: A drought in Panama impacting canal passage Drone attacks in Suez Canal Wars in both Europe and the Middle East Brian and Frank discuss how to build supply chains that are resilient enough to survive these challenges. Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. Port X utilizes a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and a logistics network to effectively service every port and rail ramp. They have a strong focus on culture, service, technology, and trucks. Port X Logistics provides safe and just-in-time truckload services, unique problem-solving for supply chain solutions, worry-free crisis management services, and collaborative and dedicated project management from start to finish. Cleo helps businesses deliver on their commitments by facilitating smooth interaction with their wider ecosystem of partners, suppliers, customers, and applications. Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC) is their flagship platform, offering a single integrated solution for B2B/EDI, application, and eCommerce dataflows. This platform enables businesses to connect, transform, integrate, orchestrate, and analyze their ecosystem data. Cleo champions ecosystem integration, an "outside-in" approach that prioritizes connecting and integrating key business processes with those of your partners, fostering seamless collaboration and efficiency. Cleo caters to both technical and non-technical users with a user-friendly platform and pre-built integrations, offering self-service, managed-service, and blended deployment options for ultimate flexibility. Learn More About Drought, Drones and Delays Brian Kempisty | Linkedin Port X Logistics | Linkedin Port X Logistics | Website Frank Kenney | Linkedin Cleo | Linkedin Cleo | Website Port X Logistics Latest Port Report | Spotlight: Savannah, GA 3PL Integration Guide | Cleo The Next Black Swan by Brian Kempisty Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty | The Logistics of Logistics The State of Containerized Shipping with Brian Kempisty | The Logistics of Logistics Building a Resilient Port Strategy with Brian Kempisty & Lauren Beagen | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/31/2024 • 49 minutes, 25 seconds
Food & Beverage Brand Fulfillment with Anne Hallock
Anne Hallock and Joe Lynch discuss food & beverage brand fulfillment. Anne is the Chief Revenue Officer at Flowspace, the software platform and distribution network powering independent fulfillment. About Anne Hallock Anne Hallock is a strategic leader focused on building value for brands. As Chief Revenue Officer at Flowspace, she oversees Sales, Marketing, and technology commercialization. Anne previously served as SVP of Global Marketing at The Trade Desk (Nasdaq 100: TTD), where she led US, EMEA and APAC marketing as well as global Learning & Development from Series A through its IPO in 2016. She earned her BA at UCLA, and her MBA from the University of Texas. About Flowspace Flowspace is the software platform and distribution network powering independent fulfillment. The company’s cloud-based OmniFlow software provides brands with the real-time visibility and insights needed to orchestrate and optimize omnichannel fulfillment, from any location to any end customer. The technology is integrated within a flexible, scalable network of +150 fulfillment locations nationwide, powering efficient, reliable fulfillment for hundreds of leading brands. Flowspace has earned widespread recognition throughout the industry for advancements in technology, fulfillment solutions, and sustainability. The company was named an Inc. Magazine Logistics Power Partner, crowned "Order Fulfillment Solution of the Year'' in the SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards, included in the Freightwaves FreightTech 100, and recognized as an Inbound Logistics Green Technology Partner. Launched out of the Y Combinator technology accelerator program in 2017, Flowspace was recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2020. More information can be found at www.flow.space. Key Takeaways: Food & Beverage Brand Fulfillment Flowspace is the software platform and distribution network that provides the following benefits: Omnichannel Fulfillment Master: Flowspace seamlessly manages orders from any channel (DTC, B2B, online, in-store) with a vast network of fulfillment centers, optimizing for speed and cost. Scalability Superpower: Easily expand or adapt your fulfillment network as your business grows, without technical roadblocks or limitations. Inventory Intelligence: Gain real-time inventory insights and demand forecasting to minimize stockouts, optimize inventory allocation, and avoid wasted resources. Customer Experience Champion: Deliver fast, efficient shipments and transparent order tracking, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Technology Trailblazer: Leverage Flowspace's industry-leading software platform to automate fulfillment processes, streamline workflows, and gain data-driven insights. Cost-Saving Champion: Reduce shipping costs with Flowspace's network optimization, strategic warehouse locations, and efficient processes. Award-Winning Expertise: Trust a proven leader recognized for excellence in fulfillment, customer service, and business growth. Dedicated Support: Flowspace offers dedicated account support and implementation guidance, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing success. Learn More About Food & Beverage Brand Fulfillment Anne Hallock | Linkedin Flowspace Proper Wild drives repurchase with rapid, reliable fulfillment Proper Wild The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/29/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 seconds
Load Building and Optimization with Tom Moore
On this podcast interview, Tom Moore and Joe Lynch discuss load building and optimization. Tom is the CEO and Founder of ProvisionAi, a technology that automatically gets the right products on the right number of trucks at the right time to increase service levels and maximize network efficiency. About Tom Moore Thomas A. (Tom) Moore is the CEO and Founder of ProvisionAi and AutoSchedulerAI. Tom Moore is a visionary entrepreneur with a track record of establishing and growing thriving supply chain software companies. With a wealth of experience partnering with industry giants like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, and Kimberly-Clark, Tom has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge solutions for warehousing, truck loading, and planning optimization. His notable contributions include groundbreaking software systems such as AutoScheduler, AutoO2, and LevelLoad. Furthermore, Tom’s hands-on experience running manufacturing, warehousing, and trucking operations has provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of these industries. His multifaceted background uniquely makes him a leader who understands the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain ecosystem. Tom holds a Master’s degree in Operations Research and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (both with Honors) from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. About ProvisionAi ProvisionAi helps good companies plan, and great companies execute by making planning and execution "play nice together." LevelLoad takes expensive and potentially infeasible replenishment proposals and turns them into high-service, low-cost, and operationally feasible plans. AutoO2 is an optimizing load builder that converts deployment requirements into efficient, damage-free shipments. Together, LevelLoad and AutoO2 drive customer service and long-term transportation planning objectives despite the realities of supply chain network constraints. The results include improved on-time and in-full customer service, fuller loads, higher use of preferred freight carriers, and lower costs. Clients save millions by tendering loads early to reserve preferred carriers, filling truckloads optimally to maximize payload, improving customer order fulfillment, and reducing costs. The patented technology is saving money and carbon for companies like Unilever, Baxter, P&G, and Kimberly-Clark. Key Takeaways: Load Building and Optimization Tom Moore is the Founder and CEO of ProvisionAi, a technology that automatically gets the right products on the right number of trucks at the right time to increase service levels and maximize network efficiency. ProvisionAi is transforming CPG supply chains in the following ways: Planning & Execution Harmony: No more siloed spreadsheets! LevelLoad and AutoO2 work together to seamlessly turn high-cost plans into feasible, cost-saving shipments. Say goodbye to logistics headaches and hello to "happy dance" efficiency. Customer Service Champs: ProvisionAi fuels on-time, in-full deliveries, keeping customers satisfied and boosting your brand. Think happy stores, happy buyers, happy you. Cost-Slicing Magic: By optimizing loads and locking in preferred carriers, ProvisionAi helps clients shave millions off transportation costs. Imagine millions back in your pocket, ready to fuel further growth. Sustainability Superhero: Reducing empty miles and optimizing routes, ProvisionAi minimizes your carbon footprint. Green logistics that make both the planet and your bottom line smile. Trusted by Giants: Unilever, Baxter, P&G, and Kimberly-Clark – these household names trust ProvisionAi's patented technology to transform their supply chains. Join the winning team and discover the difference Ai-powered logistics can make. In 2023, Provision AI eliminated 88,000 truckloads for their customers - saving money, improving service levels, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learn More About Load Building and Optimization Website - ProvisionAi Articles - ProvisionAi Resources - ProvisionAi Awards - ProvisionAi Facebook - ProvisionAi ProvisionAi - LinkedIn ProvisionAi - YouTube ProvisionAi - Instagram X (Twitter) ProvisionAi - Threads Transportation Warehouse Optimization (ondemand.com) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/26/2024 • 57 minutes, 15 seconds
Becoming a Better Salesperson with Nick Klingensmith
Nick Klingensmith and Joe Lynch discuss becoming a better salesperson. Nick is the Founder and CEO of Stride Motivation, a company dedicated to transforming lives through inspiring keynote speeches and mindset coaching. Nick is an expert at helping achievement-driven professionals and leaders to overcome fear and rejection and push past self-limiting doubts. About Nick Klingensmith After being thrown out of a Las Vegas hotel in a drunken haze, jeopardizing his career and relationships, Nick Klingensmith had to make a change. A 4-time cancer survivor, type-1 diabetic, recovering alcoholic with herniated discs, nerve damage and sleep apnea, he defies it all when he finds Obstacle Course Racing. Refusing to accept his limitations, he’s completed over 100 Spartan Races, 6 Major Marathons, several Ultras and scores of other obstacle and endurance events. As someone who has walked the path of a sales professional, Nick is an expert in propelling other achievement-driven professionals and leaders to overcome fear and rejection and push past self-limiting doubts, by inspiring them to take purposeful action towards their goals. Nick is a raw and passionate storyteller who holds nothing back when revealing who he used to be and the person he is now. About Stride Motivation Stride Motivation, LLC is a dynamic company dedicated to transforming lives through inspiring keynote speeches and mindset coaching. Rooted in the inspiring journey of overcoming significant health challenges and personal struggles, the company serves as a beacon for achievement-driven professionals and leaders. Through compelling storytelling drawn from the world of endurance racing, Stride Motivation empowers individuals to conquer fear, rejection, and self-limiting doubts. Specializing in coaching sales teams and remote professionals, the company imparts valuable insights on developing a resilient mindset for success. Stride Motivation is not just a company; it's a catalyst for helping others discover their inner strength, reach their goals, and become the best version of themselves. Key Takeaways: Becoming a Better Salesperson Nick Klingensmith is the Founder and CEO of Stride Motivation, a company dedicated to transforming lives through inspiring keynote speeches and mindset coaching. Fueled by resilience: Founded on a real-life journey of overcoming adversity, Stride Motivation understands the grit it takes to achieve ambitious goals. Storytelling for empowerment: Drawing on the world of endurance racing, they use compelling narratives to inspire individuals to conquer fear, doubt, and rejection. Mindset coaching for teams and individuals: Specializing in sales teams and remote professionals, they offer coaching to build resilient mindsets for success in demanding environments. Transformation Beyond Business: More than just a company, Stride Motivation is a catalyst for personal growth, helping individuals unlock their potential and become the best versions of themselves. Learn More About Becoming a Better Salesperson Nick Klingensmith | Linkedin Stride Motivation | Linkedin Stride Motivation | Website Instagram: @stridemotivation TikTok: @stridemotivation Twitter: @stridemotivatio YouTube: @stridemotivation Threads: @stridemotivation Email: Booking@stridemotivation.com The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/22/2024 • 46 minutes, 9 seconds
Big, Bulky & Rural with Grafton Elliot
Grafton Elliott and Joe Lynch discuss big, bulky, and rural shipping. Grafton is the Founder and CEO of Onward, a big and bulky shipping network that helps retailers offer local like delivery service, to their customers located in suburban and rural zip codes. About Grafton Elliott Grafton Elliott is the Founder and CEO of Onward, a big and bulky shipping network that helps retailers offer local like delivery service, to their customers located in suburban and rural zip codes.Prior to starting Onward, Grafton ran the asset light network for CDS Logistics. A nationwide big and bulky brokerage based in Maryland. During his time at CDS, Grafton had the opportunity to open and run several final mile warehousing + delivery operations, where he learned from a grassroots level how tough it is to run a big + bulky final mile operation. During his time running the Detroit, MI facility he learned first-hand how deliveries to the hard to reach zip codes break the efficiencies of local delivery operations, leading to 35% box trucks driving empty or parked in yards during business hours. A massive underutilization of capacity that lead him to start Onward! About Onward Onward helps big and bulky retailers and 3PL’s offer their rural customers the same delivery speed, quality and service capabilities as their local counterparts. Founded in 2020 by Grafton Elliott and Kevin Walsh, Onward gives their shippers a competitive advantage when serving the 20% of the US population that doesn’t live near an urban city center. Offering full service white glove, a 99% claims free delivery standard (lowest in the industry) and as fast as next-day delivery to these underserved customers. But HOW Onward does this is the interesting part. Described as the OpenTable of the box truck industry, Onward leverages a series of final mile TMS integrations to understand the real-time driving direction, capacity and performance of the big and bulky providers in their network. Allowing them to identify when and where there is underutilized space on box trucks, so Onward can dispatch their providers towards opportunities that fit them perfectly. A true win-win technology that helps shippers expand their total addressable market and helps box truck companies increase their bottom line profits by an average of 15%. Key Takeaways: Big, Bulky, & Rural Matchmaker for Big and Bulky: Onward Delivery takes the hassle out of shipping large items like furniture and appliances. They act as a matchmaking service, connecting retailers and brokers with the best carriers in their area based on real-time capacity on box trucks. This means faster deliveries, lower costs, and less wasted space for everyone involved. Eliminating Inefficiencies: Onward's data-driven platform tackles the inefficiencies of traditional big and bulky delivery. Their technology optimizes routes, eliminates fragmented systems, and streamlines the entire process, from order placement to final delivery. This translates to quicker deliveries, happier customers, and more efficient operations for retailers. White Glove Service, Everywhere: Onward doesn't just deliver your bulky items; they also offer white glove service, including assembly, setup, and even debris removal. This premium service is available not just in major cities but also in underserved areas, thanks to Onward's expanding network of qualified professionals. Solving Seasonality Challenges: Furniture stores often face unpredictable spikes in demand during peak seasons. Onward helps them navigate these fluctuations by providing access to a flexible network of carriers that can scale up or down as needed. This eliminates the need for maintaining their own delivery fleet, reducing costs and improving overall agility. Revolutionizing Rural Delivery: Onward is committed to bringing the convenience of efficient big and bulky delivery to rural areas. Their network extends beyond major metropolitan centers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can enjoy the benefits of fast, reliable, and white-glove service for their large purchases. Sustainability in the Supply Chain: Onward is also mindful of the environmental impact of deliveries. Their platform optimizes routes and matches loads efficiently, reducing empty miles and fuel consumption. This commitment to sustainability makes Onward a responsible choice for both businesses and consumers. The Future of Big and Bulky Delivery: With its innovative approach, data-driven technology, and commitment to excellent service, Onward is at the forefront of transforming the big and bulky delivery industry. They are making it faster, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone, paving the way for a smoother and more sustainable future for large item deliveries. Learn More About Onward Grafton on LinkedIn Onward on LinkedIn Onwards website Blog highlights: Case Study – how Onward helps shippers get through peak seasons The OpenTable of the box truck industry A Box Truck Love Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/19/2024 • 49 minutes, 58 seconds
The Biopharma Supply Chain with Joel Wayment
Joel Wayment and Joe Lynch discuss the biopharma supply chain. Joel is the Vice President of Operations at Cardinal Health Third Party Logistics, a leader in healthcare logistics for over four decades and a 3PL pioneer since 1995, streamlines pharmaceutical delivery, mitigating risk and fostering seamless patient journeys. About Joel Wayment Joel Wayment is Vice President of Operations at Cardinal Health Specialty Solution’s 3PL business. Under his leadership, Cardinal Health 3PL (Third Party Logistics Services) has grown become an industry leader in third-party logistics, providing warehousing, distribution, and order-to-cash services with products across a wide range of therapeutic categories including unrivaled experience bringing cell and gene therapies to market. About Cardinal Health 3PL Cardinal Health, a leader in healthcare logistics for over four decades and a 3PL pioneer since 1995, streamlines pharmaceutical delivery, mitigating risk and fostering seamless patient journeys. Its custom-built systems and extensive network ensure swift and accurate coast-to-coast delivery of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Cardinal Health shoulders the complexities of distribution, allowing clients to focus on their core business. They tailor solutions for speed, efficiency, and superior quality assurance, leveraging strong carrier relationships to handle even the most delicate pharmaceutical products with meticulous care. Clients benefit from dedicated service with a single point of contact, ensuring personalized attention from program design to final delivery. Trust Cardinal Health to get your products where they need to be, precisely when they need to be there. Explore their expertise in warehouse and transportation management, including specialized solutions for temperature-sensitive cold chain products. With Cardinal Health at the helm, your supply chain runs like clockwork, connecting patients to vital treatments faster and more efficiently. Key Takeaways: The BioPharma Supply Chain Pharma 3PL Distribution Services with Cardinal Health provides the following advantages: Unmatched Expertise: 40+ years in healthcare and 25+ years as a 3PL leader, ensuring deep understanding of product handling and a vast network for fast, accurate coast-to-coast delivery. Streamlined Distribution: We handle the complexities so you don't have to. Custom solutions prioritize speed, efficiency, and meticulous quality assurance, thanks to strong carrier relationships. High-Touch Service: Dedicated point of contact delivers personalized service and attention to detail, from program design to final delivery. Scalable Solutions: We adapt to your unique needs, guaranteeing your products reach the right place at the right time. Best-in-Class Warehousing: Cardinal Health warehouses ensure reliable nationwide delivery, especially for specialty drugs. Innovative Transportation: Leverage our expertise and relationships for efficient, value-driven transportation solutions tailored to pharma needs. Cold Chain Specialists: As cold chain products rise, trust our experience to develop effective launch strategies for temperature-sensitive items. Choose Cardinal Health Pharma 3PL and experience a seamless, worry-free supply chain that connects patients to vital treatments faster. Learn More About The Biopharma Supply Chain Joel Wayment | LinkedIn Cardinal Health | LinkedIn Cardinal Health | Website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/17/2024 • 42 minutes, 35 seconds
Faster Quotes and Higher Profits with Ben Derin
Ben Derin and Joe Lynch discuss what it takes to achieve faster quotes and higher profits as a freight broker. Benjamin is the Founder and CEO of S2Q Systems, the creators of the fast-growing Speed to Quote® software platform that is helping transportation and logistics companies respond faster to incoming quote requests. About Benjamin J. Derin Benjamin J. Derin is the Founder and CEO of S2Q Systems, the creators of the fast-growing Speed to Quote® software platform that is helping transportation and logistics companies respond faster to incoming quote requests. Ben found his passion for business at an early age while working at his father’s automobile dealerships. At 12 years old he started washing cars and cleaning the parking lot. As he worked his way up the company, he gradually took on roles in sales and finance. Prior to launching S2Q Systems, Ben spent the previous 12 years with MacroPoint, where he found his passion for both logistics and technology. During his tenure, Descartes acquired MacroPoint, and Ben was fortunate to continue his success in his enterprise sales role. Beyond work, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family in Northeast Ohio with his wife, Kellie, and their two children, Sophia and Louis. His hobbies include golf, football, basketball, and hosting laid-back BBQ gatherings for friends and family. About S2Q Systems S2Q Systems develops and deploys purpose-driven technology for the transportation and logistics industries. S2Q Systems’ products Speed to Quote® and Speed to Bid™ enable customers to bring speed, accuracy and responsiveness to their quoting and bidding processes. Founded by experts in freight tracking and resource management software, S2Q Systems is a technology company focusing on creating solutions for the transportation and logistics industries. S2Q Systems created Speed to Quote® to provide meaningful integrated technology that allows customers to analyze and respond to incoming quote requests via email in a faster time frame without sacrificing the human element to the interaction. Its other platform Speed to Bid™ helps companies enhance their ability to bid on shipments nationwide in under a few seconds by aggregating third party spot freight bidding platforms into one solution. Key Takeaways: Faster Quotes and Higher Profits Streamlining Logistics Quoting: ️Imagine cutting quote response times from hours to seconds! S2Q Systems' flagship product, Speed to Quote, does just that for freight brokers, carriers and drayage operations quoting process. Data-Driven Insights: Their solutions go beyond automation. S2Q Systems helps businesses gain valuable insights from quote data, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. Built for the Transportation Industry: S2Q Systems understands the unique challenges of the transportation sector. Their solutions are specifically designed to address the needs of carriers and freight brokers. Integrations for a Seamless Workflow: S2Q Systems plays nice with others! S2Q Systems has certified integrations with DAT, Greenscreens and Truckstop for ratings. Customer Focus and Satisfaction: S2Q Systems prioritizes customer success. They offer excellent support and training, ensuring their clients get the most out of their solutions. Innovation in the Logistics Landscape: S2Q Systems is constantly innovating, developing new solutions to address emerging challenges in the logistics industry. Learn More About Faster Quotes and Higher Profits Ben Derin | LikedIn S2Q Systems | LinkedIn S2Q Systems | Website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/15/2024 • 37 minutes, 36 seconds
Maximizing Driver Utilization with Marc El Khoury
Marc El Khoury and Joe Lynch discuss maximizing driver utilization. Marc is the CEO and Co-founder of aifleet, a tech-driven trucking company. Marc and the aifleet team use a proprietary AI tech to dramatically increase driver utilization. About Marc El Khoury Marc El Khoury is the CEO and Co-founder of aifleet, a tech-driven trucking company. Powered by our proprietary ai technology, we optimize plans for higher revenue so we can optimize the experience for our hard-working drivers and rebuild the industry to benefit people, the planet, and our economy. Prior to aifleet, Marc served as Chief Strategy Officer at US Xpress, and Principal at Kearney, a management consulting firm. He holds an MBA from NYU Stern, a MS in Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a Bachelors of Engineering form the American University of Beirut. About AIFLEET aifleet is a tech-driven trucking company delivering more of what matters. Powered by their proprietary ai technology, they optimize plans for higher revenue and achieve 30% higher asset utilization than legacy carriers. aifleet’s more efficient model allows them to offer a better experience for their hard-working drivers. They stack their loads and reduce dwell time so drivers can focus on what they do best - drive, while still enjoying guaranteed home time. This model also benefits the environment. With higher asset utilization aifleet hauls the same amount of freight with fewer trucks, reducing their carbon footprint. If every trucking company operated at the same level of efficiency, it would carve out 50 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Ultimately, they’re rebuilding the trucking industry to benefit people, the planet, and the economy. Key Takeaways: Maximizing Driver Utilization Tech-Driven Trucking Revolution: aifleet isn't your typical trucker. They leverage AI and data to optimize routes, boost efficiency, and prioritize driver well-being. This means happier drivers, better deliveries, and a greener future for all. Driver-First Focus: aifleet puts drivers at the helm. Their smart algorithms create efficient routes, minimize wasted time, and maximize home time, leading to improved work-life balance and higher driver satisfaction. Plus, competitive pay and benefits make aifleet a top choice for tech-savvy truckers. AI Optimizes Every Mile: aifleet's secret weapon is their AI brain. It crunches data on traffic, weather, and more to generate optimized routes that save time, fuel, and money. This not only benefits the environment but also leads to lower costs and higher profits for everyone. Green Logistics Leader: aifleet paves the way for a sustainable future. Fuel-efficient trucks and AI-optimized routes reduce emissions, making them a leader in green logistics. They further minimize their environmental impact by offsetting emissions through carbon capture projects. Innovation Never Stops: aifleet constantly pushes boundaries. They explore technologies like platooning and even autonomous vehicles, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing trucking industry. Driving Positive Change: aifleet goes beyond delivering goods. They're passionate about making a difference, partnering with charities and communities to support truckers, families, and environmental initiatives. The Future is Now: aifleet is a glimpse into the future of trucking. Their tech-driven approach is not only making the industry more efficient and sustainable, but it's also creating a better experience for drivers, customers, and the planet. With aifleet at the wheel, the road ahead looks bright. Learn More About Maximizing Driver Utilization Marc El Khoury | LinkedIn Aifleet | LinkedIn Aifleet | Website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/12/2024 • 45 minutes, 18 seconds
Eliminating Freight Fraud with Michael Caney
Michael Caney and Joe Lynch discuss eliminating freight fraud. Michael is the Chief Commercial Officer of Highway, a freight-tech company that identifies who's really hauling your freight to reduce fraud and supercharge your digital bookings. About Michael Caney Michael Caney is a keen strategist and visionary leader with a demonstrated track record for driving transformational change that has helped early-stage freight tech companies and mid-market 3PLs accelerate growth and achieve scalability. His proven ability to distill complexity into easy-to-understand execution is at the heart of an innovative approach to talent development and team-building strategies. Michael has 20 years of experience in leadership and advisory roles in corporate development, sales, brokerage, managed services, technology, and fleet operations. He was also the founder of GrowthNexus, a consultancy firm that infuses experienced executives into go-to-market planning, sales playbooks, and operational process design to help companies simplify technology decisions. About Highway Highway is a technology company focused on solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. They have developed a Carrier Identity engine that manages carrier identity and eliminates the risks of fraud and double brokering. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge their capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement, making the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load, source with superpowers that give them the truth about a carrier’s lanes and equipment and be warned of negative indicators discovered in public and private data sources. They can also connect their carrier network with speed and security, onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection and monitor carriers to enforce an all-new standard with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology and commitment to improving security and efficiency. Key Takeaways: Eliminating Freight Fraud with Michael Caney To eliminate freight fraud, it all begins with carrier identity. Highway identifies who's really hauling your freight to reduce fraud and supercharge your digital bookings Highway is a technology company solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. The company removes risk and friction between brokers and carriers with a Carrier Identity engine. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement to make the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load and be warned of negative indicators from public and private data sources. They can also onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection. Customers can monitor carriers to enforce new standards with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology. The company is committed to improving security and efficiency in the industry. Learn More About Eliminating Freight Fraud Michael Caney | LinkedIn Highway | LinkedIn Highway | Website Freight has an Identity Crisis with Jordan Graft | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/10/2024 • 1 hour, 23 seconds
TIA Technovations with Tom Curee
Tom Curee and Joe Lynch discuss TIA Technovations, a logistics and transportation conference designed to explore technology trends and innovation driven by logistics industry leaders. Tom is the President of Qued, a freight technology company focused on workflow automation, and the TIA Technology Committee Chairman. About Tom Curee Tom Curee has served in the transportation industry for nearly 20 years working at 3PLs, carriers and most recently as a freight tech provider. He has served as the TIA Technology Committee Chairman the last few years, bringing awareness to the many tech solutions in our industry. He is currently the President of Qued, a freight tech startup focused on workflow automation solutions. About Qued Qued is a freight tech company bringing workflow automation solutions to the transportation industry. Currently they have built real-time integration with appointment scheduling systems eliminating the need to juggle multiple passwords and logins. About TIA The TIA is a leading industry organization dedicated to advancing the interests of transportation intermediaries across the United States. Established in 1978, TIA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within the logistics and transportation sector. As a collective voice for freight brokers, 3PLs, and other intermediaries, TIA plays a pivotal role in shaping industry policies and promoting best practices. TIA provides its members with invaluable resources, including educational programs, advocacy efforts, and networking opportunities, enabling them to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. With a history of advocating for fair and equitable regulations, TIA ensures that its members are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic transportation landscape. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, TIA remains at the forefront of the transportation industry, driving growth and innovation for its members and the broader logistics community. Key Takeaways: TIA Technovations Tom Curee and Joe Lynch discussed some of the highlights of the TIA Technovations including: AI/ML readiness The role of technology in today's freight market Shark Tank - leading freight-tech startups pitching investors The value of TIA membership The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is the trusted voice for third-party logistics companies of all sizes. TIA provides the following services to the 3PL industry: Championing Efficiency: The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) advocates for streamlined logistics processes, promoting regulations and technologies that optimize supply chains and benefit both shippers and carriers. Advocating for Safety: TIA prioritizes safety in the transportation industry, pushing for training programs, equipment standards, and policy changes that minimize risks and accidents on the road. Building Connections: TIA acts as a bridge between transportation intermediaries, government agencies, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication to address industry challenges and opportunities. Empowering the Workforce: TIA invests in professional development for transportation intermediaries, offering educational resources, certifications, and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Navigating Regulations: TIA provides members with guidance and resources to navigate the complex web of transportation regulations, ensuring compliance and minimizing legal burdens. Promoting Innovation: TIA embraces technological advancements in the transportation industry, supporting the development and adoption of new technologies that improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Shaping the Future: TIA actively participates in shaping the future of the transportation industry, engaging in policy discussions, industry initiatives, and research to ensure a thriving and resilient ecosystem for years to come. TIA Capital Ideas Conference - Every April, North America’s most successful brokerage-based logistics professionals come together for three days of education, networking, and meetings with leading suppliers across the 3PL industry. There’s no other event out there designed by 3PLs for 3PLs, so don’t miss it. When: April 10-13, 2024. Where: Phoenix, Arizona Learn More About TIA Technovations Tom Curee | LinkedIn Qued | LinkedIn Qued | Website TIA | LinkedIn Tia | Twitter Tia | Facebook Tia | Instagram Tia | YouTube TIA | Website The State of Freight with Anne Reinke | The Logistics of Logistics The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics with Anne Reinke | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/8/2024 • 52 minutes, 47 seconds
Clarity in a Dangerous World with Ben Gordon
Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss getting Clarity in a Dangerous World. Ben is the Founder of Cambridge Capital (private equity), BGSA (M&A advice), and the Logistics Coalition (humanitarian aid). Ben is hosting the BGSA Supply Chain Conference that will be held January 24-26 in Palm Beach, Florida. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Cambridge Capital Cambridge Capital is a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in our sectors. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. Cambridge Capital was founded in 2009 as the investment affiliate of BG Strategic Advisors (www.bgsa.com), the advisor of choice for a large, growing number of supply chain CEOs. Cambridge Capital leverages BGSA’s unique approach to strategy-led investment banking for the supply chain. BGSA is known for its work helping companies achieve outsized returns via targeted acquisitions and premium sales processes, and has worked with category leaders such as UPS, DHL, Agility Logistics, New Breed, NFI, Genco, Nations Express, Raytrans, and others. Our relationship with BGSA gives us deep market expertise, access to outstanding deal flow and people flow, transactional capabilities, additional resources, and a powerful core competency in the supply chain sector. The Partners and Advisory Board members of Cambridge Capital have diverse backgrounds with complementary technical, operating, and financial expertise. The Cambridge Capital team has spent their careers building, growing, and advising outstanding companies in the supply chain sector. They include former leaders of UPS Logistics, Ryder Logistics, ATC Logistics, APL Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and other globally recognized firms. Cambridge Capital’s professionals know what it takes to build great companies. Key Takeaways: Clarity in a Dangerous World Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss the following topics: Ukraine/Israel Logistics Coalition Down freight market Failure of Convoy Future of tech-centric freight brokerages Technologies / Tactics / Partnerships that will give companies a competitive edge The BGSA Conference is the industry’s only CEO-level conference focused on all segments of the supply chain. Over 300 of the top CEOs in the logistics and supply chain space attended this year’s conference to discuss technology, strategy and deals. BGSA Holdings specializes in providing strategy-led M&A advisory services for leading CEOs in the supply chain and technology sector. BGSA has a track record of executing over 50 deals for clients, who rely on them for trusted and experienced transaction advice. Cambridge Capital is a private investment firm focused on investing in high-growth, tech-enabled supply chain companies, encompassing the logistics, transportation, distribution, and supply chain-related sectors. Learn More About Clarity in a Dangerous World Ben on LinkedIn Ben on Twitter Cambridge Capital on LinkedIn Cambridge Capital BGSA BGSA Supply Chain Conference Logistics Coalition The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/5/2024 • 49 minutes, 57 seconds
The Right Fit for Drivers with Beth Potratz
Beth Potratz and Joe Lynch discuss The Right Fit for Drivers. Beth is the Founder and CEO of Drive My Way, a unique, personalized recruiting service that matches CDL truck drivers with available jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. About Beth Potratz Beth Potratz, Co-Founder and CEO for Drive My Way, has over 20 years of experience. Beth is an innovative, forward-thinking HR professional who is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship and making recruiting personal again. Beth is passionate about helping people find a meaningful career that fits their lifestyle. Prior to Drive My Way, Beth built a successful HR consulting practice serving organizations in a variety of industries and held senior positions at Unilever, Rockwell Automation and Helene Curtis. Beth earned a Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Loyola University of Chicago. Beth resides in Cleveland, Ohio and enjoys spending time with family. About Drive My Way Drive My Way is a unique, online, personalized recruiting service that matches CDL truck drivers with available jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. It makes the challenge of finding the right employer and the ideal driver much easier than traditional recruiting sites. Through its one-of-a-kind Match My Way™ technology, Drive My Way brings employers and CDL truck drivers together for the best possible fit. Ultimately, employers benefit from the ability to identify which drivers best match their opportunities — and drivers find fulfilling employment that suits their personal preferences regarding schedule, location, benefits and other perks. With Drive My Way, employers can expedite the hiring process and lower recruiting costs, and drivers can search confidentially and use the Match My Way score to identify better-matched jobs. At Drive My Way, we strive to put you in control. The company tagline is My life. My job. My way™. And they mean it. Key Takeaways: The Right Fit for Drivers Drive My Way is a CDL driver recruiting company revolutionizing the industry by putting the focus back on individual needs and preferences. They aim to create win-win situations for both drivers and employers, leading to happier drivers, lower turnover, and ultimately, a stronger supply chain. Drive My Way's unique, online, and personalized approach to CDL recruiting delivers the following advantages: Personalized Driver Matching: Drive My Way uses a sophisticated algorithm that matches drivers with jobs based on over 20 unique criteria, including desired routes, pay, benefits, and company culture. This ensures drivers find jobs they truly love, reducing dissatisfaction and turnover. Empowering Drivers: Unlike traditional recruiters, Drive My Way puts drivers in control. They create their own profiles, choose which jobs to see, and communicate directly with employers. This gives them the freedom and flexibility to find the perfect fit. Reducing Hassle for Employers: Finding qualified drivers can be a time-consuming and expensive headache. Drive My Way takes the pain out of the process by sourcing pre-qualified candidates who match their specific needs. They also offer tools to streamline onboarding and communication. Focus on Retention: Drive My Way understands that happy drivers are productive drivers. They offer resources and support to help drivers succeed in their jobs, leading to increased retention and lower costs for employers. Data-Driven Approach: Drive My Way leverages data and analytics to continuously improve their matching algorithm and platform. This ensures they're always adapting to the changing needs of the industry and providing the best possible experience for drivers and employers. Commitment to Diversity: Drive My Way is actively working to attract and retain drivers from underrepresented groups in the trucking industry. They believe in creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which benefits everyone. Positive Industry Impact: By improving the driver experience and reducing turnover, Drive My Way is helping to make the trucking industry a more attractive career option. This is crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across the country. The Drive My Way team is all about making drivers and employers happy, driving the industry forward, and ultimately, keeping America moving! Learn More About The Right Fit for Drivers Beth Potratz | LinkedIn Drive My Way | LinkedIn Drive My Way | Website Our Story, Our Mission, and Our Team - Drive My Way The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/3/2024 • 48 minutes, 53 seconds
REPOST: The Connected Ecosystem with Bill Vitti
Bill Vitti and Joe Lynch discuss the connected ecosystem, which is one of the best ways to describe Transflo. Bill is the President and CRO of Transflo, the trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and business process automation solutions to the transportation industry. About Bill Vitti Bill Vitti joined Transflo as President in early 2022, with more than 25 years’ experience in the transportation industry. Most notably, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Truckstop.com, where he helped drive the company to unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion. Bill was also President of Swift Logistics, a leading brokerage and 3PL provider, and head of marketing and strategy for Swift Transportation. Bill has experience working on the carrier, shipper, and broker side, as well as in 3PL and freight software, giving him 360-degrees of visibility of the marketplace. Bill received his MBA from the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University and his BBA from Saginaw Valley State University. About Transflo Transflo®, a Pegasus TransTech company, is a trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and business process automation solutions to the transportation industry in North America. Transflo’s customer-focused mobile and cloud-based technologies deliver real-time communications to fleets, brokers, factors, shippers, and commercial vehicle drivers, and digitize 800 million shipping documents a year, representing approximately $115 billion in freight bills and 3.2 million downloads of the Mobile+ app. Organizations throughout Transflo’s neutral ecosystem use the end-to-end solution suite and digital platform to increase efficiency, improve cash flow, and reduce costs. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, Transflo has set the pace for innovation in transportation software for over 30 years. For more information, visit www.transflo.com. Key Takeaways: The Connected Ecosystem Bill Vitti is the President and CRO of Transflo, a freight tech company that has developed an ecosystem that connects carriers, brokers, shippers, and factoring companies – and that ecosystem streamlines the freight procurement and payment processes. In the podcast interview, Bill and Joe discuss the connected ecosystem, which is how Transflo describes the connected supply chain that they enable with their technology and marketplace. Transflo links the entire supply chain together in one digital ecosystem, creating visibility, security, and customization for every freight professional. Transflo offer a suite of mobile, telematics, data, scanning, and document management all in one integrated experience. Transflo delivers real-time communications to thousands of fleets, brokers, and commercial vehicle drivers who represent over $100 billion in freight bills each year. The Transflo Mobile+ app has been built from the ground up to simplify the business of trucking. Mobile+ is an end-to-end, cloud-based platform designed around removing friction from the supply chain. Transflo technologies like Mobile+ capture and process over 800 million transportation documents every year, helping drivers get their jobs done — and get loads delivered — faster than ever. Learn More About The Connected Ecosystem Bill on LinkedIn Transflo on LinkedIn Transflo Transflo’s Intelligent Automation Transflo Mobile+ Transflo Synergize The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/1/2024 • 56 minutes, 7 seconds
REPOST: Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty
Brian Kempisty and Joe Lynch discuss the question is drayage just drayage. Brian is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. About Brian Kempisty Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian grew up as a farm kid outside of Buffalo, NY and learned how to work at a young age. While earning his degree at Canisius College he needed a job and found himself working in the logistics industry. Since those early days, he has run multiple companies and his latest adventure called for him to create Port X Logistics which is a national drayage and transloading company with offices on both coasts. About Port X Logistics Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. With a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and logistics network Port X Logistics can effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics provides drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking to help clients meet their fulfillment and production plans. The team operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ultimate in visibility. Key Takeaways: Is Drayage Just Drayage Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. In the podcast interview Brian and Joe discuss the question, is drayage just drayage. Drayage is not just drayage if you work with Port X Logistics. Brian and his team at Port X Logistics have revolutionized the drayage business. While most drayage companies are small local carriers that only work at one or two ports, Port X is a national drayage company that employs state of the art technology to manage the shipment before it even reaches the port. Port X Logistics provides the following services: Drayage – every port in the USA and Canada Transload Truckload Crisis Management Project Management Supply Chain Solutions Port X Logistics lives by the motto “Culture. Service. Tech. Trucks.” Learn More About Is Drayage Just Drayage Brian on LinkedIn Port X Logistics on LinkedIn Port X Logistics website Started from the bottom, now we're here, Started from the bottom, now my whole team 🤐 here” - Port X Logistics Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/29/2023 • 52 minutes, 27 seconds
The Logistics of Logistics Story with Joe Lynch
Joe Lynch and Spencer Tenney discuss The Logistics of Logistics story. Joe is Founder and CEO of The Logistics of Logistics, a media property that provides valuable insights from logistics and supply chain leaders on various topics related to the industry, such as innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight. About Joe Lynch Joe Lynch is the host of The Logistics of Logistics podcast, which is consistently ranked as a top logistics and supply chain podcast. The Logistics of Logistics provides insights from logistics and supply chain leaders on innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight. Before podcasting, Joe consulted to large shippers on the selection and management of logistics providers. Additionally, he helped transportation and logistics companies grow their sales. As COO, Joe ran a 3PL focused on LTL and truckload shipping. Prior to his logistics career, Joe was a lean process expert, project / launch manager and automotive engineer for Jeep in Thailand, China, and the US. Joe earned a BBA from Cleary University and a MA in Education from the University of Michigan. About The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics is a podcast and blog hosted by industry expert Joe Lynch. Joe interviews founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of logistics and supply chain. Topics include transportation, logistics, warehousing, technology, supply chain, and ecommerce. The Logistics of Logistics audience expects an inside perspective of what’s next in logistics and supply chain delivered via podcasts, videos and articles. Key Takeaways: The Logistics of Logistics Story The Logistics of Logistics is a podcast and blog hosted by industry expert Joe Lynch. Joe interviews founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of logistics and supply chain. The Logistics of Logistics connects with the logistics community through various channels including podcasts, videos, articles, and social media The Logistics of Logistics podcast provides a valuable opportunity for guests to showcase their expertise, share insights, and connect with leaders and decision-makers in supply chain, transportation, logistics, warehousing, and technology. An appearance on The Logistics of Logistics podcast can enhance the recognition and credibility of the guest and their company by providing exposure to a wide audience of industry professionals. Learn More About The Logistics of Logistics Story Joe Lynch | LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics | LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics | Homepage Spencer Tenney | LinkedIn Tenney Group | LinkedIn Tenney Group | Homepage Spencer Tenney and the Tenney Group Story What’s Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney Transportation M&A with Spencer Tenney The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/27/2023 • 31 minutes, 12 seconds
Transportation M&A with Spencer Tenney
Spencer Tenney and Joe Lynch discuss transportation M&A. Spencer is President & CEO of Tenney Group, trusted M&A advisors to transportation industry. About Spencer Tenney Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Prior to Tenney Group, Spencer worked as a Director at Merritt Hawkins, a healthcare recruiting firm in Dallas. He also owned a music publishing company. Spencer and his wife, Lauren, reside outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee and have been married for 13 years. He has three amazing kids – 9,6, & 3. He enjoys writing country music, reading presidential biographies, and F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith). He currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty. About Tenney Group Tenney Group are mergers and acquisitions advisors who work with business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry. These business owners are hardworking individuals or teams who have created and lead companies that are the backbone of America. Unfortunately, pitfalls unique to the transportation industry can threaten an owner’s ability to sell their business for what they deserve or even threaten their ability to sell at all. Luckily, Tenney Group has developed an industry specialized process that enables business owners to navigate these pitfalls and maximize their ability to get a deal done. Ultimately, this allows owners to impact their family, employees, and community in profound ways while also giving them peace of mind that they made the best decision. The Tenney Group’s unique expertise helps transportation business owners build and protect business value, grow through acquisitions, and optimize the sale of their businesses. The Tenney Group was established in 1973 and has completed over 200 transportation deals. Key Takeaways: Transportation M&A The Tenney Group are trusted mergers and acquisitions advisors to the transportation advisors for the following reasons: Specialized Expertise: The Tenney Group isn't your average M&A advisor. They focus solely on the transportation and logistics industry, boasting over 45 years of experience navigating its unique complexities. Think trucking, warehousing, logistics providers, and more – they've seen it all. Proven Track Record: With a 98% success rate in closing deals, The Tenney Group has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. They've helped countless transportation businesses achieve their M&A goals, whether it's selling, buying, or restructuring. Relationship-Driven Approach: Forget cold calls and impersonal transactions. The Tenney Group builds strong relationships with both buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth and collaborative M&A process. They understand the emotional side of business transitions and prioritize trust and open communication. Confidentiality is Key: Selling or buying a transportation business is a sensitive matter. The Tenney Group takes confidentiality seriously, employing strict protocols and a network of trusted partners to protect your information throughout the M&A process. Maximizing Value: The Tenney Group doesn't just get you a deal; they get you the best deal possible. They leverage their deep industry knowledge and extensive network to attract qualified buyers and negotiate favorable terms, ensuring you get the maximum value for your transportation business. Streamlined Process: M&A can be complex and time-consuming. The Tenney Group has a proven, step-by-step process designed to streamline the process, minimize disruptions to your business, and keep you informed every step of the way. Giving Back: The Tenney Group believes in making a positive impact beyond the boardroom. They're committed to philanthropy and actively support various charitable causes, especially those related to the transportation industry. Learn More About Transportation M&A Spencer Tenney | LinkedIn Tenney Group | LinkedIn Tenney Group | Homepage Spencer Tenney and the Tenney Group Story What’s Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/22/2023 • 51 minutes, 40 seconds
A SaaS Gal in VC Land with Maia Benson
Maia Benson and Joe Lynch discuss A SaaS Gal in VC Land. Maia is a SaaS gal in VC land and a Managing Director at Forum Ventures where she works with SaaS founders from inception to scale. About Maia Benson Maia Benson is a Managing Director at Forum where she works with SaaS founders from inception to scale. She has spent over 20 years founding, building and scaling award-winning SaaS products for Entrepreneurs and SMBs at places like LexisNexis, Pitney Bowes and most recently at Shopify, where she helped found, launch and scale their Shipping and Fulfillment products from inception to 60%+ merchant adoption and $Bs of transportation spend. About Forum Ventures Forum Ventures is the leading early-stage fund, program and community for B2B SaaS startups. Founded in 2014 as Acceleprise, we’re on a mission to make the B2B SaaS journey easier, more accessible and successful for early-stage founders, through pre-seed and seed-stage funding, high touch programming, corporate perks and introductions, and an active SaaS community. Forum For Founders, our pre-seed program, provides founders with $100k in funding and 15 intense weeks of talks, events, mentorship and 1:1 guidance focused on go to market and fundraising. Forum Seed, our seed fund, backs exceptional SaaS startups at the seed-stage both from within and outside of our pre-seed program. With over 250 portfolio companies, Forum founders have gone on to raise from NEA, Andreessen Horowitz, Uncork Capital, 8VC, Founders Fund, Menlo Ventures, Canaan, Bowery Capital, Susa Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, SV Angel, True Ventures and many more. Our private peer community for Innovation executives -- The Innovation Forum -- brings together like-minded intrapreneurs from all backgrounds to share best practices, insights, and advice, and support one another. In addition to our incredible peer community, members get access to industry trend reports, collaborative events, emerging technology, and startup introductions. Key Takeaways: A SaaS Gal in VC Land Forum Ventures is the top choice for early-stage B2B SaaS companies looking for funding. Forum Ventures is different and better for the following reasons: Founder-focused: Their team consists of former SaaS founders, offering deep understanding of the early-stage journey and expertise in GTM, sales, and fundraising. Pre-seed and seed investments: They empower early-stage B2B SaaS companies with pre-seed and seed funding, ranging from $100k to $2 million. High-touch programs: Beyond funding, they provide high-touch programs like "Forum For Founders" (15 weeks of talks, mentorship, and guidance) and a dedicated fundraising track. Thriving community: They foster an active SaaS community with over 450 founders, mentors, and experts, offering connections, support, and valuable insights. Accessibility champions: Committed to diversity and inclusion, they strive to make the B2B SaaS ecosystem more accessible to underrepresented founders. Proven success: With over 250 successful pre-seed and seed investments, their track record speaks for itself. Fractional co-founder approach: They act as a "fractional co-founder" with world-class expertise, helping startups navigate crucial steps like product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising. Mission-driven: Driven by a genuine passion for aiding founders, they prioritize their success and strive to make the B2B SaaS journey easier and more impactful. Learn More About A SaaS Gal in VC Maia Benson | LinkedIn Forum Ventures | LinkedIn Forum Ventures | Homepage The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/20/2023 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
Smart Glasses in the Warehouse with Paul Travers
Paul Travers and Joe Lynch discuss smart glasses in the warehouse. Paul is the Founder and CEO of Vuzix, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. About Paul Travers Paul Travers is the founder of Vuzix and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1997 and as a member of the Board of Directors since November 1997. Prior to the formation of Vuzix, Mr. Travers founded both e-Tek Labs, Inc. and Forte Technologies Inc. He has been a driving force behind the development of Vuzix products. With more than 30 years of experience in the consumer electronics field and 26 years of experience in the virtual reality and virtual display fields, he is a nationally recognized industry expert. He holds an Associate degree in engineering science from Canton, ATC, and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from Clarkson University. Vuzix Vuzix is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. The Company’s products include head-mounted smart personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high-quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and augmented reality, as well OEM waveguide optical components and display engines. Vuzix holds more than 350 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the fields of optics, head-mounted displays, and augmented reality Video Eyewear field. Moviynt, an SAP Certified ERP SaaS logistics solution provider, is a Vuzix wholly owned subsidiary. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2023 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (NASDAQ: VUZI) with offices in Rochester, NY; Oxford, UK; Munich, Germany; and Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan. Key Takeaways: Smart Glasses in the Warehouse Vuzix is a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. Vuzix was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Rochester, New York. The company’s smart glasses are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and entertainment. Vuzix's smart glasses are known for their durability, comfort, and ease of use. Vuzix's AR technologies are used to overlay digital information on the real world. Vuzix's AR technologies can be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing hands-free instructions, displaying product information, and gaming. Learn More About Smart Glasses in the Warehouse Paul Travers | LinkedIn Vuzix| LinkedIn Vuzix | Twitter Vuzix | Facebook Vuzix website Warehouse and logistics white paper download The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/18/2023 • 40 minutes, 53 seconds
Winning Capacity Management with Lindsay Watt
Lindsay Watt and Joe Lynch discuss winning capacity management. Lindsay is the VP of Product at Parade, a capacity management platform that helps freight brokerages win more business. About Lindsay Watt Lindsay Watt is the VP of Product at Parade, a capacity management platform that helps freight brokerages win more business. Lindsay is a seasoned product leader who was Head of Product at Convoy and built multiple products as a Principal Product Manager while at Amazon, including the Amazon Scout delivery robot. He brings his obsession for building products that delight customers to Parade, where he leads the Product team. In addition to building product teams at multiple startups, Lindsay has founder experience. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BSCEng in Engineering Physics and BA in Business German from Queen’s University. About Parade Parade is a capacity management platform that helps freight brokerages win more business. Parade helps carrier sales teams procure and manage carriers, boost rep productivity, and increase margins. Shipper sales teams get precise pricing, optimized bidding, and advanced shipper connectivity. Key Takeaways: Winning Capacity Management with Lindsay Watt Parade empowers freight brokerages and 3PLs to dominate the transportation game. Their cutting-edge platform tackles the industry's biggest pain points: carrier sourcing, booking automation, and winning more business. Parade provides the following: Smart Carrier Matching: No more endless cold calls. Parade's AI matches the right carrier to the right load instantly, saving time and money. Automated Bookings: Ditch the manual paperwork. Parade seamlessly integrates with brokerages' systems, automating bookings and reducing errors. Winning More Bids: Parade's data-driven insights help brokerages price competitively and win more deals, boosting bottom lines. Brokerages using Parade experience: Increased carrier capacity: Source reliable carriers faster and build stronger relationships. Reduced operational costs: Automate bookings, streamline workflows, and slash paperwork. Faster growth: Win more bids, secure higher margins, and expand your business. Parade: It's not just capacity management, it's a freight brokerage superpower. Learn More About Winning Capacity Management Lindsay Watt | LinkedIn Parade | LinkedIn Parade website The Parade Story with Anthony Sutardja | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/15/2023 • 41 minutes
Reinventing Ecommerce Shipping with Itamar Zur
Itamar Zur and Joe Lynch discuss reinventing ecommerce shipping. Ita is the Co-founder and CEO of Veho, a company dedicated to driving commerce forward with a customer-centric delivery and returns experience that's built for the modern era. [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/29029048/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/ffffff" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/Manifest_2024_with_Pam_Simon_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="29029048" /] About Itamar Zur Itamar Zur founded Veho based on the belief that getting a package should be a pleasure. After a failed delivery of a meal kit subscription led him down a customer service abyss, Zur realized that the experience he had anticipated for days fell apart in the last mile. Prior to founding Veho, Zur held managerial positions at Monday.com and Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he developed the trial platform and supply chain for marketing the Gillette, Always, and Head & Shoulders brands to the Israeli Defense Forces, reaching 70,000 new customers annually. Zur holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an undergrad degree from Tel Aviv University. About Veho Veho’s mission is to power the future of commerce by making shopping, shipping and returns work seamlessly for everyone. Through an innovative end-to-end logistics infrastructure powered by the latest technology and designed for the needs of brands and consumers. Veho is reinventing shipping, and all parts of the post-purchase experience as we know it. Veho removes the pain from delivery and returns and creates new powerful opportunities for brands to engage and build deep loyalty with their customers, and delight them like never before. Key Takeaways: Reinventing Ecommerce Shipping Veho is focused on personalized delivery, speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction, They are leading the way in redefining shipping solutions for the modern era. Below are some reasons ecommerce shippers are switching to Veho: Personalized Delivery: Veho puts you in control. Choose your delivery window, track your package in real-time, and even reschedule if needed. Unmatched Speed and Reliability: Experience next-day and two-day delivery with Veho's best-in-class logistics network. They boast a 99% on-time delivery rate and a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction score, so you can be confident your package will arrive safely and quickly. Customer-Centric Technology: Veho's intuitive platform makes shipping and returns a breeze. Manage your deliveries, get instant quotes, and access real-time support, all from one place. Competitive and Predictable Pricing: Veho offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Get a quote upfront and know exactly what you'll pay before you book. Scalable Operations: Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Veho can handle your shipping needs. Their scalable operations ensure you get the same great service no matter how much you ship. Sustainable Practices: Veho is committed to reducing their environmental impact. They use fuel-efficient vehicles, offset carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy sources. Looking Ahead: Veho is constantly innovating to improve the shipping experience. They are developing new technologies, expanding their reach, and always looking for ways to better serve their customers. Learn More Itamar Zur | LinkedIn Veho | LinkedIn Veho website Veho’s Guide to Peak Season 2023 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/13/2023 • 54 minutes, 53 seconds
Manifest 2024 with Pam Simon
Pam Simon and Joe Lynch discuss Manifest 2024. Pam is the EVP and Conference Chair at Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics which will be held February 5th - 7th, 2024, at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. About Pam Simon Pam Simon is a successful entrepreneur and business connector with more than 15 years of experience in event production, content creation, experiential marketing and angel investing. In 2019 Connectiv acquired her Future of Event series from Lab Ventures. She is the EVP & Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. While a Partner at Lab Ventures Pam produced three major vertical technology summits ~ Future of Travel Tech, Future of Real Estate Tech and Future of Logistics Tech that bring new and emerging business to Miami. With her vast executive network and her ability to span many different worlds, she specializes in linking finance professionals with entrepreneurs to create lucrative new business opportunities. While living in Brazil she founded LATAM Founders Network (LFN), the largest private network of CEO’s, Founders and Investors focused on the technology sector in Latin America. In 2014, Pam launched the LATAM Founders Awards, now known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America’ an event that recognizes the most disruptive and innovative companies in the region. Pam is a George Washington University Graduate and an angel investor. She and her husband, Daniel Simon, have an 4 year old son, Hayden Storm Simon. About Manifest: The Future of Logistics The world of logistics is changing faster than ever. Technology advances plus rapidly changing consumer behavior has already dramatically changed how business gets done. Manifest will provide a focused look at what’s to come across the spectrum of LogisticsTech and which companies and technologies are transforming the way goods circumnavigate the globe. Manifest will help you forge new relationships, new alliances, and foster new strategies that help move your business forward and avoid falling into the traditional mindset. Key Takeaways: Manifest 2024 Manifest, The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics will be held February 5th - 7th, 2024, at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas Showcase of leading innovations in supply chain and logistics technologies. Covers the entire supply chain spectrum, from transportation to data analytics. Features cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and robotics. Fosters collaboration and networking between industry professionals. Addresses global challenges like sustainability and workforce development. Inspires innovation and drives progress in the supply chain industry. A must-attend event for anyone involved in the supply chain and logistics ecosystem. Manifest is the premiere gathering that unites the entire eco-system of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Learn More About Manifest 2024 Pam Simon | LinkedIn Manifest: The future of Supply Chain & Logistics | LinkedIn Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon End to End Supply Chain Disruption with Pam Simon Check out the full agenda details & SAVE $200 on the current registration rate ($600 off the on-site rate!) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/11/2023 • 39 minutes, 52 seconds
Ryder's Freight Market Update with Kevin Clonch
Kevin Clonch and Joe Lynch discuss Ryder's freight market update. Kevin is the group director of customer logistics for Ryder System, Inc., a leading logistics and transportation company. About Kevin Clonch Kevin Clonch is the Group Director of Freight Brokerage at Ryder System, Inc. With a focus on Ryder’s freight brokerage group, Kevin is responsible for supporting a growing portfolio of accounts across the United States. Kevin joined Ryder in October 2015 and led Ryder’s outsourced transportation procurement activity as senior director. Today, his focus is on our freight brokerage operations where he has driven explosive growth over the past 3 years. He is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience and proven success in sales and operations management in the logistics industry, holding various levels of leadership with both non-asset based & asset based 3PL’s. Kevin received his bachelors in marketing from Miami University and also holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati with a concentration in operations management. About Ryder Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. Key Takeaways: Ryder's Freight Update Kevin Clonch and Joe Lynch discuss: State of the Transportation Industry Freight fraud and double-brokering that continues to plague the transportation industry. The importance of technology and operational expertise in the freight market. Why people and relationships are still the foundation of the logistics and transportation world. Why top shippers are moving to industry leaders (like Ryder) to build more resilient supply chains. Ryder is a leading logistics and transportation company that provides comprehensive solutions for supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management. Ryder offers a wide range of services including: warehousing and distribution, ecommerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, leasing, maintenance, rental, and used vehicle sales. Ryder’s extensive network operates throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada, managing nearly 260,000 vehicles and over 300 warehouses spanning 95 million square feet. Ryder is a recognized industry leader renowned for its practices in third-party logistics, technology, vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, safety, security, veteran recruitment, and workforce diversity. Learn More About Ryder's Freight Update Kevin Clonch | LinkedIn Ryder System, Inc. | LinkedIn Ryder website State of the Transportation Industry | Ryder Logistics Automating the Warehouse with Gary Allen | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/8/2023 • 46 minutes
Unlocking Logistics Profits with Matt McKinney
Matt Mckinney and Joe Lynch discuss unlocking logistics profits. Matt is the Co-founder and CEO of Loop, a modern transportation audit & pay company. About Matt McKinney Matt Mckinney is the Co-founder and CEO of Loop, a modern transportation audit & pay company. Loop's AI-driven platform removes payment friction in the supply chain to unlock margin and increase liquidity. Matt drew upon his background at Uber Freight to tackle the massive problem of building a new structure for the legacy transportation payment system that supports the global supply chain. Having studied engineering at USC and Stanford, Matt is no stranger to complex data problems. Matt's most significant achievement to date is his powerhouse engineering team, from his co-founder Shaosu Liu to several Flexport, Uber, and Meta engineers. When he's not wrangling unstructured data, you can find him running, biking, or playing with his two sons. About Loop Loop is on a mission to unlock profits trapped in the supply chain and lower costs for consumers. Bad data and inefficient workflows create friction that limits working capital and raises costs for every supply chain stakeholder.Loop’s modern audit and pay platform uses our domain-driven AI to harness the complexity of supply chain data and documentation. We improve transportation spend visibility so companies can control their costs and power profit. That is why industry leaders like J.P. Morgan Chase, Great Dane, Emerge, and Loadsmart work with Loop.Our investors include J.P. Morgan, Index Ventures, Founders Fund, 8VC, Susa Ventures, Flexport, and 50 industry-leading angel investors. Our team brings subject matter expertise from companies like Uber, Google, Flexport, Meta, Samsara, Intuit, Rakuten, and long-standing industry leaders like C.H. Robinson. Key Takeaways: Unlocking Logistics Profits Loop is a leading provider of audit and payment solutions for successful supply chains. Its innovative platform and services are helping businesses to improve their supply chain performance and achieve their business goals. Loop's mission is to transform supply chains by providing an audit and payment platform that promotes transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. Loop offers a suite of services that help businesses manage their supply chains more effectively, including: Supply chain audits: Loop conducts comprehensive audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with regulations. Performance-based payments: Loop allows businesses to pay their suppliers based on performance, incentivizing them to deliver high-quality goods and services on time. Data analytics and reporting: Loop provides businesses with actionable insights into their supply chain performance, helping them identify trends and make data-driven decisions. Loop's technology platform is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, which enables it to automate tasks, analyze data, and identify risks and opportunities. Loop's services can provide businesses with a number of benefits, including: Reduced costs: By identifying waste and inefficiency in their supply chains, businesses can save money on procurement and improve their bottom line. Improved quality: Loop's performance-based payments incentivize suppliers to deliver high-quality goods and services. Increased transparency: Loop's platform provides businesses with a clear view of their supply chain performance, which helps them make better decisions and manage risks. Enhanced collaboration: Loop promotes collaboration between businesses and their suppliers. Loop has been recognized by a number of industry organizations for its innovative approach to supply chain management. It was named a Gartner Cool Vendor in 2021 and was also featured in the IDC MarketScape for Supply Chain Finance and Trade Finance Platforms. Loop is constantly innovating and expanding its services. It is currently developing new features, such as risk Learn More About Unlocking Logistics Profits Matt Mckinney | LinkedIn Loop | LinkedIn Loop homepage Contact Loop Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio – Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/6/2023 • 42 minutes, 40 seconds
Financial Predator vs Partner with Bharath Krisnamoorthy
Bharath Krisnamoorthy and Joe Lynch discuss financial predator vs partner. Bharath (“B”) is CEO and Co-founder of Denim, an all-in-one financial services platform rapidly disrupting the $250 billion freight intermediary market. About Bharath Krishnamoorthy Bharath Krishnamoorthy is CEO and co-founder of Denim, a freight financial partner that processes over $1 million daily. Recognized for its innovation, Denim was named in the FreightTech100 by FreightWaves. As CEO, Bharath leads Denim’s overall business strategy and fundraising efforts, which have supported the company’s rapid growth and resulted in $165 million in funding. An alumnus of Columbia Law School and James Madison University, Bharath formerly practiced mergers and acquisitions law before launching Denim with longtime business partner and friend Shawn Vo. About Denim Fast, simple, and secure payment transactions for freight brokers, carriers, and shippers. Denim is the go-to freight payment system for freight brokers and fleets, processing over $1 million in payments daily. Logistics companies rely on our proprietary technology to streamline financial operations and access working capital. We automate invoicing, collections, and payments, reducing freight broker tasks by 75%. Our factoring solution is transparent and flexible, free from hidden fees or long-term contracts. Clients decide which loads to factor and their payment schedule, giving them full financial control. With an open API, Denim integrates smoothly with ten leading TMS platforms. Key Takeaways: Financial Predator vs Partner When it comes to factoring and payments in the freight brokerage space, there are a lot of financial predators. Financial predators take advantage of freight brokers by charging hidden fees, unscrupulous UCC lien practices, and forcing brokers to factor all invoices rather than just the ones they want factored. Additionally, many of the financial predators do not provide data analytics or financial reporting like Denim does. Bharath and the Denim team are a true financial partner to the freight brokers they serve. Denim is a factoring provider and freight payment system specializing in freight broker operations. They help brokers easily access the working capital they need to grow in a competitive market through freight software that provides factoring, automated invoicing, collections, and payments. Denim customer get a seamless integration of financing and payment services. Learn More About Financial Predator vs Partner Bharath Krisnamoorthy | LinkedIn Denim | LikedIn Denim website The Denim Story with Shawn Vo FreightTech100 Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio – Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/4/2023 • 31 minutes, 48 seconds
Scaling a FreightTech Business with Mark McEntire
Mark McEntire and Joe Lynch discuss scaling a FreightTech business. Mark is the Chief Executive Officer off Princeton TMX, a SaaS-based transportation management system (TMS). About Mark McEntire Mark McEntire is the Chief Executive Officer at Princeton TMX, a SaaS-based transportation management system (TMS). Founded in 2016, and located in Fort Wayne, IN, Princeton TMX provides an intuitive user experience, configured to meet specific business requirements and streamline, automate, and optimize all modes of transportation. Mark joined Princeton TMX in September 2023. Mark’s 35 years in transportation and logistics includes 17 years of experience with Transplace (now Uber Freight), where he held the position of Sr. Vice President of Operations, as well as experience with Emerge, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. and Penske Logistics. In 2017, Mark was awarded the Supply Chain and Demand Chain Executive “Pro To Know”. In 2001, he completed a two-year Six Sigma certification program with General Electric and is a GE certified Black Belt. In June 2009, he became certified as an APICS CSCP. Mark earned a B.S. in Transportation and Logistics from Arkansas State University. About Princeton TMX In 2016, Princeton TMX was launched to provide shippers with a next generation transportation management system (TMS). Founder, Tim Minnich wanted to build upon a vision of creating a seamless and easy to use TMS. Today, Princeton TMX is executing on that vision and revolutionizing how shippers manage their transportation with a tremendous user experience. An experience that was built by freight practitioners for freight practitioners. With a low barrier of entry and process driven implementation, Princeton TMX can have most shippers implemented and finding value within 60 days. The results are increased efficiency, ease of workflow, and lower cost. Over 10,000 users in North America manage more than $7 billion of freight spend running through the flexible, user-friendly TMS. Key Takeaways: Scaling a FreightTech Business Princeton TMX is the scalable and smart TMS for modern business. Princeton TMX includes the following benefits: TMS for Freight Lanes & Rates Planning: Visualize complex shipping scenarios and optimize lanes, rates, and carriers. Optimized Load Planning: Automate daily load planning, matching loads to carriers and creating cost-effective plans. Scalable & Smart TMS: Learn and adapt over time, improving efficiency and performance. Automated Freight Procurement & Sourcing: Efficiently match loads with carriers for the best available rates. Automated Transportation Execution Processes: Automate tendering, saving time and money. Freight Settlement Automation: Simplify and streamline freight payment process. Actionable Insights: Gain real-time insights with TMS analytics and reporting. Improved Visibility: Track carrier activity and identify potential problems early. Cost Savings: Reduce transportation costs through optimization and automation. Improved Efficiencies: Free up personnel for more strategic tasks. Learn More About Scaling a FreightTech Business Mark McEntire | LinkedIn Princeton TMX | LinkedIn Princeton TMX website The Secret Sauce with Mark McEntire Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio – Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/1/2023 • 46 minutes, 14 seconds
Bridging Supply Chain Silos with Pawan Joshi
Pawan Joshi and Joe Lynch discuss bridging supply chain silos. Pawan is the Executive Vice President, Product Management & Strategy at e2open, a supply chain platform that is helping the world’s largest companies transform the way they make, move, and sell goods and services. About Pawan Joshi Pawan Joshi joined e2open in 2003 and currently serves as Executive Vice President, Product Management & Strategy. In this role, he is responsible for corporate strategy as well as product and technology strategy. Pawan works closely with customers to understand and address their complex and evolving supply chain needs while ensuring alignment across customer-specific solutions, e2open products, and the overall company goals and strategic direction. He is also responsible for the evaluation of new technologies and products along with e2open’s acquisition strategy. Pawan has been with e2open for over a decade and has held multiple leadership roles in Product Management, Professional Services and Sales. Prior to serving at e2open, he spent three years at i2 Technologies in Product Management, where he helped companies in the manufacturing, transportation and retail sectors optimize key business processes for maximum profitability. About E2open The e2open supply chain platform is helping the world’s largest companies transform the way they make, move, and sell goods and services. Today’s supply chains are more complex, more expansive, and more reliant on external partners than ever before. With so many touch points, it is critical to have an integrated, singular platform to help you manage your extended supply chain end-to-end and respond rapidly to challenges in real time. Key Takeaways: Bridging Supply Chain Silos E2open is a cloud-based supply chain software company that helps businesses manage their supply chains more efficiently. The company's software platform provides a variety of features, including supply chain planning, execution, and visibility. Today's supply chains demand a unified platform to manage complex and expansive networks effectively. Real-time visibility and rapid response capabilities are crucial for navigating supply chain challenges. E2open simplifies supply chain management for businesses by streamlining interconnected processes and partnerships. E2open's software is used by businesses of all sizes, including some of the world's largest and most complex organizations. The company has a strong track record of innovation and is constantly developing new features to help its customers succeed. E2open is committed to sustainability and is helping its customers reduce their environmental impact. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has offices around the world. Learn More About Bridging Supply Chain Silos Pawan Joshi | LinkedIn E2open | LinkedIn E2open’s website E2open’s Twitter Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio – Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/29/2023 • 57 minutes, 17 seconds
Driving the Mission with Graig Morin
Graig Morin and Joe Lynch discuss driving the mission. Graig is the Co-Founder and President of Brown Dog Carriers & Logistics. Graig and the Brown Dog team are big supporters of the Wreaths Across America. About Graig Morin Graig was born and raised in Biddeford, Maine. Shortly after high school, Graig began investing in truck driving. This investment transpired in 1998, after a road trip from Maine to Arizona with a few friends. While on the trip, he knew that the trucking industry was his passion and lifelong desire. Since 1998, Graig has been fully involved in the transportation industry. His career has varied from working on loading docks to hauling general freight. He has also hauled heavy equipment across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions. Graig has safely operated tractor trailers of all types, logging over 1.5 million miles. In 2010, Graig met the love of his life, Christine, and her four-legged side kick, Lily. Lily is a chocolate Labrador Retriever who travels with Graig every day in the truck (she has logged 500,000 herself). Graig and Christine married soon after and since then have been blessed with three healthy boys. For the past 19 years, Graig has dreamed of owning and operating a driver friendly transportation and logistics company. He has spent countless hours studying the industry and all of its workings. Graig attends Many industry related conferences and seminars to help continue his knowledge of this ever-changing industry. In January of 2017, Graig and Christine decided it was time to build the family-friendly transport company that Graig had been dreaming about for decades. With the guidance from the co-owners of Aventure Management, Brown Dog Carriers and Logistics was born. Graig also serves as the Vice President of the Maine Professional Drivers Association, Member of the Truckload Carriers Association and American Trucking Association. About Brown Dog BROWN DOG CARRIERS AND LOGISTICS is the realization of a dream by Co-Founder and President - Graig Morin to utilize his years of trucking and logistics experience with his unwavering commitment to service and provide transportation solutions for his customers. Graig takes a pragmatic entrepreneurial approach to helping solve your transportation needs. He has been a truck driver all of his professional life so he also understands the complexities of transport and how important it is to have top drivers handling your freight. BROWN DOG is located in Biddeford Maine and is able to work with clients in all parts of the USA. With more than 100 years of experience in the shipping business, we have made a lot of connections. We used our knowledge of the industry and wealth of experience to begin moving freight using our trusted network of partners. This gave us the opportunity to develop a solid supply chain to move your freight all over America and become a true solutions provider. About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is an American nonprofit organization established in 2007 by wreath producer Morrill Worcester, assisted by veterans and truckers. Its primary activity is distributing Veteran’s wreaths for placement on graves in military cemeteries. In December 2008, the United States Senate agreed to a resolution that designated December 13, 2008, as Wreaths Across America Day. Subsequent National Wreaths Across America Days have been designated on the second or third Saturday of December. What began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths, decorated by volunteers and laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery has now become a national organization with over 3,700 participating locations – all focused on the mission to REMEMBER the fallen; HONOR those who serve; TEACH our children the value of freedom. Key Takeaways: Driving the Mission Wreaths Across America is an American nonprofit organization established in 2007 by wreath producer Morrill Worcester, assisted by veterans and truckers. Its primary activity is distributing Veteran’s wreaths for placement on graves in military cemeteries. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. In December 2008, the United States Senate designated December 13, 2008, as Wreaths Across America Day. National Wreaths Across America Days have been designated on the second or third Saturday of December. Wreaths Across America started in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It has now become a national organization with over 3,700 participating locations. National Wreaths Across America Day is held on December 16, 2023. Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad. Wreaths Across America also supports the Remembrance Tree program and operates a museum in Maine to honor and remember veterans. Learn More About Driving the Mission Graig Morin | LinkedIn Brown Dog Carriers & Logistics | LinkedIn Brown Dog Carriers & Logistics website Wreaths Across America Moving the Mission with Courtney George Help Wreaths Across America transport veterans' wreaths Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor and Teach Wreaths Across America Radio | Trucking Tuesday: The Logistics of Logistics at 5 pm ET. Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/27/2023 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
Turning the Tables with Nate Shutes
Turning the tables – in this episode, Nate Shutes interviews Joe Lynch on his podcast, The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Nate is also the Founder of Ballast, the world’s first private community exclusively for logistics entrepreneurs. About Nate Shutes Nate Shutes is the host of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics podcast and is currently building a private community for logistics entrepreneurs. He is also the VP of Global Fulfillment & Logistics for Blu Dot, a modern furniture designer and retailer based in Minneapolis, MN. With deep expertise in big and bulky products having worked for both 3PLs and shippers, Nate is sought after for his insights into operations, technology and improving the customer experience. Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. About The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics is an independent podcast dedicated to inspiring supply chain entrepreneurs to build their businesses in a way that often goes unnoticed. The podcast aims to change this by sharing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Join the community of supply chain entrepreneurs as they build their businesses from the ground up. About Ballast Ballast, the world's first private community exclusively for logistics entrepreneurs, fosters personal growth and a sense of belonging among its selective members through a variety of deliverables. These deliverables include monthly virtual sessions with 8-10 other Founders, a private Slack channel, special discounts for key supply chain events, and in-person events (Future). Key Takeaways: Turning the Tables The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics is An independent podcast dedicated to inspiring supply chain entrepreneurs to build their businesses in a way that often goes unnoticed. The podcast aims to change this by sharing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. The podcast is hosted by Nate Shutes and features interviews with successful supply chain entrepreneurs. Ballast is the world’s first private community exclusively for logistics entrepreneurs. Ballast and the The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics provides practical advice and tips for bootstrapping a logistics and supply chain business. Learn More About Helping Logistics Founders Helping Logistics Founders with Nate Shutes (thelogisticsoflogistics.com) Ballast Nate Shutes | LinkedIn The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics | LinkedIn The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics website The Power of Independent Media & Personal Branding with Joe Lynch Podcast On Apple Podcast On Spotify Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio – Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/24/2023 • 34 minutes, 42 seconds
FreightTech Reality Check with Brad Forester
Brad Forester and Joe Lynch discuss FreightTech reality check. Brad is the Founder of JBF Consulting, a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator to logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. About Brad Forester Brad Forester is the Founder and Managing Partner of JBF Consulting. Brad is a highly recognized senior supply chain leader with over 23 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport technology. He has a unique mix of carrier, shipper, software, and consulting experiences that benefit clients. With functional expertise in Global TMS Programs, Change Management, Organizational Design, and Systems Integration, he has been leveraging these skills to benefit clients since he founded JBF in 2003. Brad has a BA in Logistics Management from Michigan State University. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF’s background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: FreightTech Reality Check Brad Forester provides a FreightTech reality check. During the conversation, Brad and Joe discuss the FreightTech market, impact of AI/ML, logistics technology implementation & post implementation, and a variety of other topic related to logistics technology. JBF Consulting has been helping shippers select, implement, and optimize logistics systems since 2003. The company has over 70 years of combined experience in logistics and TMS implementation. JBF Consulting has a specialized team with expertise in logistics operations, transportation technology, communication, and problem-solving. The company has delivered over 50 successful TMS implementations. JBF Consulting offers a unique approach to TMS implementation that starts with developing a strategic roadmap. The company's implementation process is designed to minimize risk and maximize ROI. JBF Consulting provides ongoing support to help clients optimize their TMS investments. The company has deep expertise in transportation technology and can provide tailored solutions to meet specific needs. Learn More About FreightTech Reality Check Brad Forester | LinkedIn JBF Consulting | LinkedIn JBF Consulting Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen Shipper Pain Points with Brad Forester Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/22/2023 • 46 minutes, 42 seconds
FreightTech Investment Environment with John Larkin
John Larkin and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightTech investment environment. John is Strategic Advisor of Transportation & Logistics at Clarendon Capital, a private equity sponsor focused on developing investment opportunities and providing strategic advisory services to the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors. About John Larkin, CFA John Larkin, CFA is a Strategic Advisor to Clarendon Capital. John Larkin was named an Operating Partner at Clarendon Capital in May of 2019. In April of 2021, Mr. Larkin became Strategic Advisor at Clarendon, and was named Chair of the firm’s Advisory Board. His mission is to help craft the firm’s growth strategy while assisting with deal sourcing, capital raising, and the creation of value within portfolio companies. Clarendon remains 100% focused on the transportation & logistics industry, broadly defined. Previously, Mr. Larkin joined Legg Mason (later sold to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.) in October 2001 to form and to lead the firm’s entry into the transportation markets. For 17 years, Mr. Larkin headed up Stifel’s transportation and logistics research effort. In January of 2018, Mr. Larkin transitioned from Stifel’s Research Department to Stifel’s Investment Banking team. While in Investment Banking, Mr. Larkin advised numerous publicly traded and privately held transportation and logistics companies as well as many financial sponsors with investments in the transportation and logistics space. Over the years, Mr. Larkin has been recognized as an all-star analyst by Institutional Investor magazine numerous times, a Wall Street Journal All-Star analyst on several occasions, and has been awarded multiple Starmine stock picking and earnings estimate accuracy awards. Previously, Mr. Larkin has served as: Chairman and CEO of RailWorks Corporation, Managing Director with Alex. Brown and Sons' transportation team, AVP - Planning and Analysis at CSX Transportation, Inc., Systems Engineering Consultant with Day & Zimmermann, Inc., and a Research Associate at the Center for Transportation Research (at the University of Texas at Austin). Mr. Larkin earned his MBA from Harvard University in 1984, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1977. Mr. Larkin is a CFA charter holder. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of Crown Diesel, and a member of The Board of Directors for CRST International, eNow Energy, Cub Ventures (CDLife), Novapath Supply Chain Systems & Rygen Technologies, and Phoenix Intermodal. He also serves on the Boards of Advisors for Freightwaves, Haul, LoadSmart, DFMData, Baton, On-ramp Payments, Leaf Logistics, Truckl.io, and LineHaul Station. Additionally, Mr. Larkin is an Advisor to Bakken Energy and Hoptek and is a member of Aurora’s Industry Advisory Council. Mr. Larkin is married and is the proud father of four adult children (Conor, Clifford, Casey, and Sarah Alexandra). He resides, with his wife of 38 years, Nancy, in Dallas, TX, Baltimore, MD, and Saranac Lake, NY, and on Water Island, USVI. About Clarendon Capital Clarendon Group is private equity sponsor focused on developing investment opportunities and providing strategic advisory services to the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors. Their principals possess unique resources, expertise, and partnership networks to add value to companies and execute transactions. The team collectively has over 75 years of industry experience as principal investors, board members, senior operators, management consultants and investment bankers. The principals have engaged on over 60 investments and assignments in the sector, working with their partners and clients to achieve agreed upon objectives. Key Takeaways: FreightTech Investment Environment John Larkin, CFA is a Strategic Advisor at Clarendon Capital and to a number of transportation and logistics companies. John shares his insights on a variety of topics including: The venture capital market that was red hot, but has cooled off How long the freight downturn will last What investors are looking for in FreightTech space Clarendon Capital is focused on partnering with investors, owners and management teams to build quantifiable value in their business over a mutually agreed timeframe. Clarendon’s engagements and investments have spanned from several months to over a decade. Their capabilities in the transportation and logistics industry give them a perspective necessary to substantially add value to the organization. Clarendon invests in opportunities connected to the transportation, logistics, and distribution market space. The firm invests in companies with enterprise values up to $500 million and revenues up to $1.0 billion. Clarendon invests across the capital structure, including majority and minority investments. The firm is flexible on its hold periods, tailoring its approach to the specific circumstances of each investment. Clarendon invests in a variety of transactions, including growth capital investments, recapitalizations, management buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and shareholder buyouts. The firm seeks to make investments where its capital, expertise, and network can create real value-add and improve investment returns. Clarendon has a track record of successful investments in companies with industry-leading positions and solid potential for considerable value creation. Learn More About FreightTech Investment Environment John's LinkedIn Clarendon Capital LinkedIn Clarendon Capital Logistics Industry Outlook with John Larkin Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/20/2023 • 36 minutes, 57 seconds
Building a Resilient Port Strategy with Brian Kempisty & Lauren Beagen
Brian Kempisty, Lauren Beagen and Joe Lynch discuss building a resilient port strategy. Brian is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Lauren is a lawyer and the Founder of Squall Strategies, a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company. About Brian Kempisty Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian grew up as a farm kid outside of Buffalo, NY and learned how to work at a young age. While earning his degree at Canisius College he needed a job and found himself working in the logistics industry. Since those early days, he has run multiple companies and his latest adventure called for him to create Port X Logistics which is a national drayage and transloading company with offices on both coasts. About Lauren Beagen Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, LLC and The Maritime Professor™. Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by notable trade networks, including features on CNBC and FreightWaves. Ms. Beagen has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce and maritime law, with specific emphasis on maritime transportation, Shipping Act issues, supply chain management, international antitrust law, and port and terminal operations. Notable appointments include work in the federal government as Attorney-Advisor (International Affairs) in the Office of the General Counsel at the Federal Maritime Commission and work at a public port authority as Maritime Project Manager for the Port of Boston at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Ms. Beagen received a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Science and International Studies from Hope College, a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is an avid sailor and recreational fisherman and holds a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (50 ton) for Great Lakes and Inland Waters. About Port X Logistics Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. With a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and logistics network Port X Logistics can effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics provides drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking to help clients meet their fulfillment and production plans. The team operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ultimate in visibility. About Squall Strategies Squall Strategies is a maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. Whether you’re a small, local business or a multinational corporation, we can help you reach new levels of success. Squall Strategies is available for advice and consultation on Federal Maritime Commission related matters, advice and consultation on supply chain and ocean freight movement, potential federal regulatory impacts on your business, federal regulatory review and analysis, general Federal Maritime Commission related inquiries, advice and consultation on demurrage, tariff/schedule reviews, and supply chain industry insight. Key Takeaways: Building a Resilient Port Strategy The first step in developing a resilient port strategy is understanding the locations of the domestic supply chain along with the location of customers. The ability to use multiple ports of entry is key for shippers because there are unexpected disruptions at ports because Panama Canal issues, labor problems, and shifting regulations at the ports. Shippers must also consider potential labor union issues with both the West Coast and East Coast longshoremen unions. The California Ports are more challenging to service because of AB5 and CARB AB5 refers to Assembly Bill 5, a California law that went into effect on January 1, 2020. It is also known as the “Gig Worker Law” or the “Independent Contractor Law.” AB5 aims to classify more workers as employees rather than independent contractors, CARB emissions refer to emissions of pollutants regulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To build a resilient port strategy, shippers must consider the impact of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2022, which includes the following provisions: Unreasonable Refusal to Deal – A provision that requires that an ocean common carrier shall not unreasonably refuse to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodation. Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements – A new rule that seeks to provide more clarity, consistency, structure and punctuality to the demurrage and detention billing practices used by vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs), non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and marine terminal operators (MTOs). Unfair or Unjust Discriminatory Methods – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will define what is unfair or unjust discriminatory methods used by carriers regarding concerns and complaints by exporters and small shippers. Lastly, to build a resilient port strategy, shippers should get the select the right partner – companies that have a comprehensive knowledge of the ports – companies like Port X Logistics and Squall Strategies. Port X Logistics provides drayage to and from all ports and ramps in the USA and Canada. Port X Logistics provides safe and just-in-time truckload services, unique problem-solving for supply chain solutions, worry-free crisis management services, and collaborative and dedicated project management from start to finish. Squall Strategies provide a broad range of services and solutions to help organizations facilitate change, achieve their vision, and optimize performance and productivity. Not all problems they encounter are legal, but their legal experience gives them a deeper understanding of the industry. Learn More About Building a Resilient Port Strategy Brian on LinkedIn Port X Logistics on LinkedIn Port X Logistics website Port X Logistics Latest Port Report Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty The State of Containerized Shipping with Brian Kempisty Lauren on LinkedIn Squall Strategies on LinkedIn Squall Strategies The Maritime Professor on LinkedIn The Maritime Professor The Maritime Professo: By Land and By Sea Solving the Port Problem with Lauren Beagen Big Changes at the Port with Lauren Beagen Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/17/2023 • 53 minutes, 4 seconds
Insight to Action with Ryan Soskin
Ryan Soskin and Joe Lynch discuss insight to action. Ryan is the Co-founder and CEO of GoodShip, an all-in-one platform for supply chain analytics, carrier management, and transportation procurement About Ryan Soskin Ryan Soskin is a 13 year logistics veteran and three time startup unicorn alum with a long history in freight tech. He began his career at Coyote Logistics and after 5.5 years and a $1.8B acquisition by UPS, Ryan left Coyote to join Convoy as an early team member. During his time at Convoy, he played a pivotal role standing up the supply side of the business and launching the contract pricing team as the company scaled from 15 employees to over 1000. Prior to founding GoodShip, Ryan led the Freight organization at Stord from Series A through to a Series D and subsequent $1.1B valuation. Currently, Ryan serves as Co-Founder and CEO of GoodShip. About GoodShip GoodShip is the all-in-one platform for supply chain analytics, carrier management, and transportation procurement. By plugging into a shipper’s TMS and surrounding systems, GoodShip unifies, contextualizes, and analyzes an organization’s most critical transportation data then automatically surfaces the top opportunities for optimization. Instantly identify where you’re overpaying compared to market, which lanes have deteriorating performance, and where you have the most spot market exposure — then immediately take corrective action directly from the platform. Share carrier scorecards, send performance alerts, initiate pricing renegotiations, and even run procurement events like full network RFPs and seasonal mini-bids. Streamline your workflow from decision to execution, only with GoodShip. Key Takeaways: Insight to Action GoodShip is a cloud-based transportation procurement platform that helps shippers and carriers streamline their operations and optimize their supply chains. The platform provides a single source of truth for shippers and carriers by aggregating data from multiple sources, including transportation management systems (TMS), freight market data, and carrier performance data. GoodShip uses this data to provide shippers with real-time market rates, carrier scorecards, and other insights that help them make better procurement decisions. GoodShip also helps carriers improve their efficiency and profitability by providing them with load-matching tools, real-time tendering, and other features. GoodShip is a growing company that is helping to revolutionize the way shippers and carriers manage their transportation operations. The Nashville, TN based company is committed to providing its customers with the best possible experience and is constantly innovating to improve its platform. Learn More About Insight to Action Ryan Soskin | LinkedIn GoodShip | LinkedIn GoodShip website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/15/2023 • 46 minutes, 16 seconds
Inside the Shipper Mind with Jim Bierfeldt
Jim Bierfeldt and Joe Lynch discuss what’s inside the shipper mind. Jim is the Founder and President of Logistics Marketing Advisors, a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/28590043/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/The_Free_TMS_with_Tim_Higham_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="28561355" /] About Jim Bierfeldt Jim Bierfeldt is the Founder and President of Logistics Marketing Advisors. Jim has had a 35-year career in marketing and communications, including 25+ within the logistics industry. He ran marketing for a large 3PL before launching his own marketing agency, Logistics Marketing Advisors, which focuses exclusively on providing marketing strategy and services to logistics businesses. His expertise includes strategic planning, brand positioning, advertising, public relations, website strategy and design, and development of white papers, case studies and other content. Jim has worked with both smaller, regional logistics companies and multi-billion dollar global firms, all of whom benefit from his unique combination of marketing expertise and logistics industry knowledge. Jim holds a Masters Degree in Communications from Fordham University and has been an active in CSCMP, WERC and the IWLA. His hobbies include running (including multiple marathons). About Logistics Marketing Advisors Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) is a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. Our niche focus gives us the industry understanding and contacts required to market effectively to logistics decision makers. We’re a HubSpot-certified, inbound marketing agency with the following specialties: branding and positioning strategy, lead generation, web design and development, content marketing, public relations, and creation of branded and educational content like videos, case studies, white papers and other sales support materials. LMA’s approach recognizes that logistics services today are BOUGHT, not sold. Marketing tactics that interrupt and annoy busy logistics executives get ignored. These buyers now have access to a wealth of information and do their own research on how to solve supply chain problems, and what providers can do to help. At LMA, we help logistics businesses get found by prospects during this research phase. Instead of building a marketing engine to solicit, we build an engine that naturally attracts the best prospects. The best way to do that is with helpful, provocative content that leads prospects to conclude, for themselves, that your company has the best solution for their specific challenge. Key Takeaways: Inside the Shipper Mind Jim Bierfeldt is the President of Logistics Marketing Advisors, a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. Logistics Marketing Advisors is a boutique marketing and public relations agency specializing in the logistics and transportation industry. They offer a wide range of services, including strategic planning, branding, content creation, social media marketing, public relations, and event management. Their team of experienced professionals has a deep understanding of the logistics industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it faces. They are committed to helping their clients achieve their marketing and business goals through creative and effective solutions. Some of their notable clients include third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders, trucking companies, and technology companies serving the logistics industry. They have been featured in leading industry publications such as Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management Review, and FreightWaves. They are members of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the American Marketing Association (AMA). They are passionate about helping their clients succeed and are committed to providing them with the highest level of service and support. Learn More About Inside the Shipper Mind Jim's LinkedIn Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) LinkedIn Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) 2022 Survey Results: Buyers of Logistics Services Provide Advice on How to Get Their Attention Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/13/2023 • 52 minutes, 44 seconds
The Free TMS with Tim Higham
Tim Higham and Joe Lynch discuss the free TMS, which is of course AscendTMS. Tim is the CEO of AscendTMS, the world's most popular TMS software, with over 56,197 customers in over 30 countries. About Tim Higham Tim Higham is a leading visionary in the logistics and transportation field, running the highly successful InMotion Global, Inc. (AscendTMS). AscendTMS is the world's most popular TMS software, with over 56,197 customers in over 30 countries. AscendTMS is the #1 (and highest-rated) TMS software on all major software review websites. The industry-leading AscendTMS system (www.TheFreeTMS.com) is the world's first and only TRULY multi-tenant, cloud-based, patented, and independent TMS system - and is the winner of every available industry technology award for 18 years running. Prior to starting AscendTMS, Tim co-founded and ran a national 3PL, where he invited Palm Beach Capital LLC to become minority equity shareholder in July, 2009 in order to speed both internal growth and outside acquisitions. The 3PL grew yearly, including during the “great recession”, with load counts being the most robust ever. It grew through a continued mixture of internal organic growth and further diversification through a continued acquisition strategy with Palm Beach Capital. The 3PL was sold in 2014. Tim spun off AscendTMS and bought it from Palm Beach Capital on January 1st, 2015. In August, 2017, a national, publicly traded bank holding company bought a minority stake in InMotion Global and AscendTMS. Mr. Higham was widely recognized in the 1990s for revolutionizing the paper-intensive insurance industry. By using (then new) Internet capabilities, he made industry-specific processes nearly paperless. After selling his company, IRC, Inc., in 1998, he turned to the transportation and logistics field, merging "old school" thinking with "new school" technology. Tim continues to be a popular industry speaker and author - helping TMS users understand the difference between "bleeding edge" and "leading edge" TMS technology and solutions. About AscendTMS AscendTMS is a transportation management system (TMS) used by freight brokers, 3PLs, trucking companies, and shippers to manage their entire business operations. With over 56,000 happy customers, AscendTMS guarantees users more profit and lower costs, or they don't pay a dime. AscendTMS is totally independent and partially owned by a large, publicly traded (NASDAQ), FDIC regulated, national bank holding company. This means that AscendTMS is financially sound and able to invest in new TMS features at no additional cost to customers. AscendTMS is also profitable and totally debt free. This financial stability allows AscendTMS to focus on its customers' success without having to worry about outside investors. As a 100% independent TMS, AscendTMS is not affiliated with any broker, carrier, or other transportation entity. This ensures that AscendTMS's only goal is its customers' success. AscendTMS is accessible from any device, anywhere in the world, with no installs, hardware, setup, or tech expertise required. AscendTMS has received the best real online reviews and 5-star ratings at Capterra, Software Advice, and Gartner. These reviews from real users attest to AscendTMS's ease of use, powerful features, and excellent customer support. Overall, AscendTMS is a reliable and affordable TMS that can help businesses of all sizes improve their profitability and efficiency. Key Takeaways: The Free TMS Free and open-source: AscendTMS is a free and open-source transportation management system (TMS). This means that it is free to use and modify, and the source code is available for anyone to inspect. Powerful features: AscendTMS offers a wide range of powerful features, including: Order management Freight dispatch Shipment tracking Customer invoicing Reporting and analytics Scalable and extensible: AscendTMS is designed to be scalable and extensible to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. It can be used to manage a small fleet of trucks or a large global transportation network. Easy to use: AscendTMS is easy to use, even for users with no prior experience with TMS software. It has a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive documentation library. Well-supported: AscendTMS is a well-supported project with a large and active community of users and developers. This means that there is always someone available to help you with any problems you may encounter. Self-hosted or cloud-based: AscendTMS can be hosted on your own servers or deployed in the cloud. This gives you the flexibility to choose the deployment option that best meets your needs. Secure: AscendTMS is built on secure foundations and uses industry-standard security best practices. You can be confident that your data is safe and secure when using AscendTMS. Supported on a variety of platforms: AscendTMS can be used on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes it easy to use AscendTMS on the devices that you already have. AscendTMS is constantly being improved and updated with new features and functionality. You can be sure that AscendTMS will continue to meet your needs as your business grows and changes. Learn More About the Free TMS Tim Higham | LinkedIn AscendTMS | LinkedIn AscendTMS website Ascend TMS | YouTube ShipperCRM | LinkedIn ShipperCRM website Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/10/2023 • 59 minutes, 26 seconds
Helping Logistics Founders with Nate Shutes
Nate Shutes and Joe Lynch discuss helping logistics founders, which is exactly what Nate does with his podcast, The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics. About Nate Shutes Nate Shutes is the host of The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics podcast and is currently building a private community for logistics entrepreneurs. He is also the VP of Global Fulfillment & Logistics for Blu Dot, a modern furniture designer and retailer based in Minneapolis, MN. With deep expertise in big and bulky products having worked for both 3PLs and shippers, Nate is sought after for his insights into operations, technology and improving the customer experience. Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he also holds a Bachelor's degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. About The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics is an independent podcast dedicated to inspiring supply chain entrepreneurs to build their businesses in a way that often goes unnoticed. The podcast aims to change this by sharing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Join the community of supply chain entrepreneurs as they build their businesses from the ground up. Key Takeaways: Helping Logistics Founders The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics is An independent podcast dedicated to inspiring supply chain entrepreneurs to build their businesses in a way that often goes unnoticed. The podcast aims to change this by sharing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Join the community of supply chain entrepreneurs as they build their businesses from the ground up. The podcast is hosted by Nate Shutes and features interviews with successful supply chain entrepreneurs. Provides practical advice and tips for bootstrapping a supply chain business. A valuable resource for anyone interested in starting or growing a supply chain business. Learn More About Helping Logistics Founders Nate Shutes | LinkedIn The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics | LinkedIn The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics website The Power of Independent Media & Personal Branding with Joe Lynch Podcast On Apple Podcast On Spotify Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/8/2023 • 46 minutes, 5 seconds
Leading a Logistics Biz Turnaround with Harry Drajpuch
Harry Drajpuch and Joe Lynch discuss leading a logistics biz turnaround. Harry is the Chief Executive Officer of Amware Fulfillment, a Staci Company. Throughout his long, successful career, Harry has led multiple logistics business turnarounds. About Harry Drajpuch Harry Drajpuch is the Chief Executive Officer of Amware Fulfillment, a Staci Company. Harry Drajpuch is a 30+ year logistics industry executive with a breadth of executive management experience. Prior to being appointed CEO at Amware Fulfillment in December 2017, he was COO of the firm, responsible for technology and the performance of 8 nationwide fulfillment centers. Prior to Amware, Drajpuch was President and CEO at Weber Logistics, where he had full P&L responsibility for 15 distribution centers and a large regional truckload fleet. Drajpuch also served as COO at third-party logistics provider, Kane Is Able, and has held senior operations roles at Kuehne & Nagel and Con-Way. About Amware Fulfillment Amware Fulfillment provides order fulfillment services to help growing omni-channel brands scale without limits. Our focus is on direct-to-consumer order fulfillment, processing millions and millions of B2C orders per year from 18 fulfillment centers across the U.S. Brands leverage Amware’s fulfillment expertise and nationwide distribution network to achieve world-class fulfillment, with none of the capital requirements. Amware works with businesses that ship at least 50,000+ orders a year and need to prepare for hyper-growth. As part of the worldwide Staci Group, Amware can offer global fulfillment from 81 fulfillment centers across the U.S., Europe and Asia. Key Takeaways: Leading a Logistics Biz Turnaround Amware Fulfillment, a Staci company is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. It provides a wide range of services to help businesses of all sizes with their fulfillment needs. These services include: Warehousing: Amware Fulfillment has a network of warehouses across the United States, where it can store clients' products. This allows clients to reach their customers quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are located. Order fulfillment: Amware Fulfillment picks, packs, and ships client orders. It also provides a variety of shipping options, so clients can choose the one that best meets their needs. Returns processing: Amware Fulfillment processes client returns quickly and efficiently, so clients can get their products back on the market as soon as possible. Inventory management: Amware Fulfillment helps clients track their inventory levels and make sure they have the right products in stock at the right time. Customer service: Amware Fulfillment provides excellent customer service to both its clients and their customers. It is always available to answer questions and resolve any issues that may arise. Technology: Amware Fulfillment uses state-of-the-art technology to help clients with their fulfillment needs. This includes its proprietary warehouse management system (WMS), which helps clients track their inventory levels and orders. Scalability: Amware Fulfillment can scale its services to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether clients are a small business with just a few orders per day or a large enterprise with thousands of orders per day, Amware Fulfillment can help. Reliability: Amware Fulfillment is a reliable partner for businesses of all sizes. It has a proven track record of success in helping businesses with their fulfillment needs. Affordability: Amware Fulfillment offers affordable services that can help businesses save money on their fulfillment costs. Flexibility: Amware Fulfillment is flexible and can work with businesses to create custom solutions that meet their specific needs. Amware Fulfillment is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It uses a variety of green initiatives in its warehouses, such as energy-efficient lighting and recycled materials. Learn More About Leading a Logistics Biz Turnaround Harry Drajpuch | LinkedIn Amware Fulfillment | LinkedIn Amware Fulfillment website Amware Video Overview eBook: The 7 Deadly Sins of B2C Fulfillment Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/6/2023 • 48 minutes, 34 seconds
LTL in a Post-Yellow World with Curtis Garrett
Curtis Garrett and Joe Lynch discuss LTL in a Post-Yellow world. Curtis is the Senior VP of LTL at FreightPlus, a managed transportation provider. Curtis is also the Founder of Understand LTL, an LTL training firm. Curtis is hosting the industry’s first live LTL Mastermind Event, November 9th and 10th in High Point, North Carolina. About Curtis Garrett Curtis Garrett is the Senior VP of LTL at FreightPlus, a managed transportation provider. Curtis is also the Founder of Understand LTL, an LTL training firm. Curtis is on a career-long mission to advance LTL via technology, process and relationships while simplifying and demolishing the silos that have existed for decades. He is a huge believer of working in public. Curtis documents and shares challenges, progress, and goals in a collaborative and community driven way. Curtis has spent 16 years in the LTL industry - 8 of those with Old Dominion Freight Line, and the last 8 with Reconex, FreightPlus, and Understand LTL - which he recently launched as an LTL focused education firm. Curtis' career has taken him through LTL operations - both driver and dock, Weights and Research, pricing, yield management, strategy, sales, and technology. Curtis is a massive proponent and student of LTL technology and believes that as an industry, LTL is still in the very early stages of information sharing, connectivity, and decision making. Curtis is very much looking forward to seeing what the LTL community has to bring to the table as it evolves. About Understand LTL The Understand LTL education brand is a new initiative that is focused on simplifying the LTL industry and helping people to build the mental models in their mind to think about LTL clearly. Their flagship course, Understand LTL: Building an LTL Brain, was released in November 2022 and is designed to make LTL less frustrating and intimidating. The course is unique in that it uses humor, visual appreciation, deep thinking, and lightbulb moments to help students learn about LTL. It also includes 35+ lessons and quizzes, each with 500 words or more, as well as visuals that are designed to help students understand and remember LTL principles. The overall goal of the LTL Education brand is to make LTL more accessible and understandable to everyone. By simplifying the industry and helping people to build mental models for thinking about LTL, they are making it easier for people to learn and master this complex topic. About FreightPlus Founded in 1988 by trucking industry veteran, Russ Aborn, FreightPlus (formerly Aborn and Co.) began its family business as a negotiation consultancy in response to the deregulation of the transportation industry. The company provided an innovative approach to utilizing data and revolutionary technology for its growing clients to streamline logistics and implement cost-effective, efficient transportation programs. Through a customized approach, and a data-first mindset toward long term partnerships, the current business model matches the complex, always evolving needs of today’s transportation environment. FreightPlus includes operators and technology experts at all touchpoints as well as innovative technology that is fully customized and integrated for each client. Servicing companies such as Cumberland Packing, Chex Finer Foods, Zendex, Norco, Vitalmed Inc. and Sheehan Family Companies, FreightPlus is a one-stop shop and trusted partner for growing-to-mid-market suppliers looking to gain cost control over their transportation programs, eliminating the brokers and delivering the best solution for each client’s business from order to invoice. Key Takeaways: LTL in a Post-Yellow World Yellow Corporation was an American transportation holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Its subsidiaries included national less than truckload (LTL) carrier YRC Freight; regional LTL carriers New Penn, Holland, and Reddaway; and freight brokerage HNRY Logistics. The closure of Yellow Transportation is a significant event for the LTL industry. It is likely to lead to higher rates, less capacity, and more reliance on other carriers for shippers. For carriers, it presents an opportunity to expand their market share and increase their profitability. Here is a summary of the key points of the Understand LTL training: Focus on simplification: The Understand LTL training is focused on making the LTL industry less complex and more accessible to everyone. Mental models: The brand's flagship course, Understand LTL: Building an LTL Brain, is designed to help students build mental models for thinking about LTL clearly. Unique approach: The course uses humor, visual appreciation, deep thinking, and lightbulb moments to help students learn about LTL. Comprehensive content: The course includes 35+ lessons and quizzes, each with 500 words or more, as well as visuals that are designed to help students understand and remember LTL principles. Overall goal: The overall goal of the LTL Education brand is to make LTL more accessible and understandable to everyone. Learn More About LTL in a Post-Yellow World Curtis Garrett | LinkedIn Understand LTL | LinkedIn Understand LTL FreightPlus | LinkedIn FreightPlus UnderstandLTL Mastermind event FreightPlus | A Managed Transportation Provider Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/3/2023 • 58 minutes, 57 seconds
The Freight Brokerage Market with Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill and Joe Lynch discuss the freight brokerage market. Kevin is the owner of Brush Pass Research, a sales and marketing research firm that helps companies sell to freight brokerages across North America. About Kevin Hill Kevin Hill is a respected expert in the freight industry, with over 10 years of experience in sales, marketing, and media production. He is the owner of Brush Pass Research, a sales and marketing research firm that helps companies sell to freight brokerages across North America. He is also the host of Put That Coffee Down, a popular freight sales show on FreightWavesTV. Kevin is passionate about helping freight sales professionals grow their businesses and reach their goals. He is known for his insightful analysis of the freight industry, his practical sales advice, and his engaging and informative speaking style. He is a regular speaker at industry events and has been featured in numerous publications, including FreightWaves, Transport Topics, and Logistics Management. Kevin is also a successful entrepreneur. He previously founded CarrierLists, a carrier sourcing platform that was acquired by Highway in 2022. About Brush Pass Research Brush Pass Research provides sales teams with the company tech intel and contact details they need to prospect faster and smarter. Their database includes over 12,000 decision-makers at the largest 1,000 freight brokerages in North America. With Brush Pass Research, sales teams can identify the right freight brokerages to target, connect with key decision-makers directly, avoid wasting time on unqualified leads, and accelerate their sales cycle. Brush Pass Research is the perfect solution for sales teams of all sizes. Whether they're just starting out or they're looking to expand their reach, Brush Pass Research can help them close more deals and grow their business. Sign up for a free trial today and see the difference Brush Pass Research can make for your sales team. Key Takeaways: The Freight Brokerage Market Brush Pass Research is the best way to prospect freight brokerages. The company provides company tech intel and contact details for the largest 1,000 freight brokerages in North America. Their database includes over 12,000 decision-makers. Brush Pass helps sales teams identify the right freight brokerages to target, connect with key decision-makers directly, avoid wasting time on unqualified leads, and accelerate their sales cycle. Easy to use: Simply sign up for a free trial, search the database by company name, contact name, industry, or other criteria, and export your results to a CSV file or CRM system. Perfect for sales teams of all sizes, whether you're just starting out or you're looking to expand your reach. Learn More About The Freight Brokerage Market Kevin Hill on LinkedIn Brush Pass Research on LinkedIn Brush Pass Research website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/1/2023 • 41 minutes, 55 seconds
Leading Inventory Attack Teams with Richard Lebovitz
Richard Lebovitz and Joe Lynch discuss leading inventory attack teams. Richard is the CEO of LeanDNA, a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. About Richard Lebovitz Richard Lebovitz is the CEO of LeanDNA, a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. Over his 30+ year career in the supply chain, Richard has worked with manufacturers around the world in operations, supply chain, and lean strategy roles to develop systems that can manage complex supply chains on a global scale. Richard previously founded and led Factory Logic, Inc. (acquired by SAP). He is a board member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and a contributor to the Forbes Technology Council, Manufacturing Today, WardsAuto, Supply Chain Brain, Industry Today, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, ASSEMBLY, and more. About LeanDNA LeanDNA is a leading inventory optimization and execution platform that is solving the execution gap in the supply chain. This award-winning platform synchronizes execution across the supply chain, empowering manufacturers to prioritize and collaborate to resolve critical material shortages and excesses. With LeanDNA, manufacturers in industries that include aerospace, industrial, automotive, and medical know they will get the right part in the right place at the right time. Key Takeaways: Leading Inventory Attack Teams An Inventory Attack Team (IAT) consists of key stakeholders across a supply chain organization who collaborate regularly to optimize daily inventory opportunities. The IAT strives to drive an effective, sustainable process to attack the biggest daily inventory optimization opportunities across complex teams with multiple sites. LeanDNA helps manufacturers to improve their supply chain efficiency and agility, while also reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction. LeanDNA is a cloud-based supply chain execution platform that helps discrete manufacturers digitally transform their procurement operations. The company centralizes data from multiple sources to manage inventory, simplify change management, and improve data quality. LeanDNA's platform also provides users with actionable insights into their supply chain performance, enhanced demand-to-delivery visibility, and prioritization of inventory optimization opportunities. LeanDNA is used by manufacturers in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrial, and medical. Some of its customers include Boeing, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, and Tesla. Here are some specific examples of what LeanDNA can do: Help manufacturers to identify and reduce excess inventory Improve on-time delivery performance Reduce stockouts Improve forecast accuracy Reduce supply chain costs Improve collaboration between different supply chain teams Learn More About Leading Inventory Attack Teams Richard Lebovitz on LinkedIn LeanDNA on LinkedIn Lean DNA website Inventory Management Best Practice: Create an Inventory Attack Team - LeanDNA Supply chain awards - LeanDNA LeanDNA Success Stories Richard Lebovitz - Forbes Technology Council Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/30/2023 • 58 minutes, 8 seconds
Mexico Transportation Risk with Mark Vickers
Mark Vickers and Joe Lynch discuss Mexico transportation risk. Mark is the Executive Vice President and Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners, one of the nation's fastest-growing commercial insurance agencies. Reliance Partners' Borderless Coverage is a global insurance program designed to protect businesses of all sizes from the risks associated with international operations. About Mark Vickers Mark Vickers is a leading expert in domestic and cross border transportation risk management and insurance. Mark spent over 7 years in leadership with the second largest freight brokerage in North America, Total Quality Logistics. During his tenure, they went from $500M to $3B in sales. While at TQL, Mark developed a passion to optimize cross border transportation. In 2016, he was recruited to join MacroPoint. Mark expanded MacroPoint’s visibility technology into Mexico and got MacroPoint into shipper markets which enabled its acquisition by Descartes in 2017 for $107 Million. In 2017, Mark recognized a need for logistics service providers to have better access to cost effective All-Risk Shipper’s Interest Cargo Insurance with focus on Mexico. For that reason, Mark founded Borderless Coverage. While Mark was getting Borderless off the ground, he was on the leadership team at Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants where he worked with 3PLs and shippers to optimize their distribution network, technology, and processes including TMS and WMS selection and implementation. Borderless Coverage was acquired by Reliance Partners in February 2021. Mark now serves as the Executive Vice President and Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners. Mark earned a B.S., Business Administration, The Ohio State University About Reliance Partners Founded in 2009, Reliance Partners is the fastest growing (organic) insurance agency in the United States with premiums having grown from $95 million in 2018 to nearly $500 million today. In 2022 Reliance was acknowledged as the 82nd largest P&C agency in the US. One hundred percent of our customers are in trucking and logistics including ~10,000 motor carriers and ~800 freight brokers. Over 99% of the company’s growth has been organic and currently Reliance has 9 offices and over 110 agents. Approximately 31 nationalities are represented, and 25 languages are spoken, an important key to our rapid growth. RP is committed to disrupting traditional quoting and binding practices by using proprietary technology to speed up the process and to better match underwriters with motor carrier risks and needs. Finally, Reliance is a leader in specialty insurance products such as usage-based cargo insurance, shippers interest policies and Mexican cargo. Key Takeaways: Mexico Transportation Risk Reliance Partners is a leading provider of commercial vehicle insurance, serving businesses of all sizes across the United States. They offer a wide range of coverage options, including liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and cargo coverage. They also offer specialized coverage options for certain types of trucking businesses, such as hazardous materials haulers and refrigerated truck operators. Reliance Partners Borderless Coverage is a comprehensive global insurance program that provides businesses of all sizes with the protection they need to operate confidently in today's global economy. Reliance Partners' Borderless Coverage is a global insurance program designed to protect businesses of all sizes from the risks associated with international operations. The program provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of risks, including property damage, business interruption, liability, and employee benefits. Borderless Coverage is available in over 150 countries and territories, and is backed by the financial strength and stability of Reliance Partners, one of the world's leading insurance providers. Borderless Coverage provides leading logistics service providers with All Risk Cargo coverage in Mexico. Learn More About Mexico Transportation Risk Mark on LinkedIn Reliance Partners on LinkedIn Reliance Partners website Article: Mexico’s investment boom is under the threat of violent crime Cleveland company offers niche insurance for shipments to and from Mexico Commentary: Cross-border cargo insurance is a great challenge for North American competitiveness Reliance Partners Adds Borderless Coverage to Portfolio Cross-border trucking interest heats up as Laredo event draws record crowd Mexico increasingly attractive for US shippers, manufacturers Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/25/2023 • 42 minutes, 20 seconds
Ecommerce Logistics Innovation with Stephanie Cannon
Stephanie Cannon and Joe Lynch discuss ecommerce logistics innovation. Stephanie is the Senior Vice President of Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services to help clients simplify the complexities of sending parcels and mail. About Stephanie Cannon As SVP of Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes, Stephanie Cannon leads the Operational Excellence group consisting of the Automation & Systems Innovation, Industrial Engineering, Operational Excellence, and Workforce Optimization groups. Through this, she is responsible for the expansion of technology innovation across the Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce business unit through strategic collaboration with robotics and automation partners. This collaborative innovation promotes growth and accelerates the modernization and expansion of the Pitney Bowes ecommerce logistics network with technology solutions that are redefining warehouses and last mile delivery. About Pitney Bowes Pitney Bowes is a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services to help clients simplify the complexities of sending parcels and mail. It serves more than 90% of the Fortune 500. Key Takeaways: Ecommerce Logistics Innovation Stephanie Cannon is the SVP of Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services to help clients simplify the complexities of sending parcels and mail. Pitney Bowes offers a wide range of ecommerce and retail solutions that help businesses of all sizes grow their business and improve their customer experience. Pitney Bowes' ecommerce and retail solutions are used by some of the world's largest and most successful companies, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Target. Pitney Bowes' Operational Excellence group consisting of the Automation & Systems Innovation, Industrial Engineering, Operational Excellence, and Workforce Optimization groups: The Pitney Bowes Operational Excellence group is responsible for driving continuous improvement and innovation across the company's global operations. The group is focused on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the customer experience. The group's key areas of focus include automation, industrial engineering, operational excellence, and workforce optimization. The Automation & Systems Innovation group is responsible for developing and implementing new automation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The Industrial Engineering group is responsible for designing and optimizing manufacturing and assembly processes. The Operational Excellence group is responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across the company. The Workforce Optimization group is responsible for developing and implementing programs to improve workforce productivity and engagement. The Pitney Bowes Operational Excellence group is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, and is playing a key role in helping the company achieve its goals. Learn More About Ecommerce Logistics Innovation Stephanie on LinkedIn Pitney Bowes website Pitney Bowes on LinkedIn Pitney Bowes on Facebook Pitney Bowes on Twitter Pitney Bowes on Instagram Pitney Bowes website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/23/2023 • 43 minutes, 28 seconds
REPOST: The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking with Blake Grolmus
Blake Grolmus and Joe Lynch discuss the overlooked advantage in trucking. Blake serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned dedicated logistics provider since 1932. About Blake Grolmus Blake Grolmus serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems. Blake joined Ruan in 2017, leading the company’s new customer onboarding and continuous improvement activities before taking a leadership role in Ruan’s Gases and Chemicals bulk hazmat operating group. He assumed his current role leading Ruan’s safety and compliance teams in 2022. Prior to Ruan, Blake worked in various progressive supply chain roles at Target and grew up in a small business family. Blake was raised in Williamsburg, Iowa and earned his undergraduate degrees in Finance, Real Estate, and Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. Blake is a member of the American Trucking Associations’ Safety Policy Committee and serves on the Board of Directors and the LEAD Council for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Blake is also a member of his local city council and volunteers time with outdoor conservation and youth sports organizations. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 90 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 5,000 team members. Key Takeaways: The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking Blake Grolmus serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned dedicated logistics provider since 1932. In the podcast interview, Blake and Joe discuss the overlooked advantage in trucking, which is safety. Ruan was the first transportation company to implement a formal safety program in the 1940s. Ruan’s Megasafe Safety Program is their overarching, comprehensive safety structure. The company ensures team members have the safest equipment, ongoing training, and guidance from Ruan’s proprietary Megasafe7 Rules of Safe Driving. Ruan has deployed Lytx Driver Safety Program across its fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles. The company has an ongoing commitment to quality and process improvement. Ruan provides 24/7 customer care from one full-service transportation company. Ruan has over 5,000 team members, including 4,000 truck drivers. The company has 1.5 million square feet of dedicated warehousing space. Ruan is a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. Their Integrated Supply Chain Solutions combine Ruan’s non-asset and asset-based capabilities with optimal technology. Ruan Transportation Management System includes: Dedicated Contract Transportation – With Ruan’s Dedicated Contract Transportation, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer’s company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer’s brand. Managed Transportation – Ruan’s provides a customized third-party logistics solutions that includes mode selection, carrier management, network optimization, certified brokerage services, and more. Value-Added Warehousing – Ruan offers dedicated, Value-Added Warehousing services that combines the best warehouse management system (WMS) and experienced professionals to create the best experience for their customers. Ruan offers the region’s most versatile warehouse space and customized solutions tailored to their customers’ requirements. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions – Ruan offers an integrated supply chain solution that is customized to the customer’s specific needs. The solution may include a combination of the following services: freight brokerage, dedicated fleets, warehousing services, and contract logistics agreements. Learn More About The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking Blake on LinkedIn Ruan Transportation LinkedIn Ruan Transportation Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle The Driver’s Perspective with Dean Key The Ruan Story with Ben McLean Ruan Megasafe Safety Program Ruan Takes Home Seven Awards at ATA’s National Truck Safety and Industrial Safety Contests Ruan Sees Positive Results from Video Safety Program Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/20/2023 • 56 minutes, 11 seconds
Using AI to Gain a Competitive Advantage with Matt Parry & Kevin Coomes
Kevin Coomes, Matt Parry and Joe Lynch discuss using AI to gain a competitive advantage. Matt is the Senior Vice President of Werner Enterprises, a key component of the company’s portfolio of transportation services solutions. Kevin is the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Greenscreens.ai, a pricing platform specifically tailored for the truckload spot freight market. About Kevin Coomes Kevin Coomes, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Greenscreens.ai, an accomplished freight tech professional with over 15 years of sales, business development, and start-up experience spanning two countries. His expertise extends across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, energy efficiency, logistics, and technology applications. Kevin's journey in transportation and logistics began in China, where he managed ocean and air imports for his own venture, Phoria Energy Solutions. Additionally, he collaborated with AnSen Beyond Investments on various logistics projects involving commodities and agricultural products, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating international markets. Fluent in Mandarin, Kevin spent three years living and working in China, immersing himself in the culture and language. Over the past decade, Kevin has built an extensive network that has fueled success and innovation in the U.S. logistics market. He has made significant contributions through his involvement in consulting projects with Metafora (formerly CarrierDirect) and his instrumental role in developing and executing sales, marketing, and product growth strategies for ExFreight Zeta, Inc. and Revenova, LLC. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a concentration in Chinese, from Kansas State University. This comprehensive academic background further enhances his ability to navigate diverse markets and engage with stakeholders on a global scale. About Matt Parry Matt Parry is the Senior Vice President of Werner Logistics, a key component of the company’s portfolio of transportation services solutions. Parry is responsible for all of Werner Enterprises’ fully developed Intermodal, Brokerage, Freight Management and Final Mile service offerings. He began his career at Werner in 1999 as the Director of Operations for Dedicated Services. During his time at Werner Enterprises, he has held leadership roles in both Operations and Sales within Dedicated, Temperature-Controlled, Intermodal and Werner Logistics. Prior to joining Werner, Parry spent nearly 10 years working in a variety of roles for Schneider National. Parry holds a Business Management degree from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a pricing platform specifically tailored for the truckload spot freight market. Through the utilization of advanced machine learning techniques and big data, Greenscreens.ai offers real-time market price predictions that take into account the buying power of your company. Their platform not only provides highly accurate buy rates but also offers sell price suggestions based on comprehensive data analysis. This proven solution has been designed to assist companies in boosting their win rate, safeguarding, and expanding their profit margins, and improving the productivity of their sales representatives. Greenscreens.ai empowers businesses in the truckload spot freight market with the tools they need to make informed decisions and maximize their success. About Werner Enterprises Werner Enterprises delivers superior truckload transportation and logistics services to customers across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With 2022 revenues of $3.3 billion, an industry-leading modern truck and trailer fleet, more than 14,000 talented associates and our innovative Werner EDGE technology, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on-time service. Werner provides Dedicated and One-Way Truckload services as well as Logistics services that include truckload brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile. As an industry leader, Werner is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Key Takeaways: Using AI to Gain a Competitive Advantage In the podcast interview, Matt Parry (SVP, Werner Logistics), Kevin Coomes (Greenscreens CRO), and Joe Lynch discuss using AI to gain a competitive advantage. Matt Parry discusses Werner Logistics' decision to partner with Greenscreens for dynamic pricing, as well as the implementation and ROI. Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing platform for the truckload spot rate market. It provides buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help users bid more effectively and grow and protect their margins. Greenscreens.ai is driven by real-time market data and provides high-confidence, predictive buy rate guidance and differentiated pricing strategies. It is personalized to each company's unique behavior and seamlessly integrated with existing systems and workflows. Greenscreens.ai has invested 110,000+ man-hours in R&D and serves 125+ customers in North America. Its network has aggregated and anonymized transactional load data over $20B and growing. A booked load influences the pricing model in less than 24 hours. The machine-learning engine considers over 130 features and data points in every rate prediction. Greenscreens.ai has been featured on the FreightTech 100 list and has won numerous awards for its innovative technology. Learn More About Using AI to Gain a Competitive Advantage Kevin on LinkedIn Matt on LinkedIn GS on LinkedIn Werner Enterprises on LinkedIn Greenscreens.ai website Werner Esterprises website Navigating the Freight Downturn with Kevin Coomes | The Logitics of Logistics Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier | The Logistics of Logistics What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier | The Logistics of Logistics The Power of Partnerships with The Matt Silver | The Logistics of Logistics Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/19/2023 • 52 minutes, 55 seconds
Drone Delivery is Here with Tom Walker
Drone delivery is here and it is an increasingly viable mode for home delivery. Tom Walker and Joe Lynch discuss the logistics and economics of drone delivery. Tom is the Founder and CEO of DroneUp, a pioneering autonomous drone delivery company that specializes in last-mile delivery. About Tom Walker Tom Walker is the Founder and CEO of DroneUp. DroneUp provides drone delivery and flight services to organizations and communities. Tom has also brought a singular purpose to the Unmanned Transportation (UTM) market – to bring the economic benefits of drones that are essential for communities and our competitive standing in the world to market safely. Tom is a recognized pioneer in military and government digital reform, having managed the extensive programming and web enablement of computer systems to support both the U.S. and International Special Forces. As a result of his thesis, The Point of Mobile Confluence, Tom was tapped as an advisor to the White House on innovative technologies and their impact on the emerging workforce. The data from the research, combined with his military search and rescue experience, led to the creation of DroneUp. Tom is a UAS industry pioneer with patents on mobile app technology. He has led pandemic drone delivery testing under FAA Part 107 Regulations with the State of Virginia, which established the partnership team focused on free COVID-19 test kit delivery with Walmart. Soon after that, under Tom’s leadership, the first drone airport, the DroneUp Hub, was founded. About DroneUp DroneUp is a pioneering autonomous drone delivery company that specializes in providing innovative and efficient solutions for last-mile delivery. DroneUp’s proprietary autonomous technology is integrated with its ground infrastructure to provide affordable and scalable last-mile delivery. With a commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach, DroneUp is revolutionizing the way goods are transported, making delivery faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Founded in 2016, DroneUp is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DroneUp provides drone delivery service in 34 locations across six states for the #1 retailer in the world, Walmart. Key Takeaways: Drone Delivery is Here with Tom Walker DroneUP is a San Diego based drone delivery company that was founded in 2017. DroneUP has a network of over 10,000 pilots who can deliver packages to customers within minutes. The company offers a variety of delivery services, including last-mile delivery, emergency response, and aerial photography. DroneUP has partnered with companies such as Walmart, FedEx, and CVS to provide drone delivery services. DroneUP is one of the leading drone delivery companies in the United States and is committed to providing safe and reliable drone delivery services. DroneUP is developing new technologies and services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drone delivery. The company is also working to expand its network of pilots and partners to reach more customers. DroneUP is a fast-growing company that is poised to play a major role in the future of drone delivery. DroneUP is a member of the Drone Delivery Alliance, a coalition of companies working to advance the commercialization of drone delivery. Learn More About Drone Delivery is Here Tom Walker on LinkedIn DroneUP on LinkedIn DroneUp website The Path Forward is Up | DroneUp Halloween Stock Up Pilot Pick | DroneUp Taco Tuesday Pilot Picks | DroneUp About DroneUp | The Leading Drone Service Provider Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/18/2023 • 48 minutes, 25 seconds
Modernizing the Warehouse with Andy Johnston
Andy Johnston and Joe Lynch discuss modernizing the warehouse. Andy is the Senior Director of Innovation at GEODIS, a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. About Andy Johnston Andy Johnston joined GEODIS in 2012 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Innovation for the Americas region. In his current role, Andy spearheads innovation initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse cross-functional teams including operations, finance, network, warehouse control and warehouse management to identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. In his 11 years at GEODIS, Andy has orchestrated the successful implementation of over 300 autonomous mobile robots in 15 different facilities across the U.S. During his tenure at the company, Andy has held various senior-level roles in operations, solutions and innovation. Prior to joining GEODIS, he served in management roles at PepsiCo, overseeing large regional teams and merchant accounts. Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in logistics and marketing and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. About GEODIS GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. Key Takeaways: Modernizing the Warehouse In the interview, Andy and Joe discuss labor challenges, wage inflation, competition, and the need to do more with less. Andy and GEODIS team are using innovation and technology to overcome the challenges and better serve their customers. GEODIS is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management. GEODIS offers a wide range of services, including freight forwarding, supply chain management, customs clearance, and warehousing. The company has a strong track record of helping its customers to improve their supply chains and reduce costs. GEODIS is committed to innovation and sustainability. The company is investing in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, to improve its operations. GEODIS is also working to reduce its environmental impact and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. GEODIS is a trusted partner for many of the world's leading companies including Nike, Adidas, and BMW. Learn More About Modernizing the Warehouse Andy on LinkedIn GEODIS on LinkedIn GEODIS on Twitter GEODIS on Facebook GEODIS on YouTube GEODIS on Instagram GEODIS website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
REPOST: Walmart Transportation with Doug Estrada
Doug Estrada and Joe Lynch discuss Walmart transportation. Doug is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart Stores Inc. About Doug Estrada Douglas Estrada is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart Stores Inc. A graduate of Doane University in Crete, NE. Doug Estrada has 30 plus years of experience in Supply Chain with the last 20 years of supporting Walmart Stores, Inc. Doug has held various supply chain roles with the Walmart Private Fleet as well as working Internationally for Walmart in Central America in setting up the Retail Transportation Supply Chain Network for Walmart in several Central American Countries. Doug currently leads the Great Lakes / Upper Midwest Transportation Region for Walmart overseeing 15 Transportation Distribution Centers with over 2000 Walmart Drivers that support Stores and Clubs in that part of the country. Doug has been a board member of the Washington DC Metro Police Foundation since 2016 and sits on the Advisory Board for Truckers Against Trafficking. Doug and his wife Lisa of 31 years reside in Bentonville, AR and have three adult children. About Walmart Sixty years ago, Sam Walton started a single mom-and-pop shop and transformed it into the world’s biggest retailer. Since those founding days, one thing has remained consistent: our commitment to helping our customers save money so they can live better. Today, we’re reinventing the shopping experience and our associates are at the heart of it. When you join our Walmart family of brands (Sam's Club, Bonobos, Moosejaw and many more!), you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of retail, improving millions of lives around the world. This is that place where your passions meet purpose. Join our family and build a career you’re proud of. Key Takeaways: Walmart Transportation Douglas Estrada is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart, the largest retailer in the world. In the podcast interview, Doug and Joe discuss Walmart transportation along with Walmart’s vast network of carriers and brokers. The Average Walmart Supercenter receives the following in 20-40 Walmart truckloads (private fleet) 200 shipment from UPS or other carrier Walmart private fleet consists of: 12K plus tractors 65-80K trailers 13K plus drivers Walmart is hiring for drivers, distribution, and fulfillment: www.drive4walmart.com Walmart is not only the largest retailer, they are also one of the largest shippers and their best practices often become industry best practices. Walmart pioneered the use of the OTIF metric, which stands for on-time and in-full – meaning the shipment arrived on-time and everything that was supposed to deliver was included with the shipment (in-full). Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. Walmart operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and various ecommerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. The company was formerly known as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and changed its name to Walmart Inc. in February 2018. The company was founded in 1945 and is based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Learn More About Walmart Transportation Doug's LinkedIn Walmart LinkedIn Walmart: Drivers & Transportation Truckers Against Trafficking Walmart: Sustainability Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas with Donnie Williams The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch Children's Miracle Network, Walmart Raise Awareness For Children's Hospitals with "Champions Across America" The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/13/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 2 seconds
The 3 Pillars of Freight Operations with Robert Bain
Robert Bain and Joe Lynch discuss the 3 pillars of freight operations. Robert is is the Director of Client Engagement at CDL 1000, a a technology-driven, third-party logistics (3PL) leader based in Chicago, IL. About Robert Bain Robert Bain is the Director of Client Engagement at CDL 1000, a technology-driven, third-party logistics (3PL) leader based in Chicago, IL. Robert is a long time logistics professional, who has nearly 2 decades in the space in both asset and non-asset applications. He has been a leader in the freight tech movement with companies like Uber Freight, Shipwell, and CDL 1000, and his passion is combining great solutions with exceptional people to service clients. Robert, his wife Nichole, and their 4 children reside in the Chicagoland area, and when not solving the logistical world’s problems, you’ll find him in the gym or on the back porch with his dog, Ginger. About CDL 1000 CDL 1000 connects premium shippers with capacity from a marketplace of 26k highly qualified trucking companies. Leveraging AI and ML, CDL 1000 aggregates freight from shippers, empowering smart routing and scheduling that cuts deadhead and emissions, reduces price per shipment, and allows carriers to increase their day-to-day earnings. Headquartered in Chicago and with operations/availability nationwide, CDL 1000 has been trusted to handle drayage, OTR, intermodal, and transloading for 17 of the top 20 US importers and 9 of the top 10 freight forwarders. Key Takeaways: The 3 Pillars of Freight Operations According to Robert the 3 pillars of freight operations are: Extreme ownership Free cash flow Superior customer experience CDL 1000 is a technology-driven, third-party logistics (3PL) leader. CDL 1000 is a Chicago-based supply chain solutions company, provides comprehensive logistics services. CDL 1000 was ranked #3 on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America in 2023. CDL 1000's platform provides ports and railyards infrastructures with better tools to manage the movement of goods. CDL 1000's platform uses AI and real-time transparency to ensure a perfect transportation mode with great prices, load rates, and freight times. CDL 1000's integration of railyards and ports can reduce costs, fuel consumption, and time. Learn More About The 3 Pillars of Freight Operations Robert on LinkedIn CDL 1000 on LinkedIn CDL 1000 website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/11/2023 • 41 minutes, 23 seconds
Modernizing the Ecommerce Supply Chain with Jason Murray
Jason Murray and Joe Lynch discuss modernizing the ecommerce supply chain. Jason is Co-founder and CEO of Shipium, a technology-driven supply chain and logistics company that helps ecommerce companies deliver their orders fast, free, and on-time. About Jason Murray Jason is Co-founder and CEO of Shipium where he guides the company's vision towards becoming the world’s best supply chain technology platform for ecommerce and retail. Prior to founding Shipium, he spent 19 years at Amazon as VP of Retail Systems and VP of Forecasting & Supply Chain. While there he owned the global software and operations group that powered Prime, Subscribe & Save and Pricing. He is a University of Washington grad and an engineer at heart who loves solving complex scaling problems. About Shipium Shipium builds the ecommerce infrastructure that smart companies use to modernize their operations. Customers turn to Shipium to increase revenue and decrease costs, while mitigating major supply chain risks. Shipium is a technology-driven supply chain and logistics company that helps ecommerce companies deliver their orders fast, free, and on-time. The company's platform integrates shipping details with data and algorithms to provide customers with information on expected delivery times, fulfillment speed, on-time performance, and outbound ship times. This information enables businesses to make better trade-offs between speed and cost and deliver on the promises they make to their customers. Key Takeaways: Modernizing the Ecommerce Supply Chain Shipium is a leading technology-driven supply chain and logistics company that helps ecommerce companies to deliver their orders fast, free, and on-time. The company's platform offers a number of benefits to its customers, including reduced shipping costs, improved delivery times, reduced on-time delivery failures, and improved customer satisfaction. Shipium's platform is used by a variety of ecommerce companies, including retailers, brands, 3PLs, and marketplaces. The company's customers include some of the largest and most well-known e-commerce companies in the world, such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Shipium's platform offers a number of benefits to its customers, including: Reduced shipping costs: Shipium's platform helps customers to reduce their shipping costs by optimizing carrier selection and routing. Improved delivery times: Shipium's platform helps customers to improve their delivery times by providing them with real-time information on inventory levels and carrier transit times. Reduced on-time delivery failures: Shipium's platform helps customers to reduce their on-time delivery failures by providing them with alerts and recommendations when shipments are at risk of being delayed. Improved customer satisfaction: Shipium's platform helps customers to improve their customer satisfaction by providing their customers with accurate and up-to-date information on their order status and delivery times. Learn More About Modernizing the Ecommerce Supply Chain Jason on LinkedIn Shipium on LinkedIn Shipium website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/9/2023 • 51 minutes, 19 seconds
Your KPIs are Broken with John Stauffer
John Stauffer and Joe Lynch discuss why your KPIs are broken. John is the Co-founder and COO of ISO, the only neutral platform that provides shippers, brokers and carriers with the ability to measure the total cost of transportation procurement. About John Stauffer John Stauffer, Co-founder and COO of ISO, is a long-time transportation and logistics professional with expertise in operations, product management, business development and customer success. John is a legendary builder; he was a founding member of both the Uber Freight product team and the Echo Logistics carrier sales team, and co-founded Isometric Technologies in February 2020. John was raised in Chicago, but traded polar vortexes for the Bay in San Francisco where he lives with his wife and his corgi, Buzz. About ISO ISO is the only neutral platform that provides shippers, brokers and carriers with the ability to measure the total cost of transportation procurement. Our Transportation Performance Intelligence platform arms customers with trustworthy data so they can measure the hidden costs of service, supercharge carrier procurement, and build stronger network relationships with more accountability. ISO gives logistics service providers access to the industry's first Service Index with performance benchmarks, dynamic scorecards and analytics to pinpoint their strengths and understand how their carrier network performs relative to the market. Key Takeaways: Your KPIs are Broken ISO is the only Logistics Performance Intelligence platform that provides shippers, brokers, and carriers with the ability to accurately measure the total cost of transportation. ISO provides a neutral, single source of truth for logistics performance, eliminating siloed systems and human analysis. ISO helps customers measure the hidden costs of service, supercharge carrier procurement, and build stronger network relationships with more accountability. ISO gives logistics service providers access to the industry's first Service Index with performance benchmarks, dynamic scorecards, and analytics. ISO's Transportation Performance Intelligence platform arms customers with trustworthy data to: Identify service problems Improve data accuracy Understand true costs ISO is founded by a team of logistics and technology professionals with decades of experience from leading companies such as Uber, Google, FourKites, Flexport, C.H.Robinson, Echo Global Logistics, LinkedIn, and Deloitte. Benefits of ISO for shippers: Establish a single source of truth for logistics performance Supercharge procurement Provide dynamic carrier scorecards Fight retailer chargebacks Benefits of ISO for brokers: Measure performance relative to the entire logistics industry Source the highest-performing carriers on every load and lane Benefits of ISO for carriers: Collaborate with shippers to establish the truth behind every load Resolve discrepancies Understand how you're performing across all your shippers Learn More About Your KPIs are Broken John on LinkedIn ISO on LinkedIn ISO website The Standardized Performance KPIs All Freight Brokers Should Measure (and how we get there) | ISO Introducing ISO | YouTube Measure, Monitor, and Maximize Transportation Performance | ISO Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/6/2023 • 45 minutes, 1 second
A New Approach to Small Parcel with Tyler Abderholden
Tyler Abderholden and Joe Lynch discuss a new approach to small parcel. Tyler is the Vice President of Network, North America, at Sendle, the first delivery network in North America specifically designed to serve the needs of small ecommerce businesses. About Tyler Abderholden Tyler Abderholden is the Vice President of Network, North America, at Sendle. He has held roles in global logistics optimization, and management of Sendle's North American network over the past two years, launching Sendle's network in Canada and expanding access to Sendle's alternative US carrier network. Tyler has over 15 years of total experience in the logistics sector, with 13 years at FedEx SmartPost and Ground, and various roles of facility and network engineering and optimization and operations research management. About Sendle Sendle is the first delivery network in North America specifically designed to serve the needs of small ecommerce businesses. Sendle levels the playing field for small businesses by offering simple, reliable, and affordable shipping across North America, with no hidden fees, subscriptions, or warehousing required. Merchants simply purchase a label and their package can be picked up from their front door. Sendle is also 100% carbon-neutral, a Certified B Corporation and Climate Neutral Certified. The company was founded in Australia in 2014 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia; Seattle, Washington; and Toronto, Canada. Key Takeaways: A New Approach to Small Parcel Sendle is a convenient, affordable, and carbon-neutral shipping solution for small ecommerce businesses. Free pickup, easy dropoff. You can choose to have your packages picked up from your front door or drop them off at a nearby location. Sendle offsets the carbon emissions of every package you send, at no extra cost. Get easy access to detailed advice and support from real people. Free quotes in under 30 seconds. Get a quote for any package from your Sendle Dashboard. Not an express service, but most packages arrive in 1-5 days. Pickup is free for all Sendlers. Designed to make shipping a breeze. Some items cannot be shipped with Sendle, such as dangerous goods or items over 20lb or 864 cubic inches. Learn More About A New Approach to Small Parcel Tyler on LinkedIn Sendle on LinkedIn Sendle on Facebook Sendle on Instagram Sendle on Twitter Sendle website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/4/2023 • 55 minutes, 4 seconds
Thriving in an Omnichannel World with Akash Gupta
Akash Gupta and Joe Lynch discuss thriving in an omnichannel world. Akash is the CEO of GreyOrange, a hardware-agnostic fulfillment orchestration platform and proprietary and certified third-party hardware. About Akash Gupta As Chief Executive Officer, Akash Gupta leads GreyOrange’s strategic direction globally and is central to the company’s culture of innovation. His primary focus is driving research and development and attracting the brightest talent globally as the company uniquely blends Artificial Intelligence, software design, robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and data science to transform fulfillment for companies worldwide. While still a student at Birla Institute of Tech and Science, a top-5 college in India, Akash teamed up with fellow student Samay Kohli to begin winning global robotic competitions and the success led them to found GreyOrange. He proceeded to build an R&D engine able to unite multiple software and robotic technologies to transform the fulfillment operations of companies around the world. Akash has led mentoring sessions and workshops at more than 25 educational institutions globally, including Stanford University, Louisiana University, MIT, IITs, and IIIT. Akash was named to MIT Technology Review’s global list of “35 Innovators under 35,” has designed and implemented an active underwater Sonar Stabilization System at the University of Louisiana and served on the Chief Organizing Committee of RoboCup 2011-2012. About GreyOrange Re-defining fulfillment, GreyOrange Inc. provides a state-of-the-art hardware agnostic fulfillment orchestration platform, GreyMatter™, that responds to customer orders in real time as well as proprietary and certified third-party hardware. The company’s solutions offer a competitive advantage by increasing productivity, empowering growth and scale, mitigating labor challenges, and reducing risk and time to market while also creating better experiences for customers and employees. Founded in 2012, GreyOrange is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices and partners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Key Takeaways: Thriving in an Omnichannel World with Akash Gupta GreyOrange is a provider of hardware-agnostic fulfillment orchestration platform and proprietary and certified third-party hardware. The company's solutions offer a competitive advantage by increasing productivity, empowering growth, and scale, mitigating labor challenges, and reducing risk and time to market. GreyOrange was founded on the fundamental reality that modern fulfillment demands cannot be met with technology built for a previous era. GreyOrange's solutions help businesses realize greater speed-to-fulfill, ability-to-fulfill, and margin-to-fulfill. GreyOrange's Warehouse Automation Evaluation (WAE) is the first step to helping businesses make the move to modern fulfillment. The GreyOrange WAE process follows 5 well-defined work steps: understand current operations, evaluate practices and identify opportunities, facilitate brainstorming session, analyze opportunities, and develop recommendations. GreyOrange is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices and partners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Learn More Thriving in an Omnichannel World Akash on LinkedIn GreyOrange on LinkedIn GreyOrange website Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/2/2023 • 39 minutes, 12 seconds
REPOST: MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics with Chris Caplice
Chris Caplice and Joe Lynch discuss MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics and a wide range of logistics and supply chain topics. Chris is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). About Chris Caplice Dr. Chris Caplice is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) where he is responsible for the planning and management of the research, education, and corporate outreach programs for the center. He created and leads the MITx MicroMaster’s Program in Supply Chain Management, the first online credential offered at MIT, for which he was awarded the MITx Prize for Teaching and Learning, the Irwin Sizer Award for the Most Significant Improvement to MIT Education, and the MIT Teaching with Digital Technology Award. He is also the founder of the MIT FreightLab – a research initiative that focuses on improving the way freight transportation is designed, procured, and managed. Outside of MIT, Dr. Caplice is the Chief Scientist for DAT Freight and Analytics. In this role, he pioneered the development of the Freight Market Intelligence Consortium (FMIC). He received a Ph.D. from MIT in 1996 in Transportation and Logistics Systems, a MSCE from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BSCE from the Virginia Military Institute. Twice the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has formally recognized him: the Doctoral Dissertation Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2016. Chris was named the Silver Family Research Fellow in 2016. About MIT Center of Transportation and Logistics The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) is a research and education center dedicated to advancing the field of supply chain management, freight transportation, and logistics. Founded in 1973, the center has since become a world-renowned institution known for its innovative research and practical solutions to complex transportation and logistics problems. CTL offers a range of educational programs, including a master's program in supply chain management, executive education courses, and online courses, all of which focus on preparing students for careers in the transportation and logistics industry. The center also engages in cutting-edge research, working with companies and organizations to develop new technologies, strategies, and practices that improve the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of global supply chains. The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics is a leader in the field, working to address the challenges facing the transportation and logistics industry today and, in the future, and driving innovation into practice. Key Takeaways: MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics Dr. Chris Caplice is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). The MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management helps learners gain expertise in the growing field of Supply Chain Management through an innovative online program consisting of five courses and a final comprehensive exam. The MicroMasters is an advanced, professional, graduate-level foundation in Supply Chain Management. Chris is also the Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics In the podcast interview, Chris and Joe discuss the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) and the Supply Chain Management MicroMasters (mit.edu) Future Freight Flows initiative is primarily concerned with improving the way in which freight infrastructure investments are made and enabling informed discussions of national, multistate, state, and regional freight policy and system investment priorities. MIT FreightLab which develop innovations in freight transportation planning and operations and drive them into practice. Almost 400 new mines needed to meet future EV battery demand, data finds Remora – Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks Learn More About MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics Chris on LinkedIn Chris' personal website MIT FreightLab Freightvine Podcasts for DATiQ Future Freight Flows material MIT CTL DAT MIT MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/29/2023 • 53 minutes, 11 seconds
Six Figure Trucker with John Madewell
John Madewell and Joe Lynch discuss Six Figure Trucker, which is a weekly podcast about driveaway trucking brought to you by Norton Transport. John is an Account Manager at Norton Transport and host of the Six-Figure Trucker Podcast. About John Madewell John Madewell is an Account Manager at Norton Transport and host of the Six-Figure Trucker podcast. Before joining Norton, John was a broadcast journalist with 31 years of experience in the television industry, including four years in Savannah, GA for the NBC affiliate and 27 years in Chattanooga, TN for the ABC affiliate. During his time in broadcasting, he has covered a wide range of stories, including murders, federal court cases, a Super Bowl, a College Football National Championship, and countless college football, basketball, and high school games. Some of his favorite memories from his career include interviewing Snoop Dogg, shaking hands with President Bill Clinton, covering a Senate swearing-in ceremony, and flying with the Thunderbirds in an F-16. John is a native of Ringgold, GA and attended the University of Georgia. He enjoys fly fishing, riding motorcycles, and playing golf. He is also a passionate Georgia Bulldogs fan. About Six Figure Trucker Podcast The Six-Figure Trucker Podcast is a weekly show about driveaway trucking, brought to you by Norton Transport. In each episode, the hosts interview one of the industry's most successful driveaway truck drivers. They share amazing driver stories, talk about what's going on in the news, and most importantly, give listeners the resources and tools they need to accelerate their driveaway career to that of a six-figure trucker. Driveaway trucking is a unique type of trucking where drivers transport new and used vehicles from dealerships to customers. It's a great option for truckers who are looking for more flexibility and independence than traditional trucking jobs offer. Driveaway truckers are also typically paid more than traditional truckers, making it a great way to earn a six-figure income. About Norton Transport Norton Transport is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing reliable driveaway and truckaway services for over 20 years. The company is committed to providing its customers with the most efficient and affordable way to transport their vehicles, and it takes pride in its excellent customer service. Norton Transport's team of experienced and professional drivers is dedicated to delivering vehicles safely and on time. The company offers a wide range of services, including single, boom, and deck loads, and it can transport vehicles of all sizes and types. Norton Transport also provides customized services to meet the specific needs of its customers. The company is a trusted partner for many of the nation's top dealers and manufacturers. Norton Transport has a proven track record of providing safe and reliable delivery services. The company is also fully licensed and insured, so customers can be confident that their vehicles are in good hands. Key Takeaways: Six Figure Trucker The Six-Figure Trucker Podcast is a great resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about driveaway trucking and how to succeed in the industry. It's also a great show for experienced driveaway truckers who are looking for tips and advice on how to take their career to the next level. Here are some specific things that you can learn from the Six-Figure Trucker podcast: How to find the best driveaway trucking companies to work for How to get your commercial driver's license (CDL) How to choose the right vehicle for driveaway trucking How to get the most out of your fuel mileage How to avoid common mistakes that driveaway truckers make How to build a successful driveaway trucking business Norton Transport has a proven track record of success, with over 20 years of experience in the vehicle transport industry. This experience gives Norton Transport has the knowledge and expertise to safely and efficiently transport vehicles of all types, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. Norton employs a team of highly experienced and professional drivers who are dedicated to providing safe and on-time delivery of vehicles. Norton drivers are thoroughly screened and trained, and they are committed to following all safety protocols. The company uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to track vehicles throughout the transport process, and Norton Transport drivers are constantly communicating with the dispatch team to ensure that vehicles are delivered on schedule. Norton offers a variety of discounts to customers, including discounts for multiple vehicles, military personnel, and seniors. The company offers a wide range of services to meet the specific needs of customers. Norton Transport offers door-to-door transport, open and enclosed transport, and expedited transport. Norton Transport also offers a variety of other services, such as storage and insurance. Norton Transport is dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience. Norton Transport's customer service team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. Norton Transport is also committed to resolving any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently. Learn More About Six Figure Trucker Six-Figure Trucker Podcast Norton Transport John Madewell LinkedIn Norton Transport LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Connecting the Smart Fleet Ecosystem with Amit Jain
Amit Jain and Joe Lynch discuss connecting the smart fleet ecosystem. Amit is the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Roadz, a Silicon Valley based fleet-tech company. Amit is also the General Manager of Fleetstore, a Bosch Initiative. About Amit Jain Amit Jain serves as the founder and Chief Operating Officer at Roadz, a Silicon Valley based fleet-tech company. Roadz is transforming the fragmented commercial fleet management segment into an open and integrated ecosystem. Prior to Roadz, Amit was the founder and CEO at Becansoft, an IoT startup which developed a car-sharing app targeting the mobility needs of kids, elderly and the disabled. For seven years, Amit was the chief architect of Verizon's IoT verticals' strategy which included telematics, transportation, and smart city segments. In that capacity, he led the acquisitions of companies such as Fleetmatics, Networkfleet and Telogis resulting in the creation of Verizon Connect. Later in his tenure at Verizon, he joined the executive leadership team at Verizon Connect as the head of strategy, business development, market intelligence and big data. Prior to joining Verizon, Amit was a ‘Product Leader’ at General Electric where his team developed an award-winning fleet management solution and a ‘Research Director’ at AberdeenGroup, a market research firm where he led the M2M/IoT research practice. About Roadz Roadz, a Silicon Valley based fleet-tech company, is transforming the fragmented fleet management industry into an integrated open ecosystem. The Roadz platform brings together, for the first time, siloed data sets from diverse sources to enable solution providers in the commercial fleet market to create new value, accelerate innovation, and reduce friction. The Roadz "Marketplace as a Service" platform is used by industry leaders to offer their fleet customers an ecosystem of pre-integrated, 3rd-party fleet solutions in a one-stop-shop environment. We are a group of fleet-tech veterans who have spearheaded innovation at some of the industry’s leading corporations. We are committed to helping fleets and solution providers across the fleet management ecosystem achieve their goals, while promoting safety and sustainability. Key Takeaways: Connecting the Smart Fleet Ecosystem Roadz is a Silicon Valley-based fleet-tech company that is transforming the fragmented fleet management industry into an integrated open ecosystem. The Roadz platform brings together siloed data sets from diverse sources to enable solution providers in the commercial fleet market to create new value, accelerate innovation, and reduce friction. The Roadz "Marketplace as a Service" platform is used by industry leaders to offer their fleet customers an ecosystem of pre-integrated, 3rd-party fleet solutions in a one-stop-shop environment. Roadz is a team of fleet-tech veterans who have spearheaded innovation at some of the industry’s leading corporations. Roadz is committed to helping fleets and solution providers across the fleet management ecosystem achieve their goals, while promoting safety and sustainability. Here are some of the key benefits of Roadz for fleets: Discover solutions: Fleet managers can find the right solutions for their fleets through a single, curated end-to-end marketplace. Data integration: Solutions on the marketplace are pre-integrated with vehicle, driver, and fleet data. Centralized access: Fleet managers can access and use purchased solutions from within the marketplace. Unified & flexible billing: Fleets can pay for multiple solutions with flexible billing processes and payment methods. Here are some of the key benefits of Roadz for solution providers: Improved customer acquisition: Access to normalized vehicle, driver, and fleet data. Simplified agreements and billing: Roadz handles all agreements and billing with fleet customers. Simplified operations: Roadz takes care of all the technical aspects of managing the marketplace, including data integration and customer support. Learn More About Connecting the Smart Fleet Ecosystem Amit | LinkedIn Roadz | LinkedIn Fleet Store | LinkedIn Roadz website Fleet Store website 5 Reasons Why Best-in-Class Fleets Rely On Smart-Fleet Ecosystems Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/22/2023 • 57 minutes, 30 seconds
Modernizing MRO using AI with Paul Noble
Paul Noble and Joe Lynch discuss modernizing MRO using AI. Paul is the Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Verusen, a supply chain intelligence platform, purpose-built to help manufacturers streamline their MRO supply and materials management. About Paul Noble As Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Verusen, Paul Noble oversees the company’s vision and strategic direction. He has extensive experience in the industrial supply chain and distribution space, as he was recognized as a Supply Chain Pros to Know by Supply and Demand Chain Executive in 2021, 2022, & 2023. Prior to founding Verusen, Noble spent over a decade with The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he specialized in supply chain/manufacturing and led its Eastern U.S. Industrial Distribution business unit. Noble graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. About Verusen Verusen is a leading MRO Materials Intelligence provider focused on helping global manufacturers streamline their MRO supply and materials management strategy. Verusen utilizes advanced data science and artificial intelligence to harmonize disparate material data across multiple enterprise systems to provide complex supply chains with material truth for supply and inventory planning and procurement intelligence. This helps organizations reduce risk and tail spend, optimize working capital, and ensure production uptime to meet customer needs. The result is a foundation that organizations can trust to fuel digital transformation and support supply chain maturity initiatives. Headquartered in Atlanta, Verusen has been named one of Georgia’s Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies. Key Takeaways: Modernizing MRO using AI Verusen is a leading provider of materials intelligence solutions that help companies improve their supply chain resilience and efficiency. Verusen is the leader in materials intelligence for the digitalization of the supply ecosystem. The company utilizes AI, data harmonization, and decision support to help companies achieve supply chain resiliency and improve bottom lines. Verusen provides configurable, scalable, and sustainable supply optimization for MRO, spare parts, and indirect materials. For manufacturers: Optimizes inventory and harmonizes data to reduce costs, improve visibility, and make better sourcing decisions. Minimizes unplanned production downtime by ensuring the right materials are in the right place at the right time. Reduces duplicate materials and centralizes inventory to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For suppliers and industrial distributors: Improves efficiency and accuracy by automating manual processes and addressing data variability. Increases sales and order volumes by reducing RFQ response time and identifying material candidates for VMI solutions. Grows market share by helping suppliers preemptively avoid RFQs and increase their share of wallet with customers. Learn More About Modernizing MRO using AI Paul on LinkedIn Verusen on LinkedIn Verusen website Twitter: @Verusen_AI Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/22/2023 • 56 minutes, 3 seconds
The Broker-Carrier Summit with Dan Lindsey
Dan Lindsey and Joe Lynch discuss the Broker-Carrier Summit which will be held on October 11 thru October 13 in Tampa, Florida. About Dan Lindsey Dan Lindsey is the Co-founder of Linkage Logistics and the Broker-Carrier Summit. Dan has been in the logistics industry since 2001 when he began working the preload shift for UPS. Since then, he has worked as a freight broker, operations manager, and business development leader in multiple segments of the industry. His commitment to “doing business the right way” led him to launch Linkage Logistics in March of 2020. He is also the driving force behind the Broker-Carrier Summit, a semiannual event focused on creating closer cooperation between freight brokers and trucking companies. About The Broker-Carrier Summit The Broker-Carrier Summit is a semi annual event designed to facilitate closer cooperation between freight brokers and trucking companies. It's goal is to create a common space for both parties to build their professional network, received education, and grow together. About Linkage Logistics Linkage Logistics is a full-service freight brokerage and manage transportation company, specializing in high touch, high priority, full truckload shipments. Linkage was founded in March 2020, and has grown by leaps and bounds and was recognized as the fastest-growing private company in central Indiana. Key Takeaways: Broker-Carrier Summit The Broker-Carrier Summit will be held on October 11 thru October 13, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. The Broker-Carrier Summit brings together brokers and carriers to discuss the state of the industry and to network with each other. The Summit will feature a variety of speakers and sessions on topics such as market trends, regulations, and new technologies. The Broker-Carrier Summit is a forum for brokers and carriers to connect and discuss the state of the industry. An opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in the freight and logistics industry. The Broker-Carrier Summit is a valuable event for both brokers and carriers. It provides an opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate on important issues. Learn More About The Broker-Carrier Summit Dan on LinkedIn Broker Carrier Summit on LinkedIn Linkage Logistics on LinkedIn Linkage Logistics website Broker Carrier Summit website Broker Carrier Summit: Tampa Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/20/2023 • 44 minutes, 45 seconds
Modernizing Supply Chains with Brandon Daniels
Brandon Daniels and Joe Lynch discuss modernizing supply chains. Brandon is the CEO of Exiger, a global risk and regulatory intelligence company that helps organizations build resilience and achieve sustainable growth. About Brandon Daniels Brandon Daniels is the CEO at Exiger, where he’s pioneering the development and scaling of the innovative AI applications to solve complex supply chain challenges for Fortune 500 companies and 40+ government agencies. The seasoned tech executive has been tapped by the world’s most influential organizations to resolve high-profile crises, navigate complicated risk environments, and respond to urgent business problems with cutting edge technology – from the mid-2000s financial markets regulatory overhaul to supply chain management for the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force. Prior to Exiger, Brandon served as President of Clutch Group and Vice President of CPA Global. Throughout his career, he’s appeared in virtually every major business outlet, including CNBC, Fox Business, Financial Times, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. About Exiger Exiger is revolutionizing the way corporations, government agencies and banks navigate risk and compliance in their third-parties, supply chains and customers through its software and tech-enabled solutions. Exiger’s mission is to make the world a safer and more transparent place to succeed. Emboldening its 550 customers across the globe, including 150 in the Fortune 500 and over 50 government agencies, with award-winning AI technology, Exiger leads the way in ESG, cyber, financial crime, third-party and supply chain management. Its work has been recognized by 40+ AI, RegTech and Supply Chain partner awards. Key Takeaways: Modernizing Supply Chains Exiger is a team of risk and regulatory experts who help organizations navigate the complex and ever-changing world of compliance. The company is a global risk and regulatory intelligence company that helps organizations build resilience and achieve sustainable growth. It was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in London, Dublin, Singapore, and Tokyo. Exiger helps organizations build resilience and achieve sustainable growth. Exiger's services include due diligence, compliance, intelligence, and investigations. Exiger has over 1,000 employees and provides services to a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Exiger is the parent company of several subsidiaries, including Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Exiger Analytics, and Exiger Diligence. Exiger has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc. magazine. Learn More About Modernizing Supply Chains Exiger Brandon, Exiger Brandon, LinkedIn Profile Exiger, LinkedIn Profile Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/18/2023 • 59 minutes, 47 seconds
How Exceptional Companies Grow with Sarah Ahern & Jonathon McKay
Jonathon McKay, Sarah Ahern, and Joe Lynch discuss how exceptional companies grow. Jonathon and Sarah are partners in PATH, a supply chain market research and business management firm that helps businesses understand their customers, employees, and the market better to drive long-term growth. About Jonathon McKay Jonathon McKay is a highly experienced partner at PATH specializing in exceptional growth strategies for the supply chain industry. With over 15 years of expertise, Jonathon leverages customer insights, market trends, and employee engagement to drive success. Focused on logistics, manufacturing, and distribution channel strategies, Jonathon helps organizations make confident decisions for bold growth. Key areas of emphasis include customer loyalty, employee engagement, differentiation, and profitability. Jonathon is not only a strategist but also a dynamic facilitator, conducting nationwide workshops on employee engagement, customer loyalty, leadership development, and growth metrics. These workshops provide practical insights for organizational success. As a Net Promoter Score Associate and Certified Innovative Leadership Coach, Jonathon is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and guiding leaders on growth journeys. With a Bachelor's in Economics, he analyzes economic trends effectively. About Sarah Ahern Sarah Ahern is a trailblazing female leader and mentor in data and business management, a 4x entrepreneur with a social impact focus, and a builder in the woman-owned business community and beyond. Sarah is an Owner and Partner at PATH, a research and growth strategy with a four-decade history dedicated to supply chain organizations. Her unique approach to research and strategy is based on a decade-long career launching successful B2B and B2C programs and products across North America. She has helped major corporations, nonprofits, startups and more build human-focused experiences by using the power of research to transform the way businesses understand their customers and employees – and improve their bottom line and outperform the market. Her expertise is in new product/market strategies, customer and employee experience, and change management. Sarah is a 40 Under 40 recipient, a certified Innovative Leadership Coach, and an active board member in the Ohio community. About PATH (People are the How) PATH is a 40-year-old supply chain market research and business management firm that helps businesses understand their customers, employees, and the market better to drive long-term growth and customer loyalty. PATH uses data to turn down the noise and bring the voice of customers to life, so businesses can make confident decisions that will help them outperform the market. PATH is committed to helping businesses succeed in the ever-changing supply chain landscape. With their deep expertise and proven track record, PATH is the partner businesses can trust to help them make the right decisions for their future. PATH offers a variety of services, including: Customer benchmarking: PATH helps businesses build the capability to understand their customers' needs, wants, and pain points better than anyone else can. New product and new market validation: PATH validates whether customers want a business's new products or services before they are launched, so businesses can be confident that their investments will drive growth. National voice of the customer programs: PATH collects feedback from thousands of customers across the country for large organizations, using those insights to ensure businesses maintain and grow their market share. Employee engagement, market research, strategic planning, and more. Key Takeaways: How Exceptional Companies Grow PATH is a 40-year-old supply chain market research and business management firm. They help businesses understand their customers, employees, and the market better to drive long-term growth and customer loyalty. PATH uses data to turn down the noise and bring the voice of customers to life, so businesses can make confident decisions that will help them outperform the market. PATH offers a variety of services, including: customer benchmarking, new product and new market validation, voice of the customer programs, employee engagement, market research, and strategic planning How Exceptional Companies Grow: Focus on people first and foremost. Note: PATH stands for “People are the How.” Develop a competitive advantage mindset. Determine what game you’re playing in the market – price/commodity vs customer experience. Use data to know who their best customers are and what they want - exceptional companies don’t guess. Learn More About How Exceptional Companies Grow Jonathon on LinkedIn Sarah on LinkedIn PATH website PATH Blog PATH Case Studies How to lose a customer in 5 easy steps Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/15/2023 • 56 minutes, 1 second
The State of Freight with Anne Reinke
Anne Reinke and Joe Lynch discuss the state of freight. Anne is the President & CEO of Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the trusted voice for third-party logistics companies of all sizes. About Anne Reinke Anne Reinke was named President & CEO of the TIA in October 2020, coming from the USDOT where she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary – Congressional Affairs. Reinke started her service at USDOT in April 2019, initially as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, and transitioned to Congressional Affairs in November 2019. Prior to her time at USDOT, Reinke spent 16 years at CSX Corporation in their Federal Affairs office, ultimately serving as the Vice President – Government Affairs, overseeing the Federal, State Government and Community Affairs Departments. Before joining CSX, she worked at the Association of American Railroads and High-Speed Ground Transportation Association. Reinke is a Washington, DC native, and graduated from the National Cathedral School. She received a B.A. from Rice University in Houston, and a J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law. She and her husband, Brett, have two sons and reside in Alexandria, VA. About TIA The TIA is a leading industry organization dedicated to advancing the interests of transportation intermediaries across the United States. Established in 1978, TIA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within the logistics and transportation sector. As a collective voice for freight brokers, 3PLs, and other intermediaries, TIA plays a pivotal role in shaping industry policies and promoting best practices. TIA provides its members with invaluable resources, including educational programs, advocacy efforts, and networking opportunities, enabling them to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. With a history of advocating for fair and equitable regulations, TIA ensures that its members are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic transportation landscape. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, TIA remains at the forefront of the transportation industry, driving growth and innovation for its members and the broader logistics community. Key Takeaways: The State of Freight Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Is the trusted voice for third-party logistics companies of all sizes. TIA provides leadership and direction for the 3PL industry and professionals to advance professional standards and business practices, to include the overall image and credibility of the profession and its ultimate contribution to society. TIA serves more than 1,700 third-party logistics members and helps them better manage their companies for growth and profitability. No other association provides more ways for third-party logistics professionals to grow, connect and to protect their business. TIA 2023 Technovations Conference, October 18-20, San Diego, CA Focuses on technology innovation, trends, and new product offerings for the 3PL community. Features 21 showcase presentations with innovations that will advance the industry. Offers education sessions crafted by the TIA's Technology Committee. Provides an opportunity to network with peers and leaders in 3PL technology deployment. TIA 2023 3PL Policy Forum, September 25-27, Washington DC Opportunity for seasoned veterans and first-time attendees to shape the future of the industry in the nation's capital. Over 100 TIA Members participated in the 2022 Policy Forum, engaging with over 200 Members of Congress and their staff to support the 3PL industry. TIA receives strong support from its members and holds personal meetings with Members of Congress, setting it apart from other groups in Washington, DC. Learn More About The State of Freight Anne (Anne Chettle) Reinke Tia on LinkedIn Tia on Twitter Tia on Facebook Tia on Instagram Tia on YouTube TIA website TIA 2023 Technovations Conference TIA 2023 3PL Policy Forum The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics with Anne Reinke | The Logistics of Logistics Freight has an Identity Crisis with Jordan Graft | The Logistics of Logistics How to Build a Successful Freight Brokerage with Joe Chandler | The Logistics of Logistics Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/13/2023 • 42 minutes, 39 seconds
The Key to Effective Last Mile Delivery with Jim Waters
Jim Waters and Joe Lynch discuss the key to effective last mile delivery. Jim is the Vice President of Marketing at FRAYT, an on-demand, last mile delivery solution that enables businesses to meet their customers' same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon's level of service. About Jim Waters Jim Waters is Vice President of Marketing at FRAYT, overseeing branding, customer acquisition and retention. With over 30 years in sales and marketing, he has led the success of such cutting-edge start-up companies as Tive, Coveo (TSE: CVO), FAST (MSFT) and StreamServe (OpenText). Jim has a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marketing from Bridgewater State University. About FRAYT FRAYT is a nationwide, on-demand, last mile delivery solution that offers businesses an automated web, mobile app, and advanced API platform to efficiently and cost-effectively move their products. With FRAYT, businesses can meet their customers' same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon's level of service. The platform boasts a network of over 15,000 vetted drivers who own and operate their own vehicles, utilizing their time and excess cargo capacity to earn extra income. FRAYT's multi-stop service enables businesses to maximize efficiency by easily scheduling multiple stops along a driver's route. Additionally, FRAYT provides fleet augmentation, allowing companies to replace their middle and last-mile fleet with a fluid network of delivery assets, ranging from sedans to 26-ft box trucks. By leveraging FRAYT, businesses can enhance the customer experience, expand their offerings, and accomplish more within a day. Key Takeaways: The Key to Effective Last Mile FRAYT enables businesses to meet their customers' same-day expectations, comparable to Amazon's level of service. FRAYT has a network of over 15,000 vetted drivers who own and operate their own vehicles, utilizing their time and excess cargo capacity to earn extra income. FRAYT offers an automated web, mobile app, and advanced API platform for businesses to efficiently and cost-effectively move their products in a nationwide, on-demand last mile delivery solution. FRAYT's multi-stop service allows businesses to maximize efficiency by easily scheduling multiple stops along a driver's route. Additionally, FRAYT provides fleet augmentation, allowing companies to replace their middle and last-mile fleet with a fluid network of delivery assets, ranging from sedans to 26-ft box trucks. FRAYT's Preferred Driver Program is designed to reward and recognize the best drivers in the industry. The program offers exclusive benefits and incentives to drivers who consistently deliver exceptional service and meet performance standards. Preferred drivers receive priority access to high-paying loads and have the opportunity to earn more money through increased rates and bonuses. FRAYT provides ongoing training and support to help preferred drivers improve their skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations. Preferred drivers also enjoy flexible scheduling options and the ability to choose the loads they want to haul, giving them greater control over their work-life balance. The program promotes a positive driver experience by providing access to a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 to address any issues or concerns. FRAYT's Preferred Driver Program creates a community of top-performing drivers who can share their insights and experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the company. Learn More About The Key to Effective Last Mile Jim on LinkedIn FRAYT on LinkedIn FRAYT website Preferred Driver Program - FRAYT The Integration of Small-Move Management for Freight Brokers and 3PLs Overcoming Last Mile Hurdles with Luke Denny Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/11/2023 • 41 minutes, 14 seconds
Powerful Automation Simplified with Luke Buckberrough
Luke Buckberrough and Joe Lynch discuss powerful automation simplified. Luke is the Chief Growth Officer of The Rubic, a warehouse-agnostic, autonomous robotic system, designed to operate seamlessly within existing facilities. About Luke Buckberrough Luke Buckberrough, Chief Growth Officer, is a dynamic force fueled by a passion for startups and scaling visions. With a mindset wired for high-growth, fast-paced environments, Luke has a knack for propelling companies towards their 'tomorrow' ambitions. His genuine love for fostering connections and establishing robust industry partnerships positions him as an invaluable asset, bridging companies with the right people and opportunities. At the heart of it all, Luke's commitment to growth isn't just about numbers; it's about building lasting relationships and real-world impact. About The Rubic The Rubic is at the forefront of warehouse automation, marrying AI and advanced robotics to redefine industry standards. Their flagship product, Freedom Pick, streamlines the box-picking process, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. With AI-driven vision systems, unique arm designs, and state-of-the-art mobility, Freedom Pick ensures faster, safer, and more reliable warehouse operations. Join the next-gen revolution with The Rubic, where innovation meets functionality. Key Takeaways: Powerful Automation Simplified The Rubic is a warehouse automation company that uses AI and robotics to redefine industry standards. The Rubic's flagship product, Freedom Pick, is an autonomous robotic system that can be used to streamline the box-picking process in any type of warehouse. Freedom Pick is designed to be easy to install and use, with no custom racking or complicated infrastructure required. Freedom Pick can help businesses to maximize space, efficiency, and ROI. The Rubic is a leading provider of warehouse automation solutions, and their products are used by businesses of all sizes. The Rubic is committed to innovation, and they are constantly developing new ways to improve their products and services. The Rubic is a reliable partner, and they are dedicated to providing their customers with the best possible experience. Powerful Automation Simplified: The Rubic's products are designed to be easy to use and maintain, even for businesses with limited experience with automation. Freedom Pick is designed to work with the existing warehouse infrastructure of businesses, so they don't need to invest in expensive custom racking or other systems. Freedom Pick is a warehouse-agnostic system, meaning it can be used in any type of warehouse, regardless of the size, shape, or layout. The Rubic is at the forefront of warehouse automation, marrying AI and advanced robotics to redefine industry standards: The Rubic is constantly innovating and developing new ways to improve their products and services. Their flagship product, Freedom Pick, streamlines the box-picking process, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs: Freedom Pick can pick boxes up to 60 pounds and can travel at speeds of up to 10 feet per second. With AI-driven vision systems, unique arm designs, and state-of-the-art mobility, Freedom Pick ensures faster, safer, and more reliable warehouse operations: Freedom Pick uses AI-driven vision systems to identify and pick the correct boxes, and its unique arm design allows it to reach into tight spaces. Learn More About Powerful Automation Simplified Luke on LinkedIn The Rubic on LinkedIn The Rubic Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/8/2023 • 54 minutes, 36 seconds
FreightFest 2023 with Rahmel Wattley
Rahmel Wattley and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightFest 2023. Rahmel is a transportation entrepreneur and host of the popular trucking podcast, Truck N’ Hustle. FreightFest 2023 is presented by Truck N' Hustle. About Rahmel Wattley Rahmel Wattley is a transportation entrepreneur and host of the popular trucking podcast, Truck N’ Hustle. Rahmel got his start in the trucking business in the early 2000’s. After getting his CDL, Rahmel quickly learned that driving was not for him, so he transitioned to a dispatcher role at a small mom and pop trucking company. From there he held a series of leadership roles with increasing responsibilities at several carriers. In 2015, after seeing an opportunity in driver turnover, he started a CDL driver staffing company with a partner. In 2019, Rahmel successfully exited the business and began the Truck N ‘Hustle podcast, which seeks to provide valuable information and resources to the business owners and entrepreneurs of the trucking community. Rahmel is also the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Mega Driver Solutions, a CDL driver staffing company based in the Philadelphia metro area. Rahmel and his team are excited to bring the “Truck N’ Hustle” experience to the world stage with the commencement of FreightFest 2022 in Houston, TX. About Truck N’ Hustle Truck N’ Hustle is the #1 trucking and logistics community in the world. Truck N' Hustle is a community and platform specializing in educating and inspiring trucking and logistics entrepreneurs and their teams. Truck N’ Hustle provides the news, stories, resources, and tools for transportation and logistics professionals to be successful in the trucking business. About FreightFest 2023 FreightFest 23, presented by Truck N' Hustle, is an eagerly anticipated event in the Trucking, Transportation & Logistics industry. Taking place at The Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, TX from September 28 to October 01, 2023, this conference is expected to attract over 1,000 providers from across the country. The event aims to explore profitable industry niches and provide valuable insights from subject matter experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and establish meaningful connections while also benefiting from business opportunities. FreightFest 23 offers a chance to scale businesses and take them to the next level. A wide range of topics will be discussed at the conference, including Last Mile Delivery, Dump Trucking, Heavy Hauling, Oil & Gas, Waste Management, Cannabis Transportation, Auto Transport, Air Freight, Freight Brokerage, Government Contracting, Freight Forwarding, Intermodal & Drayage, Truck Repair Services, Freight Factoring, Dry Freight, Refrigerated Freight, SBA & Business Financing, and USPS Postage Freight. FreightFest 23 promises to be an exciting and informative event for professionals in the industry. Key Takeaways: FreightFest 2023 FreightFest 23 is presented by Truck N' Hustle and is a highly anticipated event in the Trucking, Transportation & Logistics industry. The conference will take place at The Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, TX from September 28 to October 01, 2023. Over 1,200 providers from across the country are expected to attend the event. The main goal of FreightFest 23 is to explore profitable industry niches and provide valuable insights from subject matter experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and establish meaningful connections with other professionals in the industry. The conference will also offer business opportunities to attendees, allowing them to scale their businesses and take them to the next level. A wide range of topics will be discussed at FreightFest 23, including Last Mile Delivery, Dump Trucking, Heavy Hauling, Oil & Gas, Waste Management, Cannabis Transportation, Auto Transport, Air Freight, Freight Brokerage, Government Contracting, Freight Forwarding, Intermodal & Drayage, Truck Repair Services, Freight Factoring, Dry Freight, Refrigerated Freight, SBA & Business Financing, and USPS Postage Freight. FreightFest 23 promises to be an exciting and informative event for professionals in the industry. This is the 2nd annual FreightFest conference organized by the Truck N' Hustle community. The event aims to provide attendees with valuable industry insights and facilitate meaningful connections. Learn More About FreightFest 2023 Rahmel on LinkedIn Truck N' Hustle on LinkedIn Truck N' Hustle Podcast on Apple Truck N' Hustle Podcast on Spotify Truck N' Hustle Website Freight Fest tickets and Event Entrepreneurship Conferences 2023 The Truck N’ Hustle Story with Rahmel Wattley Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/6/2023 • 51 minutes, 50 seconds
REPOST: Automating the Warehouse with Gary Allen
Gary Allen and Joe Lynch discuss automating the warehouse. Gary is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc., a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions, that has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the World's Most Admired Companies® for 2023. About Gary Allen Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc. Mr. Allen for leading sales support and operational excellence functions across Ryder including new offer development, solutions design, program management, quality management and re-engineering disciplines. He has more than 25 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics outsourcing and professional services. Mr. Allen's areas of expertise range from process improvement, logistics outsourcing, new product development, business transformation, systems selection/implementation, operational due diligence, business performance improvement and overall supply chain strategy. Prior to Ryder, Mr. Allen was the leader of Ernst & Young's logistics advisory practice. Prior to Ernst & Young, he spent seven years with DHL Supply Chain as Vice President of product Development & Innovation as well as Vice President, Solutions, for the company’s Automotive, Chemical, and Industrial business unit. He was responsible for product development, solution design, operations excellence, and process improvement disciplines. About Ryder System, Inc. Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including full service leasing, rental, and maintenance, used vehicle sales, professional drivers, transportation services, freight brokerage, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and last mile delivery services, to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 239,000 commercial vehicles and operates more than 330 warehouses, encompassing more than 80 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. www.ryder.com Key Takeaways: Automating the Warehouse Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc. In the podcast interview, Gary and Joe discuss automating the warehouse – a subject that Gary and his team at Ryder know better than virtually anyone else in the industry. Ryder is the only supply chain logistics provider to offer an end-to-end portfolio of solutions that includes warehousing & distribution, transportation logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, last mile delivery, reverse logistics, and innovative technology. Ryder operates 400 warehouses in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with 160 of those locations managing e-commerce shipments. Ryder has made significant investments in acquisitions, information technology, and automation to maintain their leadership position in the warehousing space. Warehousing is an increasingly important part of the supply chain because of the growth of e-commerce and rising customer expectations, but warehouse work is tough and there is a labor shortage. Ryder investments in warehouse automation has reduced their costs, improved their output & quality, and created better jobs for the people who work within their warehouses. Ryder provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including full service leasing, rental, and maintenance, used vehicle sales, professional drivers, transportation services, freight brokerage, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and last mile delivery services, to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Learn More About Automating the Warehouse Gary on LinkedIn Ryder System, Inc on LinkedIn Ryder System, Inc. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/4/2023 • 41 minutes, 39 seconds
Building a Foundation for Sales with Chris Peer
Chris Peer and Joe Lynch discuss building a foundation for sales. Chris is the Founder of SyncShow, G8P, and the author of the book, “The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing.” About Chris Peer Chris Peer is a highly experienced professional in the field of B2B digital marketing strategy, lead generation, and marketing consultancy for manufacturing firms. With over 20 years of expertise, Chris has made significant contributions to the industry. As the founder and CEO of G8P and SyncShow, Chris has established himself as a successful entrepreneur and author. His companies have developed the Great 8 Pillars, a transformative approach to marketing that turns the department from a corporate expense into a profit center. Chris has worked with numerous companies, helping them scale through the implementation of world-class marketing best practices. His perspective on marketing operations goes beyond tactical methodologies, focusing on people, strategies, systems, and software to drive success. Chris continues to dedicate his efforts to assisting B2B manufacturing companies through his companies, consulting services, and speaking engagements. His credentials include being the founder and CEO of SyncShow, a B2B marketing agency, founder and CEO of G8P, a marketing consulting firm, author of the Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing, two-time INC 5000 winner, and a certified StoryBrand Implementer. About SyncShow SyncShow is a leading B2B marketing agency founded and led by Chris Peer. With a strong focus on helping B2B manufacturing and logistics companies scale, SyncShow offers a wide range of services to drive digital marketing success. The agency specializes in developing effective marketing strategies, lead generation, and marketing consultancy for manufacturing firms. SyncShow's team of experts utilizes the Great 8 Pillars, a transformative approach to turn the marketing department into a profit center. With a deep understanding of the pain points and challenges faced by businesses, SyncShow provides world-class marketing best practices to help companies achieve their goals. As a two-time INC 5000 winner, SyncShow has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. With Chris Peer's leadership and expertise, SyncShow continues to be a trusted partner for B2B manufacturing companies seeking to scale and succeed in the digital marketing landscape. About “The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing" "The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing" is a book written by Chris Peer, the founder and CEO of SyncShow and G8P. The book focuses on transforming the marketing department from a corporate expense into a profit center. It introduces the concept of the Great 8 Pillars, which are strategies and methodologies that help companies achieve world-class marketing practices. The book emphasizes the importance of people, strategies, systems, and software in moving the needle and driving measurable results. It provides practical insights and actionable steps for B2B manufacturing companies to scale and achieve a strong return on investment (ROI) through effective marketing. Overall, "The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing" offers valuable guidance and expertise for businesses looking to optimize their marketing efforts and drive growth. Key Takeaways: Building a Foundation for Sales SyncShow is a leading B2B marketing agency founded and led by Chris Peer. The company specializes in helping B2B manufacturing firms scale through world-class marketing best practices. SyncShow's founder, Chris Peer, brings over 20 years of experience in B2B digital marketing strategy, lead generation, and marketing consultancy for manufacturing firms. Chris Peer is also the founder and CEO of G8P, a marketing consulting firm. SyncShow has developed the Great 8 Pillars, a transformative approach to marketing that turns the department from a corporate expense into a profit center. The company's focus is on people, strategies, systems, and software to drive results and move the needle for B2B manufacturing companies. SyncShow has helped hundreds of companies scale through their expertise in marketing operations. Chris Peer is the author of the book "The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing." SyncShow has been recognized for its success, being a two-time INC 5000 winner. Chris Peer is also a certified StoryBrand Implementer, further showcasing his expertise in effective marketing strategies. Learn More About Building a Foundation for Sales Chris on LinkedIn SyncShow on LinkedIn SyncShow website The Great 8 Pillars of ROI-Driven Marketing Book on Amazon Strategy First Video Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/1/2023 • 56 minutes, 51 seconds
A Carrier Centric TMS with Nick Darman
Nick Darman and Joe Lynch discuss a carrier-centric TMS, which is exactly what Nick and the Alvys team have built. Nick is the CEO and Founder of Alvys, a transformative TMS for carrier, broker and hybrid operations. About Nick Darman Nick Darman iis the CEO and Founder of Alvys, a transformative TMS for carrier, broker and hybrid operations. During college, Nick began dispatching for his dad's family-owned trucking business. After earning his degree in Economics, he took a position at JP Morgan. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him back to trucking. By 2014, he established an asset-based brokerage. Seeing a gap in quality operating systems, he assembled a team and crafted his own TMS in 2017. The system boosted his business to an impressive 100 million in revenue in just a few years. Given the success (and friends' interest in the TMS), Nick shifted to tech. Partnering with CTO Leo Gorodinski, the former VP of Engineering at Jet.com, Nick introduced Alvys in 2020. Created to support underrepresented carriers, Alvys is enhanced with a native EDI solution, granting carriers and brokers swift integrations and fluid workflows. About Alvys Alvys is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) that offers high-tech automation. On average, users see a 22% increase in loads in their first few months using the platform. It aims to revolutionize the logistics industry by providing a comprehensive solution for carriers, brokers, and hybrid operations. Alvys has a built-in EDI solutions that integrates all internal and external systems, streamlining operations and analytics. By automating manual tasks, it improves efficiency and simplifies workflows. It covers various tasks such as load and customer management, accounting, and compliance. Alvys also offers free setup and doesn't require long-term contracts, allowing users to cancel anytime. Key Takeaways: A Carrier-Centric TMS Alvys is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) that offers high-tech automation that can revolutionize the operations of carriers, brokers, and hybrid logistics companies. Alvys unifies all systems, both internal and external, providing a comprehensive end-to-end solution for logistics companies. It replaces inefficient manual tasks with automation, saving time and improving efficiency. Alvys covers all aspects of logistics operations, including load and customer management, accounting, and compliance. The workflow in Alvys is fine-tuned to be super simple and efficient, making it easy to use for all users. It provides detailed analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing users to gain insights into their operations. Alvys offers free setup, making it easy for companies to get started without any upfront costs. It does not require long-term contracts, giving users the flexibility to cancel at any time. Alvys aims to streamline logistics operations and improve overall productivity for its users. Learn More About a Carrier-Centric TMS Nick on LinkedIn Alvys on LinkedIn Alvys on Facebook Alvys on Instagram Alvys on Twitter Alvys on TikTok Alvys on Youtube Alvys website Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/30/2023 • 49 minutes, 49 seconds
Navigating Market Uncertainty with Sarah Bertram
Sarah Bertram and Joe Lynch discuss navigating market uncertainty. Sarah is a Shipper Sales Manager at DAT, an online marketplace that connects shippers and carriers in the transportation industry. About Sarah Bertram Sarah Bertram is a Shipper Sales Manager at DAT. She brings almost 20 years of supply chain and benchmarking experience to DAT, where she is focused on providing actionable insights to shippers through DAT’s Benchmark Analytics and Rateview benchmarking tools. Her supply chain and traditional G&A consulting background bring a unique perspective to clients who must work across their organizations to drive supply chain initiatives with Procurement, IT, Operations, and the C-suite. At DAT, she has been instrumental in growing the shipper practice. Throughout her career, Sarah has been recognized for developing and executing sales strategies that help clients choose the best products for their needs. About DAT DAT Freight & Analytics, a subsidiary of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP), boasts the largest North American truckload freight marketplace, with data representing over 400 million freight matches and $150B+ in annual transaction data. Established in 1978, DAT established itself as the go-to source for industry trends and market intelligence for transportation brokers, carriers, shippers, news outlets, and industry analysts. Over 1,300 shippers place their trust in DAT iQ's rate and capacity analytics solutions, which empower confident decision-making and transportation planning and management. The DAT iQ platform offers streamlined data, high-level and granular reporting, and versatile analysis capabilities that enable shippers to optimize their networks, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve operational agility to adapt to dynamic market conditions. Backed by a team of experts and the broadest, deepest, and most accurate freight data in the industry, DAT iQ delivers comprehensive, reliable insights to help shippers thrive in a fast-paced and intricate economy. Key Takeaways: Navigating Market Uncertainty DAT.com is an online marketplace that connects shippers and carriers in the transportation industry. It was founded in 1978 and has since become one of the leading platforms for freight matching and load board services. The platform offers a wide range of features and tools to help shippers find available carriers and carriers find available loads. DAT.com provides real-time information on trucking rates, capacity, and market trends, allowing users to make informed decisions. It offers a comprehensive database of over 1 million trucks and 183 million loads annually, making it a valuable resource for both shippers and carriers. The platform also includes features like credit reports, fuel price data, and broker authority information to further assist users in their decision-making process. DAT.com has a user-friendly interface and offers mobile apps for convenient access on the go. It provides various subscription plans tailored to the needs of different users, including small businesses, brokers, and large enterprises. The platform has a strong network of trusted carriers and shippers, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation services. DAT.com is constantly evolving and introducing new features to meet the changing needs of the transportation industry. Learn More About Navigating Market Uncertainty Sarah on LinkedIn DAT on LinkedIn DAT website DAT Resources DAT iQ Solutions: Overview // RateView Analytics // Network Analytics MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics with Chris Caplice (thelogisticsoflogistics.com) Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/28/2023 • 44 minutes, 50 seconds
Lingering Port Congestion with Paul Brashier
Paul Brashier and Joe Lynch discuss lingering port congestion and other issues causing shipping delays. Paul Brashier is Vice President Drayage and Intermodal at ITS Logistics, a third party logistics (3PL) company that offers creative supply chain solutions with an asset-lite transportation division that ranks #21 in North America, a top-tier asset-based dedicated fleet, and a Top 12 intermodal and drayage division. About Paul Brashier Paul Brashier has been an industry leader in the sales and logistics industry for over 20 years, working for such companies as Schneider National, Coors Brewing, and Coca-Cola. Joining ITS Logistics in 2015, Brashier created and elevated the drayage and intermodal division to #11 in the United States to over $300 million in revenue. Having been featured in CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, Bloomberg, The Loadstar, CBS News, Freight Waves, and Transport Topics, Brashier lends his expertise on US and global supply chain matters. When he isn’t working, which is rare, he spends time at his ranch with his wife and family, travels, and volunteers for the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada. About ITS Logistics ITS Logistics is a premier Third-Party Logistics company that provides creative supply chain solutions with an asset-lite transportation division ranked #21 in North America, the #11 drayage and intermodal provider, a top-tier asset-based dedicated fleet, and innovative omnichannel distribution and fulfillment services. With the highest level of service, unmatched industry experience and work ethic, and a laser focus on innovation and technology–our purpose is to improve the quality of life by delivering excellence in everything we do. Key Takeaways: Lingering Port Congestion ITS Logistics is a third party logistics (3PL) company that offers creative supply chain solutions with an asset-lite transportation division that ranks #21 in North America, a top-tier asset-based dedicated fleet, and a Top 12 intermodal and drayage division. ITS Logistics offers a wide range of services, including transportation management, warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment. They specialize in serving industries such as ecommerce, retail, food and beverage, and manufacturing. The company operates a network of strategically located warehouses across the United States, allowing for efficient distribution and fulfillment. ITS Logistics prides itself on its advanced technology and data-driven approach to logistics, which helps optimize supply chain operations and improve customer satisfaction. They have a team of experienced logistics professionals who work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized solutions. ITS Logistics places a strong emphasis on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient equipment and optimizing transportation routes. The company has received several industry awards and recognition for its exceptional service and commitment to innovation. ITS Logistics is known for its strong customer focus and dedication to delivering reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions. Learn More about Lingering Port Congestion Paul on LinkedIn ITS Logistics on LinkedIn ITS Logistics website ITS flags peak season congestion at US Midwest & East railheads Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/25/2023 • 44 minutes, 51 seconds
The Evolution of Warehousing with Joe Oliaro
Joe Oliaro and Joe Lynch discuss the evolution of warehousing. Joe Oliaro is the Vice President of Sales and Chief Real Estate Officer at Wagner Logistics, a leading provider of supply chain solutions. About Joe Oliaro Joe Oliaro is the Vice President of Sales and Chief Real Estate Officer at Wagner Logistics. Joe is a force to be reckoned with in the world of logistics and supply chain strategy. Hailing from the vibrant City of Fountains (Kansas City Metropolitan Area), he brings a wealth of experience and a knack for navigating the intricate landscape of #raas, #fulfillment, #contractlogistics, #logisticsservices, #supplychainstrategy, and #supplychainsolutions. Joe's journey began at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he honed his business acumen. Since then, he has been leaving an indelible mark on the industry, earning accolades such as being recognized as one of Ingram's Magazine's 40 Under Forty and was also identified as a “Heavy Hitter in Commercial Real Estate” by the KC Business Journal. Joe has an innate ability to creatively solve problems and paired with his skills in negotiating, Joe's expertise is highly sought after. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in the Kansas City community, serving on the advisory board for LEARN Science and Math Club (Geeks for Kids), a Monarch Ambassador at the Kansas City Area Development Council, co-president of the downtown chapter of the Kansas City Whiskey Club, and lead vocals and rhythm guitar for his band, Just Add Water. Joe Oliaro's dedication, drive, and keen business sense make him an invaluable asset at the crossroads of logistics and real estate. His passion for excellence and commitment to his craft ensure that Wagner continues to make waves in the industry, one strategic move at a time. About Wagner Logistics Wagner Logistics, a leading provider of supply chain solutions, offers a comprehensive range of services designed to optimize and streamline operations for businesses across various industries. With a commitment to excellence and a customer-centric approach, Wagner Logistics has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative and tailored solutions that drive efficiency, cost savings, and overall supply chain success. Backed by decades of experience, Wagner Logistics leverages its extensive network of strategically located facilities (~7 million sq. ft. of operations across 26 locations in the US) and advanced technology to provide end-to-end supply chain management. From warehousing and distribution to transportation and fulfillment, Wagner Logistics offers a seamless and integrated solution that meets the unique needs of each client. Driven by a continuous improvement mindset and a commitment to operational excellence, Wagner Logistics employs best-in-class practices and industry-leading technology to ensure optimal efficiency, visibility, and accuracy throughout the supply chain. With a focus on collaboration and partnership, Wagner Logistics works closely with clients to understand their specific requirements and deliver customized solutions that drive growth and competitive advantage. With a proven track record of success and a dedication to exceptional customer service, Wagner Logistics is the trusted partner for businesses seeking a reliable and agile supply chain solution. Key Takeaways: The Evolution of Warehousing with Joe Oliaro Wagner Logistics is a leading provider of supply chain solutions. They offer a comprehensive range of services to optimize and streamline operations for businesses across various industries. Wagner Logistics has a strong reputation for delivering innovative and tailored solutions. They have a network of strategically located facilities, totaling approximately 7 million square feet across 26 locations in the US. Wagner Logistics utilizes advanced technology to provide end-to-end supply chain management. Their services include warehousing, distribution, transportation, and fulfillment. Wagner Logistics employs best-in-class practices and industry-leading technology for optimal efficiency, visibility, and accuracy. They prioritize collaboration and partnership with clients to understand their specific requirements. Wagner Logistics has a proven track record of success and a dedication to exceptional customer service. They offer value-added services such as stretch wrapping, banding, sorting, and inbound quality inspections. Learn More About the Evolution of Warehousing LinkedIn – Joe Oliaro Twitter - Joe Oliaro LinkedIn – Wagner Logistics Wagner Logistics website 360 Robotics Automation Tour Wagner Culture Video | Robotics Highlight Wagner/TechShip Collaboration The New Warehouse with Kevin Lawton Geeks for Kids Delivery Day Information The State of Warehousing – Everything is Logistics with Blythe Brumleve FrieghtWaves TV | Loaded and Rolling – Warehousing: What you need to know with Joe Oliaro FreightWaves TV | Net-Zero Carbon – ESG with Wagner Logistics Top 100 3PL - Honored 21 Consecutive Years The Logistics of Logistics - The Rise of Exosuits with Mark Harris Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
The Importance of Freight Bill Audit with Richard Perry
Richard Perry and Joe Lynch and discuss the importance of freight bill audit. Richard is Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Intelligent Audit, a cutting-edge logistics and supply chain technology company, dedicated to revolutionizing how businesses manage their shipping and transportation processes. About Richard Perry Richard Perry is a seasoned logistics and supply chain professional with over 20 years of industry experience and is a dedicated professional with a passion for individual development and process optimization. With extensive expertise in parcel and freight bill auditing, payment, business intelligence, and associated technologies, he offers valuable insights to the supply chain industry. Over his 20-year career, he’s triumphed over challenges, transforming setbacks into opportunities. From humble beginnings out of high school sorting BOLs in a mailroom, he pursued knowledge relentlessly and earned his college degree, and advancing his career. Progressing from project manager to VP of Product, he revitalized outdated applications into seamless user experiences. Transitioning to sales and marketing, he mastered go-to-market strategies for driving growth. Sales and marketing are his true calling. Guiding customers toward success and fueling organizational growth brings him joy. Richard embodies agility, self-discipline, and motivation, adapting swiftly to change. About Intelligent Audit Intelligent Audit is a cutting-edge logistics and supply chain technology company, dedicated to revolutionizing how businesses manage their shipping and transportation processes. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to innovation, we've transformed traditional auditing and optimization methods into a streamlined, technology-driven solution. Our proprietary AI-powered platform goes beyond standard audit processes, identifying hidden discrepancies and overcharges in shipping invoices with remarkable precision. By leveraging advanced machine learning, data analytics, and business intelligence, we empower businesses to recover funds that would otherwise go unnoticed, significantly enhancing their bottom line. But we're not just about recovering funds – we're also about optimizing operations. Intelligent Audit provides actionable insights to fine-tune shipping strategies, minimize costs, and maximize efficiency. Our team of logistics experts and technologists work in synergy to create an integrated solution that redefines the logistics landscape, helping businesses navigate challenges and thrive in a rapidly evolving market. At Intelligent Audit, we're more than just a service provider; we're a strategic partner, committed to helping businesses achieve logistical excellence and unlock untapped potential. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Freight Bill Audit Intelligent Audit is a technology-driven company that specializes in freight audit, business intelligence, network and contract optimization. Intelligent Audit offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that help businesses optimize their transportation spend and improve supply chain visibility. Their services include freight audit, business intelligence, network, and contract optimization. Intelligent Audit’s advanced technology platform utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automate the auditing process and identify potential savings opportunities. The company works with a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, technology, and healthcare. Intelligent Audit’s clients benefit from increased cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced visibility into their transportation data. They have a global presence and serve clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. Intelligent Audit has established strategic partnerships with leading transportation management system providers and carriers to deliver seamless integration and enhanced services. Learn More About the Importance of Freight Bill Audit Richard on LinkedIn Intelligent Audit on LinkedIn Intelligent Audit website Sponsor: Tusk Logistics https://youtu.be/C7PFZq7f8pQ Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JDbZI7NNnE Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/21/2023 • 52 minutes, 54 seconds
Supply Chain Growing Pains with Anya Skomorokhova
Anya Skomorokhova and Joe Lynch discuss supply chain growing pains. Anya is Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of PorterLogic, a low-code supply chain operations platform that replaces all the spreadsheets typically used to manage warehouses and inventory. About Anya Skomorokhova Anya Skomorokhova is the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of PorterLogic, a low-code supply chain operations platform that replaces all the spreadsheets typically used to manage warehouses and inventory. Anya has worn many hats throughout her career, working in different roles, industries and company stages, primarily within B2B SaaS in product management, product marketing and solution engineering. Anya also has a bad case of the travel bug and has been known to disappear for weeks trekking into the depths of a jungle or a snow-capped mountain range. She cofounded PorterLogic to give supply chain teams the systems they need to maintain their competitive advantage without being forced into a box by packaged solutions. About PorterLogic PorterLogic is a low-code supply chain operations platform that replaces all the spreadsheets typically used to manage warehouses and inventory. High-growth supply chain teams use the visual, low-code platform to build internal applications, connect systems and automate tasks across their supply chain – from order management and demand planning to inventory and warehousing. With PorterLogic, supply chain teams can optimize their competitive advantage without being constrained by an off-the-shelf system. Rather than forcing customers into a box, PorterLogic molds to their operation, helping them efficiently and profitably scale their business. Key Takeaways: Supply Chain Growing Pains PorterLogic is a low-code supply chain operations platform that replaces spreadsheets used in warehouse and inventory management. High-growth supply chain teams use PorterLogic to build internal applications, connect systems, and automate tasks across their supply chain. PorterLogic allows supply chain teams to optimize their competitive advantage without being limited by an off-the-shelf system. The platform is tailored specifically for supply chain organizations, with extreme flexibility to support any nuanced requirements. PorterLogic helps customers drive profitable and efficient growth by replacing spreadsheet-driven processes and filling operational gaps. The platform is designed to maximize yield, increase productivity, and improve resiliency across the entire supply chain operation. PorterLogic enables users to automate workflows, build user screens, and connect systems using composable drag-and-drop building blocks. The platform allows users to break the mold and build their own supply chain stack, adapting quickly and deprecating what doesn't work. PorterLogic offers a wide range of features, including procurement management, order management, inventory and demand planning, returns management, enterprise resource planning, orchestration engine, data integrator, and reporting and visibility. The goal of PorterLogic is to help supply chain teams love their software again by providing a flexible and tailored solution that solves their specific problems. Learn More about Supply Chain Growing Pains Anya on LinkedIn PorterLogic on LinkedIn PorterLogic website PorterLogic Series: What happens when you click buy? Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/18/2023 • 54 minutes, 17 seconds
Logistics and Distribution Trans with Rik Schrader
Rik Schrader and Joe Lynch discuss logistics and distribution transportation, which is one of the specialties of Rik’s company, Körber Business Area Supply Chain. Rik is Senior Vice President of Sales at Körber Business Area Supply Chain and responsible for sales and alliances leadership across the Americas for Körber’s supply chain software portfolio. About Rik Schrader Rik Schrader is Senior Vice President of Sales at Körber Business Area Supply Chain and responsible for sales and alliances leadership across the Americas for Körber’s supply chain software portfolio. He has played a key part in Körber’s business growth in recent years. With over 30 years of information technology experience, he combines a broad range of experience in commercial management, operational sales, exceptional revenue growth and driving strategic perspectives in building success factors for clients and partners. His previous leadership roles at IBM, Honeywell or Manhattan Associates have helped Körber build its global direct and indirect sales capabilities. Rik is an energetic leader driving long term partnerships, innovation and growth across the business operation. His unmatched expertise has earned the trust of national and international companies worldwide. Committed by heart, he keeps developing and maintaining strong relationships centered on trust with each of his customers. About the Körber Business Area Supply Chain Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Körber uniquely provides a broad range of proven, end-to-end supply chain solutions fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. Our customers conquer the complexity of the supply chain thanks to our portfolio that includes software, voice, and robotics solutions,– plus the expertise to tie it all together. Conquer supply chain complexity – with Körber. The Business Area Supply Chain is part of the global technology group Körber. Key Takeaways: Logistics and Distribution Trans Körber's Business Area Supply Chain is a division of the Körber Group, a global technology company. It focuses on providing innovative solutions and services for optimizing supply chain processes. The division offers a wide range of products and solutions, including warehouse management systems, voice picking technology, and robotics automation. Körber's Business Area Supply Chain serves various industries, such as retail, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. The division's solutions help companies improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Körber's Business Area Supply Chain has a global presence, with offices and customers in over 100 countries. The division has a strong focus on research and development, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of the supply chain industry. Körber's Business Area Supply Chain offers comprehensive consulting services to help companies optimize their supply chain strategies. The division's solutions are designed to be scalable and adaptable, catering to businesses of all sizes and complexities. Learn More About Logistics and Distribution Trans Rik Schrader LInkedIn Körber Supply Chain: Overview | LinkedIn Körber homepage Company Website State of Shipping & Returns Survey Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/16/2023 • 53 minutes, 50 seconds
The Connective Tissue of the Supply Chain with Bart A De Muynck
Bart De Muynck and Joe Lynch discuss the connective tissue of the supply chain, which is a reference to project44. As the supply chain connective tissue, project44 operates the most trusted end-to-end visibility platform, tracking over 1 billion shipments annually for the world's leading brands. Bart is Chief Industry Officer at project44 where he drives supply chain industry thought leadership and supports customers with their logistics and supply chain strategies. About Bart De Muynck Bart De Muynck is a Strategic Advisor and the previous Chief Industry Officer at project44 where he drives supply chain industry thought leadership and supports CEO Jett McCandless and the executive team. A logistics industry thought leader with over 30 years of experience, Bart previously served as VP of Research at Gartner. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and has contributed to publications including WSJ, Freightwaves, Inbound Logistics, Logistics Management, DC Velocity, Transport Topics, and Bloomberg. Bart is also a member of the WEF, SCLA, CSCMP and TIA. Earlier in his career, Bart held logistics roles with PepsiCo, Elemica, Penske Logistics, GE Capital, and EY. About project44 project44 is a visibility company dedicated to optimizing supply chains and improving the movement of products globally. They are on a mission to make supply chains work by delivering better resiliency, sustainability, and value for their customers. As the supply chain connective tissue, project44 operates the most trusted end-to-end visibility platform, tracking over 1 billion shipments annually for the world's leading brands. They have achieved significant recognition in the market, including being named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and ranking #1 on FreightWaves' FreightTech 25 for 2022. Project44 is the world's most robust multimodal network, operating in over 170 countries and more than 20 languages. Headquartered in Chicago, they have a diverse and global workforce with offices in various locations worldwide. Key Takeaways: The Connective Tissue of the Supply Chain Project44 is a visibility company dedicated to optimizing supply chains and improving the movement of products globally. The company's mission is to make supply chains work, delivering better resiliency, sustainability, and value for its customers. Project44 operates the most trusted end-to-end visibility platform, tracking over 1 billion shipments annually for the world's top brands. The company has been recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and has achieved top customer ratings on G2. Project44 has been ranked #1 on FreightWaves' FreightTech 25 for 2022 and named a Customer's Choice in Gartner Peer Insights' Voice of the Customer. It achieved Tech Unicorn Status in June 2021 and raised $420M in Series F Funding led by Goldman Sachs, Thoma Bravo, and TPG. Project44 has a presence in over 170 countries and operates in more than 20 languages, making it the world's most robust multimodal network. It offers global and multimodal connectivity, allowing supply chain and logistics professionals to track inventory across various modes of transportation. Headquartered in Chicago, project44 has a diverse and fast-growing global workforce, with offices in multiple locations worldwide. Whether you're looking to transform your supply chain or join a winning team that solves complex supply chain challenges, project44 is the company to consider. Learn More About The Connective Tissue of the Supply Chain Bart on LinkedIn project44 on LinkedIn project44 website Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/14/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 35 seconds
The Denim Story with Shawn Vo
Shawn Vo and Joe Lynch discuss the Denim story. Shawn is Co-Founder & CTO at Denim, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. About Shawn Vo Shawn Vo is chief technology officer and co-founder of Denim, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Shawn spent seven years in financial technology, building software for fast-growing startups and consulting for the top 20 largest banks before starting Denim with his longtime business partner and friend, Bharath Krishnamoorthy. As CTO, Shawn leads Denim’s technology strategy, product development, data operations, and development of a technical framework to support the company’s rapid growth. His expertise and innovation have helped bring new levels of automation and modernization to a historically pen-and-paper industry. Shawn runs an ever-expanding group of engineers tasked with building new products at pace while fostering a culture of tenacity and transparency. Shawn is an angel investor in fintech and developer tools. He holds certifications for machine learning from the University of Washington and advanced cybersecurity from Stanford. About Denim Denim is a financial enablement platform that specializes in freight broker end-to-end automation and intelligent back-office tools that is rapidly disrupting the $2 trillion logistics sector. Its proprietary technology allows freight brokers to simplify their financing operations and easily access the working capital they need to grow in a competitive market. Denim automates invoicing, collections, and payments - ultimately reducing daily freight broker tasks by 75%. A remote-first company, Denim has been named a Best Place To Work by Built In. Key Takeaways: The Denim Story Shawn Vo is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Denim, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. In the podcast interview, Joe and Shawn discuss Shawn’s personal and professional journey including the founding of Denim. Denim’s proprietary technology allows freight brokers to simplify their financing operations and easily access the working capital they need to grow. Denim automates invoicing, collections, and payments – ultimately delivering a better customer experience. The most asked questions in the freight business are “where is my stuff” and “where is my money.” The visibility folks can answer the first question and Denim can help you with the money question. Shawn and the Denim team help brokers and carriers understand exactly where their money is – they are where freight-tech meets fin-tech. The Denim team are experts in logistics, finance, and tech. Denim is the all-in-one financial platform for freight brokers. Hundreds of freight brokers trust Denim to manage their working capital, carrier payments, and back office processes. Learn More About The Denim Story Shawn's LinkedIn Denim on LikedIn Denim Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 51 seconds
The Life Sciences and Healthcare Supply Chain with Jim Saponaro
Jim Saponaro and Joe Lynch discuss the life sciences and healthcare supply chain. Jim is the President, Life Sciences & Healthcare DHL Supply Chain North America. About Jim Saponaro Jim Saponaro is the President, Life Sciences & Healthcare DHL Supply Chain North America. Jim joined DHL Supply Chain in 2011 and over the last decade, his leadership responsibilities have grown alongside the LSHC sector’s growth. His initial focus on operational performance in North America’s Life Sciences operations has enabled the business to strengthen customer relationships and drive further growth. He is an accomplished Senior Operations and Business Development Executive with a proven record of managing multi-million dollar domestic and international businesses for Fortune 500 and privately held companies. His expertise is in general management, sales, marketing, supply chain economics, logistics, startup/turnaround initiatives, and partnership management. About DHL Supply Chain DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics leader within DHL Group, offers a broad suite of integrated solutions, bringing greater flexibility, predictability, and speed to customers’ supply chains. We create a competitive advantage for our customers backed by 51000 associates, 529 operating sites, 3 transportation control towers and over 161 million sq. ft in warehousing space. DHL Supply Chain is known for its exceptional operational service, innovative solutions, and deep expertise in major vertical markets, including eCommerce, Automotive, Chemicals Consumer, Energy, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Retail, and Technology. Key Takeaways: The Life Sciences and Healthcare Supply Chain DHL Life Sciences and Healthcare offers a holistic range of patient-centric, forward-thinking, intelligent healthcare logistics solutions. DHL provides a more connected experience along the entire patient journey, from clinical trials to point of care. DHL ensures that pharmaceutical, medical devices, and clinical trials logistics and supply chains are treated with care. DHL offers a wide range of transportation options for the specific needs of the life sciences and healthcare industry, including air and ocean freight. DHL has life-science-graded regional hubs and forward stocking locations to safely store products close to target markets. DHL has a global network of facilities focused on Life Sciences and Healthcare, with over 140 life-science-graded and GDP-certified facilities in 40 countries. DHL provides shared or dedicated warehousing and goods distribution solutions for storing raw materials, consumables, spare parts, and finished goods. DHL offers integrated solutions as a Lead Logistics Partner, overseeing the entire supply chain and its operation. DHL LifeConEx is a premium and customized temperature-controlled air freight service that provides post-shipment diagnostics, cold chain optimization, and data analysis services. DHL Life Sciences and Healthcare has sector expertise in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical trials, and hospital and health services, providing tailored solutions for each industry's specific challenges and priorities. Learn More About The Life Sciences and Healthcare Supply Chain Jim on LinkedIn DHL Supply Chain on LinkedIn DHL Supply Chain Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/9/2023 • 52 minutes, 3 seconds
REPOST: Freight has an Identity Crisis with Jordan Graft
Jordan Graft and Joe Lynch discuss freight has an identity crisis, which refers to rampant fraud and double brokering in the transportation business. Jordan is Founder and CEO of Highway, where he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. About Jordan Graft Jordan Graft is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for technology and transportation. As the Founder and CEO of Highway, he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. With a patent-pending identity engine and the most comprehensive carrier equipment data in the industry, Highway's Single Sign-On (SSO) for trucking identity service is revolutionizing the way carriers operate and interact with digital systems. Prior to founding Highway, Jordan served as the CEO of TriumphPay from 2018 to 2021, where he transformed the concept from a reverse factoring business into the first payments network in transportation, growing TriumphPay into the largest payer of freight invoices in the US. Before that, he co-founded CrateBind, a Dallas-based IT consulting and software development company that developed over fifty custom applications across various industries. Jordan also served as an investment professional with TA Associates, a global private equity firm in Boston, Massachusetts, and as an investment analyst for J.P. Morgan in New York City. Jordan's diverse experience has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to lead Highway towards a brighter future in the transportation industry. About Highway Highway is a technology company focused on solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. They have developed a Carrier Identity engine that manages carrier identity and eliminates the risks of fraud and double brokering. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge their capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement, making the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load, source with superpowers that give them the truth about a carrier's lanes and equipment and be warned of negative indicators discovered in public and private data sources. They can also connect their carrier network with speed and security, onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection and monitor carriers to enforce an all-new standard with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology and commitment to improving security and efficiency. Key Takeaways: Freight has an Identity Crisis Jordan Graft is Founder and CEO of Highway, where he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. Highway is a technology company solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. The company removes risk and friction between brokers and carriers with a Carrier Identity engine. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement to make the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load and be warned of negative indicators from public and private data sources. They can also onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection. Customers can monitor carriers to enforce new standards with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology. The company is committed to improving security and efficiency in the industry. Learn More About Freight has an Identity Crisis Jordan on LinkedIn Highway on LinkedIn Highway website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/7/2023 • 54 minutes, 41 seconds
Success in Retail Logistics with Mike Jarrett
Mike Jarrett and Joe Lynch discuss success in retail logistics. Mike is the Founder of Jarrett, a leading 3PL providing transportation and logistics solutions. About Mike Jarrett Mike Jarrett, President, and CEO of Jarrett, founded the company in 1999. Prior to starting the company, Mike spent several years in the supply chain industry where he was Vice President of Carrier Operations for Hudson, Ohio–based Caliber Logistics (now known as FedEx Supply Chain Services). Earlier in his career, he was a leader at Roadway Express. He graduated from the University of Mount Union with a Bachelor of Business Administration and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Akron. Mike and his wife Diane reside in Orrville, Ohio. They have two daughters, Alexa, and Madeline. He currently serves as the Chair of the Heartland Education Community Board of Trustees, the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) Board, and the University of Mount Union Board of Trustees. About Jarrett Jarrett is a privately held, family-owned company founded in 1999 in Orrville, Ohio, where the company headquarters are today. As a leading multimodal 3PL, Jarrett provides transportation, logistics, warehousing, and fleet services for customers throughout North America. At Jarrett, the philosophy is that supply chain partners should have no limits. Jarrett makes a promise to its customers. The customer is important. Customer emergencies are Jarrett’s emergencies. Highly personalized service is provided 24/7/365 through the company’s routing center – of which all calls are answered within three rings or less. Jarrett promises customers are informed. With the most advanced technology combined with the greatest people, Jarrett provides actionable data so customers can make informed decisions in real time. Jarrett promises their customer’s supply chain will be innovative. The way we Jarrett delivers solutions gives customers a strategic advantage and helps them grow their business in a new way. About The Jarrett Supply Chain Summit The Jarrett Supply Chain Summit is an event that aims to provide innovative insights and help participants stay ahead in the market. It will take place on Thursday, August 10 at the Orrville High School Auditorium in Orrville, Ohio. The registration for the event begins at 8:00 a.m. The keynote speaker for the summit is Jim Tressel, a College Football Hall of Famer, and former Ohio State University football coach. Tressel is known for his leadership and strategic brilliance, which led the Buckeyes to numerous championships. Other guest speakers include industry leaders such as Satish Jindel, Mike Jarrett, Berkley Stafford, Gary Moore, Alan Jones, Jerry Zurovchak, Rick Brumett, Todd Polen, Holli Goare, Janene Holmes, Steve Antunes, David Reese, and Tom Clark. The summit offers networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and the chance to explore innovative solutions for supply chain operations. After the summit, there will be a musical performance by Tracy Byrd and a silent auction to support the Heartland Education Community at Jarrett Headquarters. Key Takeaways: Success in Retail Logistics with Mike Jarrett As a leading multimodal 3PL, Jarrett provides transportation, logistics, warehousing, and fleet services for customers throughout North America. Jarrett is a privately held, family-owned company founded in 1999 in Orrville, Ohio. Jarrett has multiple locations, including its corporate headquarters in Orrville, Ohio, as well as facilities in Los Angeles, California, Hickory, North Carolina, Leola, Pennsylvania, Kent, Ohio, and Seville, Ohio. The Jarrett team aim is to create continuous improvement opportunities throughout the entire supply chain. Jarrett offers high-touch, personalized service to their clients. The company services enhance operational efficiency and lower transportation-related costs. They ensure seamless execution of end-to-end supply chain solutions. Their vision is to be the best logistics company in the industry, providing excellent customer service, state-of-the-art technology, and premier services. Jarrett believes in innovation and supports their employees in doing great things for their clients every day. Learn More About Success in Retail Logistics Mike on LinkedIn Jarrett on LinkedIn Jarrett website The Jarrett Supply Chain Summit International Shipping Issues and Answers What's Happening in Logistics Facing Your Shipping and Logistics An Update on Self Driving Trucks in Logistics Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics https://youtu.be/C7PFZq7f8pQ Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/4/2023 • 54 minutes
How to Build a Successful Freight Brokerage with Joe Chandler
Joe Chandler and Joe Lynch discuss how to build a successful freight brokerage. Joe Chandler is the President and COO of SPI Logistics, one of the top logistics firms in North America, boasting a robust network of 65 offices and over 54,000 carriers across Canada and the United States. About Joe Chandler Joe Chandler is the President and COO of SPI Logistics, one of the top logistics firms in North America, boasting a robust network of 65 offices and over 54,000 carriers across Canada and the United States. Joe joined SPI in 2015 with three decades of prior experience as a transportation company executive and an industry consultant. He has held every executive role in transportation, including CEO, EVP, COO, CFO, CIO and CHRO. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and the TIA Political Action Committee; he is a past Board member of American Trucking Association’s Technology Council; and he is a past Chairman of the Trucking Industry Advisory Panel to the Texas Transportation Institute. He is a Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) and a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (“SHRM-SCP” and “SPHR” credentials). Joe attended Texas A&M University on an Army scholarship and was an Airborne Ranger Air Defense Artillery Captain when he resigned his commission to enter the trucking industry. Joe represents the fourth generation of his family in transportation. About SPI Logistics SPI Logistics is a leading logistics firm in North America, boasting a robust network of 65 offices and over 54,000 carriers across Canada and the United States. With a rich history spanning over 40 years, SPI has cultivated enduring relationships with shippers, receivers, and carriers, solidifying its position as a trusted industry leader. Committed to expediting the success of its clients, SPI prides itself on being more than just a transportation network or third-party logistics hub. Their dedicated team of transportation professionals is driven by a singular purpose – to ensure the seamless growth and prosperity of their clients. With a vision to be the premier logistics network in North America, SPI continuously aspires to enhance the freight transportation experience through teamwork, trust, transparency, and cutting-edge technology. Discover the SPI Logistics advantage and unlock your business's full potential. About the SPI Logistics Agent Program Becoming an SPI Logistics agent comes with several advantages. As one of North America's first independent freight brokerage agent networks, SPI has 40 years of experience in helping businesses grow. This means you can count on their expertise and knowledge of commission structures, support systems, software, and financing models. SPI offers risk-free commissions of up to 75%, ensuring that you won't face any hold-backs or claw-backs. They provide the best systems and support in the industry, making it easy for you to book freight and communicate effectively. Additionally, SPI offers independence, allowing you to guide your business without any barriers. They prioritize removing obstacles and being easy to work with, ensuring your success as an agent. Key Takeaways: How to Build a Successful Freight Brokerage In the podcast interview Joe Chandler and Joe Lynch discuss how to build a successful freight brokerage: Strong sales and marketing A safe, reliable carrier network – ideally with complete overage of the USA and Canada Sufficient investment because most freight brokerages have cash flow problems that limit their success Operational expertise – a back office that keeps the trucks moving, the customers happy, and the money flowing The latest freight technology that enables a superior customer experience and industry leading efficiency A partner like SPI Logistics, North America’s Premier Full-Service Network for Freight Brokers SPI Logistics is a leading logistics firm in North America with a robust network of 65 offices and over 54,000 carriers across Canada and the United States. SPI has a rich history spanning over 40 years and has cultivated enduring relationships with shippers, receivers, and carriers, solidifying its position as a trusted industry leader. SPI's dedicated team of transportation professionals is driven by a singular purpose – to ensure the seamless growth and prosperity of their clients. SPI has a vision to be the premier logistics network in North America and continuously aspires to enhance the freight transportation experience through teamwork, trust, transparency, and cutting-edge technology. SPI Logistics Agent Program offers several advantages for businesses looking to grow. SPI has 40 years of experience in helping businesses and provides expertise in commission structures, support systems, software, and financing models. SPI offers risk-free commissions of up to 75%, ensuring agents won't face hold-backs or claw-backs. SPI provides the best systems and support in the industry, making it easy for agents to book freight and communicate effectively. Learn More About How to Build a Successful Freight Brokerage Joe Chandler on LinkedIn SPI on LinkedIn SPI Logistics SPI Logistics Agent Program Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/2/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 43 seconds
Growing a Brand and a Business with Adam Vazquez
Adam Vazquez and Joe Lynch discuss growing a brand and a business. Adam is the CEO of Heard Media, a marketing firm that specializes in creating audio and video content that educates, entertains, and engages target markets. About Adam Vazquez Adam Vazquez is an experienced marketing leader who serves as the CEO of Heard Media. Adam has built memorable growth stories for numerous companies throughout the supply chain, healthcare, and technology industries, and is a leading mind for growth and marketing in the B2B space. Applying the strategies and methodologies he learned while serving Fortune 1000 brands as a strategist, Adam brings both creative and practical strategies that move the needle for the mid-market companies he serves. Adam is also an entrepreneur. After leaving VaynerMedia, he co-founded Heard Media and has built the company to what it is today using many of the same strategies and techniques he employs for his clients. He is a trusted consultant to mid-market CEOs and an entertaining public speaker on the topics of brand, b2b growth, creative campaigns, and content marketing. Adam's work has won several awards from the American Advertising Federation as well as being a finalist for a Cannes Lion. Notable credits include: Writer of "The Stain", Executive Producer of "The Future of Supply Chain", Executive Producer of "The Data Stack Show", Executive Producer of "Trending Thoughts with Torrey Smith", and Host and Executive Producer of "Content is for Closers". About Heard Media Heard Media is a company that exists to help businesses find and serve their customers through audio and video content. They believe that growing a business online is crucial for its future success. Their Custom Content Framework, which has generated millions of dollars in revenue for their clients, is now available to all businesses. Heard Media's Custom Content Growth Model consists of three phases: Clarify, Create, and Convert. In the Clarify phase, their team uses a combination of research, industry reports, and experience to help businesses determine the best platforms to promote their content campaigns. The Create phase focuses on bringing ideas to life through design, including show/series identity, logo development, web and landing page development, and more. Finally, in the Convert phase, Heard Media ensures that the content drives business results by maximizing exposure and implementing measurement systems. They also offer supply chain and logistics services specifically tailored to the trucking industry. Key Takeaways: Growing a Brand and a Business Heard Media specializes in creating audio and video content that educates, entertains, and engages target markets. Their Custom Content Framework has generated millions of dollars in revenue for clients and is now available to new customers. They offer a Custom Content Growth Model that includes strategies such as brand and content strategy, audience research, competitive analysis, and digital content roadmap. Heard Media believes in the importance of preparation and uses a mix of first and third-party research, industry reports, and decades of experience to help clients decide the best place to promote their content campaigns. They bring ideas to life through design, whether it's visual or audio, and offer services such as show/series identity, logo development, web and landing page development, and visual asset development. Results are a priority for Heard Media, and they ensure that content drives business over the long-term by providing platform selection, paid ads management, email marketing campaign development, and analytics services. They also serve the trucking industry by offering brand and content strategy, audience research, competitive analysis, and digital content roadmap services. Heard Media understands the importance of blending business and brand into a cohesive entity that resonates with the target audience. They believe in the power of creativity and its role in executing successful content campaigns. Heard Media takes pride in their ability to take the guesswork out of growth and help businesses thrive online. Learn More About Growing a Brand and a Business Adam on LinkedIn Adam's Letter on LinkedIn Adam's Newsletter Heard Media on LinkedIn Heard Website Adam's Podcast The Drum | US Ad Of The Day: Flock Freight Quantifies A ‘fuckload’ For Blue’s Clues’ Steve Burns Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/31/2023 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
Moving the Mission with Courtney George
Courtney George and Joe Lynch discuss moving the mission, which is what Courtney and the Wreaths Across America team do every day. Courtney is the Manager of Transportation and Industry Relations for Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad. About Courtney George Courtney George is the Manager of Transportation and Industry Relations for Wreaths Across America. She is an experienced Recruiting and HR leader with a demonstrated history of working in the transportation/trucking/railroad industry. Courtney's focus is on expanding the mission within the trucking industry and supporting the logistics team with recruiting, dispatching, and carrier relations. She has a strong background in negotiation, employee relations, retention, operations management, compensation, and onboarding. Courtney is a North Carolina native, currently residing in Atlanta, and a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science focused in Commerce and Business Administration; Marketing. About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is an American nonprofit organization established in 2007 by wreath producer Morrill Worcester, assisted by veterans and truckers. Its primary activity is distributing Veteran's wreaths for placement on graves in military cemeteries. In December 2008, the United States Senate agreed to a resolution that designated December 13, 2008, as Wreaths Across America Day. Subsequent National Wreaths Across America Days have been designated on the second or third Saturday of December. What began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths, decorated by volunteers and laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery has now become a national organization with over 3,700 participating locations - all focused on the mission to REMEMBER the fallen; HONOR those who serve; TEACH our children the value of freedom. Key Takeaways: Moving the Mission Wreaths Across America is an American nonprofit organization established in 2007 by wreath producer Morrill Worcester, assisted by veterans and truckers. Its primary activity is distributing Veteran's wreaths for placement on graves in military cemeteries. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. In December 2008, the United States Senate designated December 13, 2008, as Wreaths Across America Day. National Wreaths Across America Days have been designated on the second or third Saturday of December. Wreaths Across America started in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It has now become a national organization with over 3,700 participating locations. National Wreaths Across America Day is held on December 16, 2023. Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad. Wreaths Across America also supports the Remembrance Tree program and operates a museum in Maine to honor and remember veterans. Learn More About Moving the Mission Courtney on LinkedIn Wreaths Across America on LinkedIn Wreaths Across America website Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/28/2023 • 40 minutes, 5 seconds
Drivers Can Drive Remotely Too with Nils Alstad
Nils Alstad and Joe Lynch discuss how drivers can drive remotely. Nils is the Chief Product Officer at Phantom Auto, a technology platform that enables people to remotely control vehicles across sites from thousands of miles away with just the click of a button. About Nils Alstad Nils Alstad is the Chief Product Officer at Phantom Auto, a technology platform that enables people to remotely control vehicles across sites from thousands of miles away with just the click of a button. Before Phantom Auto, Nils was the Vice President of Customer Experience at Canvas Technology, a leading warehouse autonomous robotics startup that was acquired by Amazon in 2019. At Amazon, Nils led the Canvas Customer Operations teams, including product management for all remote support tools and interfaces. Nils has over 15 years of experience leading Operations teams across four continents. Nils acts as an advisor to technology startups. About Phantom Auto Phantom Auto’s human-centric technology enables people to remotely operate vehicles – including trucks, forklifts, and robots – from thousands of miles away; connecting people who want to work with jobs that need to be filled. By decoupling labor from location, Phantom’s technology increases labor access & retention, safety, productivity, and resilience across the supply chain. Key Takeaways: Drivers Can Drive Remotely Too Phantom Auto enables people to remotely control vehicles across sites from thousands of miles away with just the click of a button. Remote operation in logistics keeps businesses moving by tapping into labor when and where it's needed. Phantom Auto allows employees to remotely monitor, guide, and operate forklifts from anywhere in the world, solving driver shortages and expanding access to labor. By moving forklift operators from hazardous warehouses into office buildings, Phantom Auto can reduce injuries and lower workers' compensation premiums by up to 85%. Phantom Auto offers a platform with multiple logistics solutions, including remotely operated forklifts, assisting autonomy for resolving edge cases in autonomous vehicles, and distanced driver training. The platform provides operators with tools like 360° hi-resolution cameras, lidar sensors, and graphic overlays for improved safety and ergonomics. Remote operation allows businesses to tap into previously-inaccessible labor pools, such as geographically isolated individuals or people with physical disabilities. On-demand control of vehicles at any location increases operator productivity and reduces surge staffing costs. Phantom Auto's solutions are built on a powerful core technology platform that adapts to variable network conditions and prioritizes low latency, interoperability, security, and safety. By combining autonomy with remote operation, Phantom Auto enables unmanned vehicles to accomplish more, safely operate in challenging scenarios, and collect real-world data for continuous improvement. Learn More About Drivers Can Drive Remotely Too Nils on LinkedIn Phantom Auto on LinkedIn Phantom Auto website Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/26/2023 • 59 minutes, 57 seconds
E-Fleet as a Service with Paul Gioupis
Paul Gioupis and Joe Lynch discuss e-fleet as a service. Paul is the Co-founder and CEO of Zeem Solutions, a company dedicated to accelerating commercial EV adoption. [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/27554784/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/E-Fleet_as_a_Service_with_Paul_Goopis_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="27554784" /] About Paul Gioupis Paul Gioupis is the Co-founder and CEO of Zeem Solutions, a company dedicated to accelerating commercial EV adoption. With a passion for bringing EVs to all, Paul has been a vital part of the EV ecosystem for 20 years. He founded Zeem with the goal of making it easy for small businesses to adopt EVs. Paul's success can be attributed to his collaborative approach, working alongside industry leaders to provide solutions that give everyone access to clean energy and air. This commitment to working together is evident in everything Zeem does. About Zeem Solutions Zeem Solutions is a Transportation-as-a-Service company, with the mission of transforming the way fleets operate by providing an affordable solution for zero emission transportation. Zeem owns and operates chargers at strategically located depots, and fleet customers pay a monthly lease that includes zero-emission vehicle leasing (class 2b-8), charging, servicing, maintenance, and parking. Zeem's depots are available for opportunity charging during the day for customer fleets and for others on a contract basis, with resident technicians to provide service, preventative maintenance, and temporary replacement vehicles. Zeem has an operational depot near LAX and its first customers began operating out of that depot in December 2021, with 8MW of charging power and able to support 200 commercial electric vehicles onsite. Zeem is deploying in strategic locations across the US, and plans to expand its offerings at existing and future locations. California's electric-truck drive has drawn startups building charging networks, and concerns about charging are a major roadblock to accelerating demand for electric vehicles. Key Takeaways: E-Fleet as a Service Zeem Solutions is a Transportation-as-a-Service company, with the mission of transforming the way fleets operate by providing an affordable solution for zero emission transportation and providing a Transportation as a Service (TaaS) solution. Zeem owns and operates chargers at strategically located depots, and fleet customers pay a monthly lease that includes zero-emission vehicle leasing (class 2b-8), charging, servicing, maintenance, and parking. Depot services include long-term leases of zero emission class 2b to 8 vehicles, supervised overnight charging for resident fleets, opportunity charging for high-mileage fleets, secure parking for fleet vehicles, vehicle service, maintenance, and cleaning, lounge space for drivers. Zeem's depots are available for opportunity charging during the day for customer fleets and for others on a contract basis, with resident technicians to provide service, preventative maintenance, and temporary replacement vehicles. Zeem has an operational depot near LAX and its first customers began operating out of that depot in December 2021, with 8MW of charging power and able to support 200 commercial electric vehicles onsite. Zeem is deploying in strategic locations across the US, and plans to expand its offerings at existing and future locations. California's electric-truck drive has drawn startups building charging networks, and concerns about charging are a major roadblock to accelerating demand for electric vehicles. Learn More About E-Fleet as a Service Paul on LinkedIn Zeem Solutions on LinkedIn Zeem Solutions website Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/24/2023 • 48 minutes, 7 seconds
Residential LTL Delivery Perfected with Gabe Pankonin
Gabe Pankonin and Joe Lynch discuss residential LTL delivery perfected. Gabe is the CEO of Rocket Shipping, a full-service logistics provider focusing on 4 core competencies: LTL shipping, white glove/ home delivery, full truckload management, and technology/integrations. About Gabe Pankonin Gabe Pankonin is the CEO of Rocket Shipping, a full-service logistics provider based in Fargo, North Dakota. Gabe and his team focus on working with ecommerce brands to help them scale their businesses without the need to hire additional customer service or logistics employees. Gabe leads the Rocket Shipping team in handling the complexities of LTL shipments direct to consumer (DTC), including reconsignments, reverse logistics, claim handling/management, freight bill auditing, proactive track and trace, and workflow integrations. He is also a co-founder of Rustic.com (ecommerce) and has experience as an independent sales contractor at DLS Worldwide. Gabe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Health and Medical Sciences, from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. A Quote from Gabe “ I've always had a knack for sales and relationships, but I never would have imagined it would have led me to running a fast-growing start-up in the freight industry. Through this industry, I've been able to meet and work next to the most amazing people in the world. Together, we're solving some of the most unique problems in freight and rewriting the playbook on logistics. Everyday I'm grateful we get to work with our clients to provide the best solution and customer experience on the market.” - Gabe Pankonin About Rocket Shipping Rocket Shipping, located in Fargo, ND, is a full-service logistics provider with expertise in LTL shipping, white glove/ home delivery, full truckload management, and technology/integrations. With over 50 years of combined industry experience, their knowledgeable in-house team handles all aspects of moving freight, including reconsignments, damage claims, lost shipments, missed delivery appointments, and late freight. They pride themselves on solving complex problems and maintaining open communication with our clients. When issues arise, they provide solutions so that their clients can focus on growing their business with peace of mind. The company operates without contracts or long-term commitments, because they believe in earning the business with every transaction. The Rocket Shipping team offers consultative support to streamline your supply chain and promote sustainable business growth. Key Takeaways: Residential LTL Delivery Perfected Gabe Pankonin is the CEO of Rocket Shipping, a full-service logistics provider focusing on 4 core competencies: LTL shipping, white glove/ home delivery, full truckload management, and technology/integrations. In the podcast interview, Gabe and Joe discuss residential LTL delivery perfected. Rocket Shipping has over 50 years of combined industry experience, and its in-house operations and customer service team is knowledgeable in handling the daily pain points of moving freight. Rocket Shipping specializes in solving complex problems and communicating each step of the way with clients. Rocket Shipping prides itself on providing solutions to clients when something goes wrong, so they can focus on growing their business and have the peace of mind that Rocket Shipping will handle the rest. Rocket Shipping does not operate with contracts or long-term commitments, because it understands that it needs to "earn" your business on every transaction. Rocket Shipping will work with you on a consultative basis to help streamline your supply chain and grow your business sustainably. Rocket Shipping blends technology, rates, and customer service to provide a managed transportation experience for your LTL shipments. Rocket Shipping's API-enabled online portal allows you complete autonomy on rate shopping each lane, and gives you access to the industries top carriers all in one platform. Rocket Shipping's in-house operations team monitors each shipment from pickup to delivery. Learn More About Residential LTL Delivery Perfected Gabe on LinkedIn Rocket Shipping on LinkedIn Rocket Shipping website Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/21/2023 • 55 minutes, 55 seconds
3PL Outsourcing Trends with Ben Steffes
Ben Steffes and Joe Lynch discuss 3PL outsourcing trends. Ben is Vice President of Managed Services at Coyote Logistics, a leading global third-party logistics provider. About Ben Steffes Ben Steffes is Vice President of Managed Services at Coyote Logistics, a leading global third-party logistics provider. Since joining the company in 2011, he's focused on developing and growing its Coyote Transportation Management offerings, driving synergy efforts with UPS, and leading the Supply Chain Consulting team. His primary goal has been leveraging Coyote's proprietary technology, people, and capacity to solve pressing customer challenges. Ben received his bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin – Madison and lives in Milwaukee. About Coyote Logistics Coyote Logistics is a leading global third-party logistics provider that has moved business forward with expertise and integrity for over 15 years. More than 15,000 shippers around the world trust Coyote to move 10,000 loads every day through their comprehensive multi-modal solutions portfolio. Data intelligence and market insights, reliable support and proprietary technology combine with these solutions to enable smarter supply chain decisions and strategies. Coyote became a UPS Company in 2015, adding new services and capabilities to their expanding solutions portfolio. Coyote is the trusted global logistics provider that empowers business growth in a rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways: 3PL Outsourcing Trends Ben Steffes is Vice President of Managed Services at Coyote Logistics, a leading global third-party logistics provider. In the podcast interview, Ben and Joe discussed 3PL outsourcing trends gleaned from Coyote’s research study, “Supply Chain Outsourcing for the Win.” For the study, Coyote worked with a 3rd party research firm to survey over 500 supply chain decision makers. Businesses ranged in size from $250M to over $5B in annual revenue. Industries included manufacturers, retailers, automotive, food & beverage, CPG and healthcare shippers. 81% were from the U.S., and 19% were from Canada. 37% of respondents were managers, 29% were Director or VP, and 26% were executives. Coyote became a UPS Company in 2015, adding new services and capabilities to their expanding solutions portfolio. Coyote provides multi-modal solutions, including full truckload, less than truckload (LTL), intermodal and other capacity or asset solutions, to more than 15,000 shippers around the world. Coyote offers a centralized marketplace that connects shippers to the people, technology, data, and capacity they need to take their supply chain further, faster. Coyote's multi-modal marketplace matches over 10,000 shipments a day. Coyote's data-driven marketplace empowers business growth in a rapidly changing world. Coyote's centralized marketplace helps shippers consolidate a fragmented North American market by connecting them to diverse capacity and resources. Coyote's multi-modal solutions enable shippers to scale up or down with flexible multi-modal and equipment solutions. Coyote's proprietary technology, CoyoteGO, gives shippers online access to a large marketplace, allowing them to quickly generate quotes, build loads, run reports, and track shipments on-demand. Coyote is committed to providing a better service experience in the transportation industry, raising the standards for service metrics and customer satisfaction. Learn More 3PL Outsourcing Trends Ben on LinkedIn Coyote Logistics on LinkedIn Coyote Logistics website Coyote Upcoming Events Supply Chain Outsourcing for the Win Taking a Both/And Approach to Supply Chain Outsourcing Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/19/2023 • 51 minutes, 41 seconds
The State of Containerized Shipping with Brian Kempisty
Brian Kempisty and Joe Lynch discuss the state of containerized shipping. Brian is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. About Brian Kempisty Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian grew up as a farm kid outside of Buffalo, NY and learned how to work at a young age. While earning his degree at Canisius College he needed a job and found himself working in the logistics industry. Since those early days, he has run multiple companies and his latest adventure called for him to create Port X Logistics which is a national drayage and transloading company with offices on both coasts. About Port X Logistics Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. With a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and logistics network Port X Logistics can effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics provides drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking to help clients meet their fulfillment and production plans. The team operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ultimate in visibility. Key Takeaways: The State of Containerized Shipping Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. In the podcast interview Brian and Joe discuss the state of containerized shipping including the following topics: West Coast Port labor negotiations Cargo is steadily moving from the West Coast Ports to the East Coast and Gulf Ports The California Ports are more challenging to service because of AB5 and CARB AB5 refers to Assembly Bill 5, a California law that went into effect on January 1, 2020. It is also known as the "Gig Worker Law" or the "Independent Contractor Law." AB5 aims to classify more workers as employees rather than independent contractors, CARB emissions refer to emissions of pollutants regulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. They offer drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking services. Port X utilizes a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and a logistics network to effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and provides the ultimate in visibility. They have a strong focus on culture, service, technology, and trucks. Port X Logistics provides drayage to and from all ports and ramps in the USA and Canada. Port X Logistics provides safe and just-in-time truckload services, unique problem-solving for supply chain solutions, worry-free crisis management services, and collaborative and dedicated project management from start to finish. Learn More About The State of Containerized Shipping Brian on LinkedIn Port X Logistics on LinkedIn Port X Logistics website Port X Logistics Latest Port Report Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/17/2023 • 52 minutes, 18 seconds
Real Time Container Tracking with Kyle Henderson
Kyle Henderson and Joe Lynch discuss real time container tracking, which is exactly what Kyle and his team do at Vizion. Kyle is Co-founder and CEO of Vizion, a groundbreaking technology company revolutionizing container tracking in the logistics industry. About Kyle Henderson Kyle Henderson is Co-founder and CEO of Vizion, a groundbreaking technology company revolutionizing container tracking in the logistics industry. With a wealth of experience as a repeat entrepreneur and a veteran in product management, development, and design, Kyle has played pivotal roles in nine early-stage technology startups, including senior product management positions at renowned companies like Fullstory, ClearMetal, Nokia, and NAVTEQ. Prior to his current venture, Kyle dedicated three years to developing a cutting-edge control tower solution for supply chain management. Faced with the challenge of limited data availability, he co-founded Vizion, an API-first solution empowering cargo owners, freight forwarders, and software providers to achieve true supply chain visibility by tracking ocean freight in near real-time. Vizion's remarkable success led to Series A funding in summer 2022, and its API is now utilized by companies worldwide. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science from Berry College in beautiful Rome, Ga. About Vizion Vizionis a leading tech company that revolutionizes container tracking in the logistics industry. Traditionally, cargo owners and freight forwarders had to rely on manual methods such as calling carriers or visiting websites to track containers across ocean and rail. Vizion changes the game by providing multiple data sources that are already connected, offering instant-on capabilities. Their API normalizes data from various sources, including EDI, AIS, port-terminal events, and direct connections to Class I railways. With data refreshed multiple times daily, latency is reduced to 6 hours or less. Vizion automatically pushes complete, standardized, and detailed container tracking events to any software system or spreadsheet, providing end-to-end visibility for logistic service providers, shippers, and stakeholders. Key Takeaways: Real Time Container Tracking Kyle Henderson is Co-founder and CEO of Vizion, a groundbreaking technology company revolutionizing container tracking in the logistics industry. In the podcast interview, Kyle and Joe discuss real time container tracking. Vizon provides multiple data sources for tracking containers across ocean and rail. The company offers instant-on capabilities, allowing users to track containers without the need to call carriers or visit websites. Vizon's API normalizes data from various sources, including EDI, AIS, port-terminal events, and direct connections to Class I railways. The data is refreshed multiple times daily, reducing latency to 6 hours or less. Vizon automatically pushes complete, standardized, and detailed container tracking events to any software system or spreadsheet. The company has recently launched intermodal rail tracking, providing direct connections to the 7 Class I railways in North America. Users can access real-time container tracking data through Vizon's API, pushing the information to spreadsheets, ERPs, TMS, or other software systems. Vizon allows users to track containers by entering container numbers or master bill of lading. The company's API also provides port and terminal events to enhance visibility, including Last Free Date alerts and Available for Pickup notifications. Vizon serves a wide range of customers, including 3rd Wave, Anvyl, Blackstone Shipping, Freight Mango, Geodis, Mohawk, Overhaul, Redwood, Revolution Beauty, Visco, gtms, and Samsonite. Learn More About Real Time Container Tracking Kyle on LinkedIn Vizion on LinkedIn Vizion YouTube Channel Vizion website Vizion Resource Hub: Whitepapers, Case Studies, & Use Case Guides Episode Sponsor: Tomorrow.io The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen Trucking & Road Solutions: Weather Intelligence for Logistics & Transportation Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/14/2023 • 50 minutes, 55 seconds
Fulfilment vs. Micro-Fulfillment with Corey Apirian
Corey Apirian and Joe Lynch discuss fulfillment vs. micro-fulfillment. Corey, CEO of Davinci Micro Fulfillment, supports brands with an end-to-end solution for efficient direct-to-consumer eCommerce fulfillment. About Corey Apirian Corey Apirian is the CEO of Davinci Micro Fulfillment. With over 15 years of senior management experience, Corey is an accomplished Supply Chain and Operations Leader. He has a track record of driving significant growth, savings, and exceptional service through the development and execution of effective strategies. Corey specializes in ecommerce and channel merchandising, aligning operational initiatives with corporate objectives. He is skilled in building and leading high-performing teams that thrive on inclusion, collaboration, and engagement. Corey is also proficient in product development and management, successful contract negotiations, continuous improvements, emerging technologies, and cultivating key relationships and partnerships. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain Management from Syracuse University. About Davinci Micro Fulfillment Davinci Micro Fulfillment Solutions partners with consumer brands to support their fast forward fulfillment with an end-to-end solution that includes front-end merchandising, inventory optimization and fulfillment services provided from our micro-fulfillment centers. Davinci’s MFC locations are strategically located throughout the US and sized to minimize lead-time (same day to 1-2 days shipping time to consumers) and cost. Each MFC is operated to maximize flexibility and focused on forward deployed inventory and fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Fulfillment vs. Micro-Fulfillment Corey Apirian, CEO of Davinci Micro Fulfillment, supports brands with an end-to-end solution for efficient direct-to-consumer eCommerce fulfillment. In the podcast interview, Corey and Joe discuss fulfillment vs. micro-fulfillment. Fulfillment refers to the process of receiving, processing, and delivering customer orders. It involves tasks such as picking and packing products, managing inventory, and shipping orders to customers. Micro-fulfillment, on the other hand, is a specific type of fulfillment that takes place in small fulfillment centers located in close proximity to the end customer. Micro fulfillment focuses on fast and efficient fulfillment, with the goal of minimizing lead time and cost. Micro-fulfillment centers are strategically located throughout the country and are designed to reach any zip code in 2 days or less. Davinci Micro Fulfillment Solutions partners with consumer brands to provide end-to-end fulfillment services from their strategically located micro-fulfillment centers. Their micro-fulfillment centers are designed for fast, forward fulfillment, with shipping times of same day to 1-2 days to consumers. Davinci offers Micro Fulfillment as a Service, using technology in a physical location network to market, sell, fulfill, and ship products for brands and retailers. Their Davinci Quadron service provides a seamless experience for consumers, placing products where they want to purchase and ensuring quick product movement. With hyper-local micro-fulfillment centers throughout the US, Davinci enables parcel delivery in 1, 2, and same-day service within a 90-mile radius. Davinci provides a full-service operation that covers every function in the supply chain, from point of origin to point of consumption, reducing operating expenses and expediting inventory turnover. Their micro-fulfillment centers promise 1-day ground delivery to over 60% of the continental US and 2-day delivery to 100%. Davinci's front-end merchandising team helps brands develop strategies for presenting products on eCommerce platforms, optimizing pricing, content, and more. They offer network optimization services to curate the right products in the right quantities in the right locations, guaranteeing efficient and profitable shipment. Davinci supports various integration methods, including API and EDI, and can handle different types of shipments, including LTL, bulk, and small parcel. Learn More About Fulfillment vs. Micro-Fullfillment Corey on LinkedIn Davinci Micro Fulfillment on LinkedIn Davinci Micro Fulfillment website Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/12/2023 • 57 minutes, 25 seconds
Painless Retail Returns with Christian Piller
Christian Piller and Joe Lynch discuss painless retail returns. Christian is a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Pollen, a technology platform revolutionizing the reverse supply chain for retailers with pickups from consumers’ doorsteps for less than a standard return shipping label. About Christian Piller Christian Piller is a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Pollen Technologies, Inc. (ReturnsSuck.com) where he is responsible for business development, fundraising, sales, and strategy. Christian brings 15+ years’ experience of supply chain execution, strategy, and digitalization from project44, Amazon, and Grainger. He is a Lecturer at DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and an Instructor for the University of Tennessee’s Executive Education for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He is Purdue University’s Mitch E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business 2023 Young Alumni Award winner. Christian earned his bachelor’s from Purdue University. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Chicago. About Pollen Pollen Technologies is a groundbreaking technology platform that is revolutionizing the reverse supply chain for retailers. With a focus on returns, Pollen helps retailers sell and save millions by plugging its technology into existing logistic ecosystems. By orchestrating a "door to warehouse" label/box-less pickup at no additional cost to the retailer, Pollen can free up billions in working capital that is often trapped in excess inventory. Additionally, Pollen's innovative approach minimizes millions of tons of waste, making it an environmentally friendly solution. Unlike traditional methods, Pollen does not require overhead costs such as drivers, rented space, or sort centers. Instead, it leverages a network of gig economy, rideshare partners, and shippers to facilitate pickups from consumers' doorsteps. With its patented technology, Pollen is transforming returns from a cost to a profit center for retailers. Key Takeaways: Painless Retail Returns Christian Piller is a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Pollen, a technology platform revolutionizing the reverse supply chain for retailers with pickups from consumers’ doorsteps for less than a standard return shipping label. In the podcast interview, Christian and Joe discuss painless retail returns, which is exactly what Pollen provides to their customers. Pollen helps retailers sell and save millions through returns. Pollen plugs its technology into existing logistic ecosystems to orchestrate a "door to warehouse" label/box-less pickup at no additional cost to the retailer. Pollen frees billions in working capital trapped in excess inventory and minimizes millions of tons of waste. Pollen is the first technology platform revolutionizing the reverse supply chain for retailers with pickups from consumers' doorsteps for less than a standard return shipping label. Pollen requires no overhead like drivers, rented space in a retail location, or sort centers. Pollen lays on top of existing supply chain solutions to orchestrate pickups through a network of gig economy, rideshare partners, and shippers. Pollen does not require a box or label to pick up - that's something they've patented. Pollen's solutions include "door to warehouse" synchronization of the existing supply chain, market your business with branded returns, faster recovery and reinjection of products into existing inventory lines, consolidation to streamline warehouse flows, sustainable packaging waste reduction, and verified item validation at pickup. Pollen's pick up service is available across 20,000 locations, covering 95% of the US. Pollen's technology transforms returns from a cost to a profit center, resulting in happy customers, increased post-return buy rates, reduced return fraud, and improved cart conversion rates. Learn More About Painless Retail Returns Christian on LinkedIn Pollen on LinkedIn Pollen website Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/10/2023 • 48 minutes, 38 seconds
The Next Frontier in Food Logistics with Alexis Mizell-Pleasant
Alexis Mizell-Pleasant and Joe Lynch discuss the next frontier in food logistics. Alexis is Managing Editor at Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. About Alexis Mizell-Pleasant Alexis Mizell-Pleasant is Managing Editor at Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines where she is responsible for writing, editing, managing the awards programs, overseeing social media, moderating webinars, managing client relationships and more. She has a background in journalism and a diverse resume of experience in many communications roles for companies like the Medical University of South Carolina, Amazon, and a major non-profit in the city of Charleston, SC. She holds a master’s degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University and she is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as an engineer in the nuclear field onboard the USS Ronald Reagan prior to her writing career. About Food Logistics Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics and sister publication Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. About Supply & Demand Chain Executive Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Key Takeaways: The Next Frontier in Food Logistics Alexis Mizell-Pleasant is managing editor at Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. In the podcast interview, Alexis and Joe discuss the next frontier in food logistics. Food Logistics is the only magazine exclusively dedicated to covering the cold food and beverage sector. It is published 6 times a year, providing regular updates and insights into the industry. The magazine reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the food and beverage sector. Its readership includes growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, packagers, and grocers. Food Logistics also caters to professionals in the logistics sector, including transportation, warehousing, distribution, software, and technology. The magazine serves as an excellent source of buyers in various areas of the food and beverage industry. It covers topics related to food and beverage manufacturing, producing, processing, retailing, distributing, restaurant and food service, warehousing, transportation, and storage. Food Logistics provides valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, and innovations. Its subscribers include professionals from manufacturing, retail, distribution, restaurant/foodservice, 3PLs and cold storage providers, ocean ports/carriers, software/technology providers, and cold storage. By focusing solely on the cold food and beverage sector, Food Logistics offers specialized and in-depth coverage of this specific industry segment. Learn More About The Next Frontier in Food Logistics Alexis on LinkedIn Food Logistics on LinkedIn Food Logistics website Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) Women In Supply Chain Forum: Register, inquire about sponsoring and/or speaking and to learn more about this intimate event. Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/7/2023 • 56 minutes, 18 seconds
REPOST: Retail Delivery Trends with Matt Schultz
Matt Schultz and Joe Lynch discuss retail delivery trends. Matt is Vice President of Logistics Partnerships at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. About Matt Schultz Matt Schultz is Vice President of Logistic Partnerships at OneRail. OneRail is an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. With a real-time connected network of drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for suitable delivery, so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Matt has played an instrumental role in growing OneRail’s logistic partnership network to more than 10 million drivers, from national delivery companies to small local couriers. His expertise includes start-ups, franchising, business planning & development, operations management, and talent acquisition. About OneRail OneRail is an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. With a real-time connected network of 10 million drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for the right delivery so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Across retail, CPG, distribution, construction, healthcare and more, OneRail offers an exceptional last mile delivery experience with an on-time delivery rate of 98.6%, while keeping brands front and center. To learn more, visit OneRail.com. Key Takeaways: Retail Delivery Trends Matt Schultz is Vice President of Logistic Partnerships at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. In the podcast interview, Joe and Matt discuss retail delivery trends and OneRail’s delivery fulfillment platform that has an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 10 million drivers. 3 retail delivery trends discussed: The marketplace problem – the marketplaces that specialize in retail delivery and pick-up service (usually groceries) are not good for retailers because they: Define and own the customer relationship and all the data, instead of the retailer. Compete directly with the retailers and may entice customers to try other retailers. Charge fees that may cause the retailer to lose money on the transaction. Ownership of the customer, customer data, and the customer experience is increasingly important and retailers need a delivery partner that will consistently execute the retailers vision, while respecting the retailer’s relationship with their customers. To provide the customer experience for both the shipper (retailer) and the customer, a technology orchestration platform is a must have. OneRail’s orchestration platform connect shippers to vetted couriers in real time. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. The OneRail logistics platform is modular, with the flexibility to serve as a standalone platform or integrate with an existing TMS. Learn More About Retail Delivery Trends Matt on LinkedIn OneRail on LinkedIn OneRail The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania Inventory is Everything with Jeff Flowers OneRail Ranks in the Top 50 of the 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List OneRail Named to the FreightTech 100 for the Second Straight Year Recent interview with FreightWaves for ModernShipper Premier Pet Case Study Team OneRail Delivers: OneRail’s Ongoing Corporate Responsibility Initiatives The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/5/2023 • 38 minutes, 54 seconds
REPOST: Becoming a Sales Hunter with Mark Hunter
Mark Hunter and Joe Lynch discuss becoming a Sales Hunter. Mark also known as "The Sales Hunter” helps companies and salespeople find and retain better prospects they can close at full price. About Mark Hunter Mark Hunter is recognized as one of the top 50 most influential sales and marketing leaders in the world. He is author of three books, “High-Profit Prospecting” and “High-Profit Selling” and his newest “A Mind for Sales.” His integrity centered communication strategies are used each day by thousands of people from “Fortune 100” firms to small start-ups. Clients include, American Express, Chubb Insurance, Farm Bureau, Great Western Bank and hundreds more. These same strategies are found in The Sales Hunter University on-line program which in 2020, was ranked as one of the top 10 sales learning programs due its unique style of coaching and engagement with Mark Hunter. Mark has spoken in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and travels more than 200 days per year working with people helping to show them how to find and retain better clients. He’s known for his engaging style that empowers others to move to a higher level. He doesn’t view what he does as a job, he views it as a lifestyle. He believes when you live life helping others you have the ability to create deep relationships that impact others. His mission is to help others see sales in this manner to allow them to increase their influence and impact. Key Takeaways: Becoming a Sales Hunter Mark Hunter, also known as "The Sales Hunter” helps companies and salespeople find and retain better prospects they can close at full price. In the podcast interview, Mark and Joe discuss becoming a sales hunter. During the interview, Mark shares some of the sales strategies he uses in his sales consulting and training practice. Strategy #1 – Know Your Ideal Prospect. Pick a niche and develop a profile for your ideal customer. Stay in your lane – become very knowledgeable in your chosen niche. Strategy #2 – Understand Your Customer’s Problem and How You Solve it. Become an expert in your customer’s problems and your solutions to those problems. Use your new found expertise to engage with similar customers. Strategy #3 – Land and Expand. When you land a new account, you are not closing a deal, you are opening a relationship. Constantly find ways to add more value and to win more business within existing accounts. Strategy #4 – Maintain Profitability. Lowering margins to win business seldom works out for the customer or the salesperson. The Sales Hunter teaches his client how to avoid negotiating and finding serious prospects – ones who not just shopping for price. Mark Hunter has literally written the book(s) on sales. If you want to improve your sale performance connect with Mark or read one of his books: A Mind for Sales High Profit Prospecting High-Profit Selling: Win the Sale Without Compromising on Price Learn More About Becoming a Sales Hunter Mark Hunter LinkedIn The Sales Hunter LinkedIn The Sales Hunter A Mind of Sales High Profit Prospecting Photos The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/3/2023 • 51 minutes, 53 seconds
The Rise of Exosuits with Mark Harris
Mark Harris and Joe Lynch discuss the rise of exosuits. Mark is the CEO of HeroWear, a wearable technology company focused on developing assistive clothing solutions. About Mark Harris Mark is a driven, serial entrepreneur with an innovator’s mindset. At HeroWear, Mark leads a team of amazing engineers, designers, manufacturers, and business experts to launch a line of exosuits that will improve the health, safety, and productivity of workers within the logistics industry. Previously, Mark founded and led Concert Genetics in its mission to connect the Genetic Health Information Network. Mark is deeply involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, having advised startup accelerators, investment groups, and early-stage companies in Nashville, and has been recognized as one of Nashville's Forty Under 40 and was awarded as one of 25 Health Care Heroes selected by the Chamber of Commerce for his contributions and leadership in the community. Mark earned three degrees from Vanderbilt University: a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, and an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management. About HeroWear HeroWear is a wearable technology company that aims to revolutionize physical labor by developing exoskeleton technology to prevent back pain and improve people's lives. Their focus is on providing comfortable, reliable, and effective protection for working men and women in various industries such as warehouses, manufacturing centers, and construction sites. Founded in 2019, HeroWear introduced their first product, the Apex exosuit, in 2020. Since then, thousands of users at hundreds of customers have experienced the benefits of the suit, allowing them to feel better and work smarter. In 2021, HeroWear embarked on a project to develop the SABER exosuit for the US Army, showcasing their expertise and commitment to innovation. In 2023, HeroWear unveiled the Apex 2, the latest advancement in their back-assist exosuit technology. This new iteration is even more comfortable, user-friendly, and durable, incorporating valuable insights gained from real-world usage of the Apex exosuit. With a strong track record and a dedication to improving the lives of workers, HeroWear continues to lead the way in the field of wearable technology for physical labor. Key Takeaways: The Rise of Exosuits Mark Harris is the CEO of HeroWear, a wearable technology company focused on developing assistive clothing solutions. In the podcast interview, Mark and Joe discuss the rise of exosuits, which is what Mark and the HeroWear team provide to the working men and women in various industries such as warehouses, manufacturing centers, and construction. Their first product, the Apex, is a back-assist exosuit designed to reduce strain on the back. The Apex was developed in collaboration with the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology at Vanderbilt University. It is the first exosuit built from the ground up for both men and women. The Apex features a patent-pending dual-mode technology that allows users to easily turn the back assistance on or off. The textile-based design of the Apex is modular, offering over 50 possible combinations for a perfect fit and support. HeroWear also offers the Apex 2, a lightweight back-assist exosuit that focuses on comfort and wearability. The Apex 2 reduces muscle fatigue and strain, providing more energy on the job and a better quality of life outside of work. HeroWear offers an exclusive exo-as-a-service for select companies interested in their technology. They also provide pilot programs and field studies to gather data and equip companies with the information needed to implement exosuit programs. Learn More About The Rise of Exosuits Mark on LinkedIn HeroWear on LinkedIn HeroWear website HeroWear YouTube Channel ROI Calculator Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/30/2023 • 57 minutes, 17 seconds
An Alternative to UPS and FedEx with Mark Lavelle
Mark Lavelle and Joe Lynch discuss an alternative to UPS and FedEx. Mark is the Chief Executive Officer at Maergo, a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery using modern technology and advanced data capabilities. About Mark Lavelle Mark Lavelle is the Chief Executive Officer at Maergo, a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery using modern technology and advanced data capabilities. Mark has over 20 years of experience growing businesses at the intersection of commerce, payments, and internet technology. He’s Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Deep Lake Capital. Previously, Mark was SVP of Commerce at Adobe as a result of the $1.7B acquisition of Magento where he was CEO. Other senior leadership roles include eBay, PayPal and Bill Me Later. About Maergo Serving the fastest growing brands across retail, Maergo simplifies and expedites small parcel delivery. Offering 1-3 day nationwide service, Maergo accelerates the end-to-end ecommerce & delivery experience through a comprehensive, proven network of providers, and simplifies the challenge many brands face of having to manage multiple carriers. Maergo takes care of it all through a single relationship. We deliver the reliability brands have come to count on, while offering freedom from egregious price increases, hidden accessorial fees, and lackluster support often seen from legacy providers. Topped off by improving time-in-transit and lowering your costs, Maergo is reimagining delivery and changing the way the retailers ship and deliver to their customers. Key Takeaways: An Alternative to UPS and FedEx Mark Lavelle is the Chief Executive Officer at Maergo, a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery using modern technology and advanced data capabilities. In the podcast interview, Mark and Joe discuss alternatives to UPS and FedEx. Mark’s company, Maergo is one of those alternatives that many fast growing brands are using to simplify and expedite their small parcel shipments. Maergo simplifies and expedites small parcel delivery for the fastest growing brands across retail. They offer 1-3 day nationwide service, accelerating the end-to-end ecommerce and delivery experience. Maergo has a comprehensive network of providers, eliminating the need for brands to manage multiple carriers. They deliver reliability while avoiding price increases, hidden fees, and lackluster support seen from legacy providers. Maergo improves time-in-transit and lowers costs, reimagining delivery for retailers. They drive higher conversion rates by providing a faster delivery experience for brands. Maergo eliminates the need for expensive regional distribution centers and complex carrier relationships. Their network features include pick-ups seven days a week, flexible sortation, eco-friendly use of passenger flight cargo capacity, and diverse last mile partners. Maergo understands that providing a great shipping experience is crucial for brand success. They offer faster, cheaper, and greener shipping options for high-growth brands, reducing carbon emissions and providing an alternative to legacy carriers. Learn More About An Alternative to UPS and FedEx Mark on LinkedIn Maergo on LinkedIn Maergo website Maergo Blog Maergo Case Studies Report: The 2022 Peak Network Performance Report Report: The 2023 Maergo Post-Purchase Consumer Experience Study UnBoxing with Maergo series Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 47 seconds
Winning at Football and Freight with Desmond Clark
Desmond (Dez) Clark and Joe Lynch discuss winning at football and freight, which is exactly what Dez is up to. Dez is the President of Bear Down Logistics, an asset-based transportation company based in Orlando, Florida. Dez played in the NFL for 12 years, 8 years with the Chicago Bears - hence the company name. About Desmond (Dez) Clark Desmond Clark is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of experiences. He is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a transportation company based in Orlando, Florida. In addition to his work in logistics, Desmond is also a Motivational Speaker and Leadership Trainer-Coach at Dez Clark Speaks. He has also held positions as an Associate Partner at Podium Risk Management, a Principal in Property and Casualty at The Insurance People, and a Financial Advisor at MassMutual. Desmond is also the former President of the Chicago Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. Prior to his successful career in business, Desmond was an NFL athlete, having played for 12 years and with the Chicago Bears for 8 years. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. About Bear Down Logistics Bear Down Logistics is a highly experienced asset-based transportation company that has been operating out of Central Florida for over 30 years. With over 100,000 sq ft of Class-A, bonded warehouse space, the company provides storage, transload, and dry van services. Bear Down Logistics utilizes its company-owned assets for drayage and delivery services throughout the State of Florida, while its brokerage division serves all states and excess capacity needs for its customers. Partnering with 30-year-old company Quick Trip Express, Bear Down Logistics understands the importance of being dependable and producing at the highest level, both internally for its team and externally for its customers. The company's network of over 25,000 carriers allows it to serve a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, lumber, hotel, construction, food, medical, and more. Bear Down Logistics believes in the process of greatness, executing details in excellence consistently over time to deliver premium results. Key Takeaways: Winning at Football and Freight Bear Down Logistics is an asset-based transportation company operating out of Central Florida. The company has over 100,000 square feet of Class-A, bonded warehouse space, providing storage, transload, and dry van services. Bear Down utilize their company-owned assets for drayage and delivery services throughout the State of Florida. Their brokerage division serves all states and their excess capacity needs for their customers. The company serves a wide range of industries including manufacturing, retail, lumber, hotel, construction, food, medical, and more. Bear Down moves a wide variety of commodities including wood products, stone, machinery, metals, furniture, and more. The company has a network of over 25,000 carriers, allowing them to ship for a wide range of industries. They are trusted by 750+ happy clients and offer 24/7 ELD tracking, quick coverage, and on-time deliveries. Bear Down believe in being great and executing the details in excellence consistently over time to deliver premium results. Learn More About Winning at Football and Freight Desmond on LinkedIn Bear Down Logistics on LinkedIn Bear Down Logitics website DC Influence and Leadership Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/26/2023 • 41 minutes, 7 seconds
AI and the Future of Supply Chain with Yossi Sheffi
Dr. Yossi Sheffi and Joe Lynch discuss AI and the future of supply chain, which is the central theme of Yossi’s latest book, The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work. Yossi is the Elisha Gray II professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he serves as Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). About Dr. Yossi Sheffi Dr. Yossi Sheffi is the Elisha Gray II professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he serves as Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL). He is an expert in systems optimization, risk and resilience, and supply chain management, topics he researches and teaches at MIT and other leading business and engineering schools. Professor Sheffi is the author of a 1985 textbook on transportation networks and eight management books, dealing with supply chain resilience, sustainability, industrial clustering, and other business management issues. His latest books include The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19 (2020) and A Shot in the Arm: How Science, Engineering, and Supply Chains Converged to Vaccinate the World (2021). His latest book, The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and The Future of Work, was released in April 2023. Under his leadership, MIT CTL has launched many educational, research, and industry/government outreach programs, including the MIT Master of Engineering in Logistics program in 1998, the MIT Master of Applied Sciences in Supply Chain Management, and the MIT on-line offering, MITx MicroMasters program in supply chain management. Launched in 2016, the program had its one millionth registrant at the end of 2022. Outside academia, Professor Sheffi has consulted with numerous government agencies as well as leading manufacturing, retail, and transportation enterprises all over the world. He is also an active entrepreneur, having founded five successful companies, all acquired by larger enterprises, and a sought-after speaker at corporate and professional events. About The Magic Conveyor Belt (Yossi's new book) The societal and economic spasms of the early 2020s highlighted the crucial role of world-spanning supply chains in the modern global economy, as well as the growing role of digital technology, including A.I. and automation, in the future economy. In The Magic Conveyor Belt, MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi explains what supply chains are, how they operate, and how the integration of advanced technology with people and processes will be the hallmark of future supply chain management. Professor Sheffi lays the foundation for understanding supply chains and the characteristics that make them complex. In Part 1 of the book, “The Global Dance,” he delves into the often-hidden intrinsic structure of supply chains to ground the reader in the challenges of managing the mammoth networks involved. Part 2, “Further Complexity and Challenges,” shows how the last 50 years have added even more complexity to supply chains. This part covers the rising demand for goods, as well as the increasing consumer expectations for fast, perfect delivery services. The capabilities and future roles of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are changing and augmenting the jobs held by workers—covered in Parts 3 and 4. Elements of the book trace the implications of multiple trends in the operating environment for tomorrow’s global supply chains, as they change and augment the jobs held by workers. While many of the new skills require technical knowhow, it is social skills, ironically, that may be a key for future human employment in an economy dominated by technology. About MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics has been a global leader in supply chain management innovation, education, and research for fifty years. It has educated practitioners worldwide and has helped numerous companies gain a competitive advantage from its cutting-edge research. Key Takeaways: AI and the Future of Supply Chain Dr. Yossi Sheffi is the Elisha Gray II professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he serves as Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL). In the podcast interview, Yossi and Joe discuss AI and the future of supply chain, which is the central theme of Yossi’s latest book, The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work The topics below were touched on in the podcast and covered in much more depth in Yossi's book, The Magic Conveyor Belt: Demystifying the murky depths, twists, and turns of supply chains. A.I. - job killer or job creator? The 5th Industrial Revolution: Why human and A.I. collaboration is the future. Exploring the complex production systems of consumer goods, from Grape-Nuts to diapers. The March of the Machines: fears of job-stealing tech across time. Following the journey of the t-shirt from factory to retailer. How critical components can flip a supply chain from plenty to shortages. The impact of digital technology on supply chain management. Technology is not enough – the drawbacks of automated systems. The challenge of entry-level employment for future generations. Five skills to retain employment in a world with growing levels of automation. Future trends in world supply chains and economies. Six areas humans surpass computers in supply chain operations. Environmental sustainability and the impact of climate change on supply chains. Why supply chains actually worked well during the pandemic. How technology is the key to sustainability. Learn More About AI and the Future of Supply Chain Dr. Yossi Sheffi on LinkedIn The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics on LinkedIn MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics with Chris Caplice Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/23/2023 • 58 minutes, 5 seconds
Revolutionizing Freight Forwarding Using Tech with Lionel van der Walt
Lionel van der Walt and Joe Lynch discuss revolutionizing freight forwarding using tech, which is exactly what Raft does. Lionel is the Chief Growth Officer of Raft, an intelligent logistics platform that automates AP invoices, customs, shipping documents, and pre-alert workflows significantly reducing manual work while increasing accuracy and compliance for freight forwarders and customs brokers. About Lionel van der Walt Lionel van der Walt is currently the Chief Growth Officer at Raft and an industry thought leader on sustainability in supply chain with over 20 years of international executive leadership experience. He began his career in the South African Air Force and later spent more than a decade with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he held various leadership positions in South Africa, Spain, and the United States, including President of Cargo Network Services Corp., IATA’s U.S. cargo subsidiary. Lionel served as Chief Executive Officer at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), then as President and Chief Executive Officer, Americas, followed by Global Chief Commercial Officer at PayCargo. He has also been a member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and PayCargo’s Board of Directors. Lionel holds an MBA in Strategy and General Management from Milpark Business School in South Africa and has also qualified as an Air Traffic Controller and Aircraft Maintenance Technician. About Raft Raft is the intelligent logistics platform that’s rewriting the technology playbook for freight forwarders and customs brokers in the automation era. They empower their customers to drive efficiency and deliver more value to their end-customers by automating and orchestrating the entire shipment lifecycle—from operations, finance, customs, and sales to visibility and emissions reporting. Raft combines the power of unified data, communications, and workflows with the speed and scale of AI and third-party connectivity, freeing up teams to focus on higher value work while reducing costs and driving profitability. Founded in 2017, Raft serves 60 freight forwarders in 30+ countries globally, including several of the A&A’s Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders List, and is used to manage over 300k shipments per month, saving its customers up to 2 hours on every shipment. Key Takeaways: Revolutionizing Freight Forwarding Using Tech Lionel van der Walt is the Chief Growth Officer of Raft, an intelligent logistics platform that automates AP invoices, customs, shipping documents, and pre-alert workflows significantly reducing manual work while increasing accuracy and compliance for freight forwarders and customs brokers. In the podcast interview, Lionel and Joe discuss revolutionizing freight forwarding using tech. Raft is a technology company that specializes in AI and machine learning The company was founded in 2017 by co-founders James Coombes (CEO) and Nisarg Mehta (CTO) Raft's mission is to transform global supply chain execution with AI Raft helps key players in the logistics industry apply AI to their daily tasks and customer interactions Raft's intelligent logistics platform is used to manage 300k shipments per month, saving its customers up to 2 hours on every shipment Raft serves more than 60 freight forwarders in 30+ countries globally, including several of those featured in the A&A’s Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders List The company is headquartered in London, and also has offices in Chicago and Mumbai Learn More About Revolutionizing Freight Forwarding Using Tech Lionel on LinkedIn Raft on LinkedIn Raft website Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/21/2023 • 56 minutes, 24 seconds
Key Takeaways from TMSA Elevate with Trey Griggs
Trey Griggs and Joe Lynch discuss key takeaways from TMSA Elevate, a conference held in Savannah, Georgia on June 11, 12, and 13. TMSA is the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, a non-profit organization for sales and marketing professionals in transportation and logistics. Trey Griggs, Founder of the Beta Consulting Group was an emcee for the event. About Trey Griggs Trey Griggs is a successful sales and marketing professional with a diverse background in education, youth ministry, and technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Beta Consulting Group, where he helps logistics companies improve their sales and marketing outcomes through consulting, coaching, and connecting. Trey began his career as a high school physics teacher and coach, as well as a youth pastor, before transitioning to sales and marketing. He gained valuable experience in door-to-door office supply sales before joining a technology company in transportation and logistics. Trey quickly excelled in his role, earning Sales Rep of the Year and leading the team in revenue-generation for three consecutive years. He is known for building a personal brand on social media, creating familiarity and trust among prospects, clients, and partners. Trey is also a skilled writer, producing website content, blogs, white papers, customer testimonials, and social media content. C-level executives and sales and marketing leaders rely on Trey to promote collaboration between teams and grow revenue. About Beta Consulting Group BETA Consulting Group is in the business of building brands through foundational messaging and customer testimonial videos, along with creating relevant content for the transportation industry through LinkedIn LIVE shows and industry events to entertain, educate and inspire. Trey collaborates with industry titans in sales and marketing to ensure his clients have the best resources to build their brands and drive revenue growth. About Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) Sales and marketing professionals in the logistics and transportation industry come to the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA)as the place to learn, to grow, to have fun together and to make lasting connections. Members enjoy access to live events, virtual forums and exclusive member-only benefits. The association was founded in 1924 and has gone through many names and iterations throughout the years, but it’s mission to be the resource for its members has never changed. Key Takeaways From TMSA Elevate Trey Griggs is the Founder and CEO of Beta Consulting Group, where he helps logistics companies improve their sales and marketing outcomes through consulting, coaching, and connecting. Trey was an emcee for TMSA Elevate, a conference held in Savannah, Georgia on June 11, 12, and 13. TMSA is the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, a non-profit organization for sales and marketing professionals in transportation and logistics. TMSA provides opportunities for members to learn, make lasting connections, and access member-only benefits. TMSA is focused on building relationships within the community of sales and marketers in transportation and logistics. TMSA offers resources to help members elevate their skill set, including attending the TMSA Annual Conference, webinars, virtual roundtables, and networking opportunities. TMSA's mission is to enable transportation and logistics sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the industry through education, connections, and resources. TMSA is the pre-eminent non-profit sales and marketing association that transportation and logistics professionals turn to for industry-specific education, connections, and resources. TMSA has multiple levels of membership to fit the needs of individual professionals and businesses. TMSA was founded in 1924 as a railroad-based association and has evolved with the marketplace throughout its existence. TMSA is the only association dedicated to advancing the success of marketing and sales professionals in all modes of the commercial freight transportation market. TMSA offers a variety of resources to its members, including access to a complete database of past webinars, conference presentations, and award submissions. Learn More About Beta Consulting Group Trey on LinkedIn Trey on Twitter Trey on TikTok Trey on Instagram Trey on Facebok Beta Consulting Group on LinkedIn Beta Consulting Group website Beta's Podcasts Learn More About TMSA Elevate Winning the Logistics Talent War with Charlie Saffro TMSA Key Takeaways with Jennifer Karpus-Romain TMSA Elevate Debrief Webinar Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/19/2023 • 45 minutes, 17 seconds
REPOST: The Tusk Logistics Story with Ben Emmrich
Ben Emmrich and Joe Lynch discuss the Tusk Logistcis story. Ben is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk, a small parcel shipping network driving value through lower prices, faster deliveries, and great service. About Ben Emmrich Ben Emmrich is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk. Ben has spent his career at the overlap of small parcel shipping and ecommerce and led operations and strategic partnerships at Google Shopping and Shippo before building Tusk. Having seen the small parcel industry from many angles -- as an operator, software provider and start-up -- Ben is a firm believer that any small parcel delivery provider's sole focus should be on making a meaningful, honest impact for its shippers and that volume follows value. About Tusk Logistics Tusk puts professional shippers first, unlocking previously unachievable savings and offering peace of mind with reliable technology, easy integrations, and great service. Founded in 2021 by Ben Emmrich and Adam Hipp, Tusk expands the possibility for shippers by connecting them to a national network of regional parcel carriers that offers reliable, predictable service at a significant savings – usually 30-40% lower than UPS or FedEx. Tusk instantly lowers shipping costs with pre-negotiated rates, eliminates “new carrier headache” with easy integrations and offers superior, proactive shipper support. Key Takeaways: The Tusk Logistics Story Ben Emmrich is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk, a small parcel shipping network driving value through lower prices, faster deliveries, and great service. In the podcast interview, Ben and Joe talked about the small parcel market and the founding of Tusk Logistics. Small parcel shipping has seen explosive growth due to the rise of ecommerce. Most shippers that need to move a lot of ecommerce small parcel shipments, use FedEx, UPS, or USPS because these companies have a nationwide service area, and they do a great job. In addition to the dominant players (UPS, FedEx, etc.) there are a lot of regional small parcel carriers who provide a tremendous value, but they don’t have the nationwide service area. Tusk Logistics is laser focused on shippers and they have developed a technology/service that gives high volume small parcel shippers the ability to leverage the superior service and cost savings that the regional players provide – without sacrificing the nationwide service area. Tusk has connected the leading regional small parcel companies into a network that covers most of the USA (and growing all the time). The Tusk technology provides shippers a seamless experience while saving 30-40% on small parcel shipping. Learn More About The Tusk Logistics Story Ben on LinkedIn Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics got its name because Ben's daughters love the song Tusk by Fleetwood Mac A Modern Approach to EDI with Jonathan Kish The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/16/2023 • 55 minutes, 20 seconds
The Top 100 Logistics Companies with Seth Clevenger
Seth Clevenger and Joe Lynch discuss the top 100 logistics companies. Seth is Managing Editor of features at Transport Topics. He plans, writes and edits news features for Transport Topics’ weekly newspaper, supplemental publications and TTNews.com. About Seth Clevenger Seth Clevenger is Managing Editor of features at Transport Topics. He plans, writes and edits news features for Transport Topics’ weekly newspaper, supplemental publications and TTNews.com. He also creates video and audio content for Transport Topics’ webcasts, podcasts and radio programming. Clevenger, who joined TT in 2011, covers the latest industry news with a special focus on transportation technology, including automated vehicles and driver-assist systems, the latest developments in trucking equipment, transportation management software, telematics and mobile communications, data analytics, routing and navigation software, onboard video and more. Clevenger, currently based in Alexandria, Va., is a native of northwest Ohio. He is a 2005 graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. About Transport Topics Since 1935, Transport Topics has been the news leader in trucking and freight transportation. When it comes to major issues, industry events, and new developments, TT journalists get the story first and get it right, keeping readers informed about all aspects of the trucking industry and helping them stay ready for what's to come. Key Takeaways: The Top 100 Logistics Companies Seth Clevenger is Managing Editor of features at Transport Topics. He plans, writes, and edits news features for Transport Topics’ weekly newspaper, supplemental publications and TTNews.com. In the podcast interview, Seth and Joe discuss the top 100 logistics companies. Below are some highlights from Seth’s article, 2023 Top 100 Logistics List Highlights Growth for 3PLs. Despite a challenging economic environment and less favorable market conditions, the largest third-party logistics companies in North America continued to grow last year. Spot freight demand has softened, and truck capacity has loosened since the frenetic days of the 2021 freight boom. Shippers have replenished their inventories after struggling with supply chain bottlenecks during the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. An overwhelming majority of the 3PLs that appear on the 2023 Transport Topics Top 100 Logistics Companies list continued to grow their revenues last year. The annual list ranks companies on the basis of annual gross revenue generated by their logistics operations, including freight brokerage, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution and asset-based dedicated contract carriage. Freight brokerage giant C.H. Robinson Worldwide holds onto its No. 1 ranking by a significant margin. Ryder Supply Chain Solutions climbed into the top 10 after expanding its revenue to $6.5 billion last year. Armada Supply Chain Solutions acquired St. Louis-based freight brokerage Sunset Transportation and lands at No. 13 on the Top 100 with more than $5.5 billion in revenue. Several companies are making their first appearance on the Top 100 this year, including RXO, Ryan Transportation Service, Scotlynn Group, Canada Cartage, KAG Logistics, and Logistics Plus. The Top 100 list and the accompanying sector rankings were produced in collaboration with industry research and consulting firm Armstrong & Associates. Learn More About The Top 100 Logistics Companies Seth on LinkedIn Transport Topicst on LinkedIn Transport Topics website Road Signs Podcast Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/14/2023 • 52 minutes, 46 seconds
Streamlining the Beverage Supply Chain with Matt Zimmer
Matt Zimmer and Joe Lynch discuss streamlining the beverage supply chain. Matt is the President and Advisory Board member of Zengistics, a logistics partner that provides scalable transportation and logistics services using a shared cloud platform and a network of carriers. About Matt Zimmer Matt Zimmer is the President and Advisory Board member of Zengistics, a logistics partner that provides scalable transportation and logistics services using a shared cloud platform and a network of carriers. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Flash Global, where he managed all operations, partner network, account management, solutions/implementations, trade & compliance, and global command centers. He also held the position of Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions at Flash Global, where he drove customer partnerships and organically grew revenue and service offerings. Before that, he was the Head of Global Purchasing and Strategy at Wilsonart LLC, where he managed worldwide procurement, supply chain, logistics, and growth strategy for 8 global business units. He also held leadership positions at Flextronics, Pinnacle Data Systems, and e-Play, LLC. He holds a BS and MBA in Business Administration and Management, General from Franklin University and has completed an Executive Education Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. About Zengistics Zengistics, a comprehensive logistics company, excels in resolving complex supply chain challenges through managed transportation services and transportation-as-a-service, fortified by our partnership with Turvo. By harmoniously combining advanced technology with our team of industry professionals, they deliver top-tier customer service and data-driven supply chain solutions. Zengistics facilitate seamless cooperation among shippers, carriers, and drivers. Their services offer complete transparency and encompass a broad range of transportation types, from dry van and reefer to heavy haul and cold chain across North America. Zengistics extends the realm of logistics, providing expertly managed services for scalable growth and maximized efficiency. Key Takeaways: Streamlining the Beverage Supply Chain Matt Zimmer is the President and Advisory Board member of Zengistics, a logistics partner that provides scalable transportation and logistics services using a shared cloud platform and a network of carriers. In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss streamlining the beverage supply chain, a market segment where Zengistics excels. Zengistics is a comprehensive logistics company that excels in resolving complex supply chain challenges through managed transportation services and transportation-as-a-service. Zengistics is fortified by its partnership with Turvo, which allows it to combine advanced technology with its team of industry professionals to deliver top-tier customer service and data-driven supply chain solutions. Zengistics facilitates seamless cooperation among shippers, carriers, and drivers, offering complete transparency and encompassing a broad range of transportation types across North America. Zengistics extends the realm of logistics, providing expertly managed services for scalable growth and maximized efficiency. Zengistics operates on the world's first collaborative logistics platform, which allows for smarter collaboration among shippers, carriers, and drivers to get things done faster. Zengistics offers end-to-end solutions for carriers and shippers, providing complete transparency throughout the entire supply chain and connectivity into its established network of partners. Zengistics uses industry-leading technology platforms to enhance the ability of its logistics experts to provide efficiency, connectivity, visibility, and high-level service. Zengistics offers a consultative approach to complex projects that delivers a tailored logistics network, providing a personalized solution to optimize each shipper's unique supply chain. Zengistics' Managed Services offering utilizes a logistics network optimization model to take a holistic approach to the specific needs of its customers, planning for the future and mapping the best execution for creating scalable growth with optimized rates and high efficiency. Zengistics' technology platforms and collaboration portal provide complete end-to-end transparency and matures as a business evolves, allowing for on-demand data analytics, lane optimization, capacity sourcing, and LTL consolidation. Learn More About Streamlining the Beverage Supply Chain Matt on LinkedIn Zengistics on LinkedIn Zengistics website Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/12/2023 • 54 minutes, 23 seconds
Faster EDI is a Competitive Advantage with Erik Kiser
Erik Kiser and Joe Lynch discuss why faster EDI is a competitive advantage. Erik is the Founder and CEO of Orderful, a complete cloud EDI platform that is revolutionizing the way manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies trade EDI data. About Erik Kiser Erik Kiser is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for revolutionizing the world of EDI. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, he has honed his skills in a variety of roles, from hands-on integration work to high-level strategic advising. As the founder of Doppio Group, a leading system integrator specializing in EDI, and Orderful Inc, a cutting-edge EDI platform that streamlines supply chain operations, Erik has established himself as a true innovator in the field. He holds a degree in Business Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington, and his expertise and leadership have earned him widespread recognition as a thought leader in the industry. About Orderful Orderful is a complete cloud EDI platform that is revolutionizing the way manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies trade EDI data. The platform includes an API that enables companies to connect once and trade EDI data with their entire supply chain, eliminating the need for point-to-point integrations with trading partners. Orderful's customers go live with new EDI connections in days, leading to improved top-line revenues and bottom-line margins. The product is built for users, bringing control and agility back to supply chain operations. Key Takeaways: Faster EDI is a Competitive Advantage Erik Kiser is the Founder and CEO of Orderful, a complete cloud EDI platform that is revolutionizing the way manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies trade EDI data. In the podcast interview, Erik and Joe discuss why faster EDI is a competitive advantage. Orderful is a complete cloud EDI platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies. Forward-thinking companies are using Orderful to replace their existing EDI infrastructure. The platform includes an API that enables companies to connect once and trade EDI data with their entire supply chain. Orderful's customers go live with new EDI connections in days leading to improved top-line revenues and bottom-line margins. Orderful's modern EDI platform standardizes integrations and streamlines testing, getting your business connected with partners 10x faster than other solutions. Orderful's cloud-native architecture modernizes your enterprise IT landscape and lets you onboard partners easily and quickly. The product is built for your users, bringing control and agility back to your supply chain operations. Orderful allows you to integrate your enterprise applications to Orderful once leveraging our easy-to-use canonical API. Orderful provides you with a payload structure for each transaction type consolidating the EDI requirements of all your partners. Learn More About Faster EDI is a Competitive Advantage Erik on LinkedIn Orderful on LinkedIn Orderful website A Modern Approach to EDI with Jonathan Kish Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty Episode Sponsor: Lean Solutions Group Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/9/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds
Investing in Future Sales with Michelle LeBlanc
Michelle LeBlanc and Joe Lynch discuss investing in future sales. Michelle is the CEO and Founder of Drop & Hook Content, a social media and content marketing agency purpose-built for the transportation and logistics industry. About Michelle LeBlanc Drop & Hook CEO and Founder Michelle LeBlanc has been a marketing professional for over a decade and has specialized in work with transportation and logistics companies since 2014. Over that time she has worked with a range of startups, local businesses, and Fortune 500 brands, including TFI International, CFI, Wreaths Across America, Imaginnovate, Fleet Enable, IMC Companies, Core-Mark International/Performance Foods Group, and PalletTrader/Bettaway Logistics. She has been a featured speaker on social media and content marketing at a range of industry events and currently serves on the board of the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association. About Drop & Hook Drop & Hook is a social media and content marketing agency purpose-built for the transportation and logistics industry. When you work with drop & hook, you can count on our team to bring more than a decade of industry experience to the conversation. We’re experts in building employer brands, creating trucking trends, engaging niche communities, and making email open rates climb. But more importantly, we’re good listeners. We’ll take the time to learn your business, get to know your unique audience and develop your brand’s voice. Then we’ll build the solutions you need to know that social media and content marketing are simply handled. Key Takeaways: Investing in Future Sales Michelle LeBlanc is the CEO and Founder of Drop & Hook Content, a social media and content marketing agency purpose-built for the transportation and logistics industry. Drop & Hook is a content marketing agency that specializes in social media and community management. The company has over a decade of experience in building employer brands, creating trucking trends, engaging niche communities, and making email open rates climb. Drop & Hook Content is known for being good listeners and taking the time to learn their clients' businesses, unique audiences, and brand voices. The company offers a range of services, including community management, influencer marketing, user-generated content, social media strategy, paid social, creative concepting, content and copy creation, inbound and marketing automation, and social media training. Drop & Hook Content believes that great stories are what tie all marketing efforts together and can help clients identify and serve those stories to the right audience. The company offers a six to eight-week discovery project to define clients' social media and content strategies. Drop & Hook Content provides creative campaign concepts that can be extended across multiple channels and platforms for a fully integrated experience. The company offers community management services, including inbound message monitoring and response, reputation and review management, group moderation, or message scheduling and publishing. Drop & Hook Content provides copywriting and content production services for paid advertising copy, organic social media post copy, blog posts, email marketing, newsletters, and more. Learn More About Investing in Future Sales Michelle on LinkedIn Michelle e-mail Drop & Hook on LinkedIn Drop & Hook website Drop & Hook Case Studies TMSA Elevate 2023 Michelle's Calendar Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/7/2023 • 58 minutes, 29 seconds
The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking with Blake Grolmus
Blake Grolmus and Joe Lynch discuss the overlooked advantage in trucking. Blake serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned dedicated logistics provider since 1932. About Blake Grolmus Blake Grolmus serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems. Blake joined Ruan in 2017, leading the company’s new customer onboarding and continuous improvement activities before taking a leadership role in Ruan’s Gases and Chemicals bulk hazmat operating group. He assumed his current role leading Ruan’s safety and compliance teams in 2022. Prior to Ruan, Blake worked in various progressive supply chain roles at Target and grew up in a small business family. Blake was raised in Williamsburg, Iowa and earned his undergraduate degrees in Finance, Real Estate, and Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. Blake is a member of the American Trucking Associations’ Safety Policy Committee and serves on the Board of Directors and the LEAD Council for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Blake is also a member of his local city council and volunteers time with outdoor conservation and youth sports organizations. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 90 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 5,000 team members. Key Takeaways: The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking Blake Grolmus serves as the Vice President of Safety for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned dedicated logistics provider since 1932. In the podcast interview, Blake and Joe discuss the overlooked advantage in trucking, which is safety. Ruan was the first transportation company to implement a formal safety program in the 1940s. Ruan’s Megasafe Safety Program is their overarching, comprehensive safety structure. The company ensures team members have the safest equipment, ongoing training, and guidance from Ruan’s proprietary Megasafe7 Rules of Safe Driving. Ruan has deployed Lytx Driver Safety Program across its fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles. The company has an ongoing commitment to quality and process improvement. Ruan provides 24/7 customer care from one full-service transportation company. Ruan has over 5,000 team members, including 4,000 truck drivers. The company has 1.5 million square feet of dedicated warehousing space. Ruan is a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. Their Integrated Supply Chain Solutions combine Ruan’s non-asset and asset-based capabilities with optimal technology. Ruan Transportation Management System includes: Dedicated Contract Transportation – With Ruan’s Dedicated Contract Transportation, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer’s company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer’s brand. Managed Transportation – Ruan’s provides a customized third-party logistics solutions that includes mode selection, carrier management, network optimization, certified brokerage services, and more. Value-Added Warehousing – Ruan offers dedicated, Value-Added Warehousing services that combines the best warehouse management system (WMS) and experienced professionals to create the best experience for their customers. Ruan offers the region’s most versatile warehouse space and customized solutions tailored to their customers’ requirements. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions – Ruan offers an integrated supply chain solution that is customized to the customer’s specific needs. The solution may include a combination of the following services: freight brokerage, dedicated fleets, warehousing services, and contract logistics agreements. Learn More About The Overlooked Advantage in Trucking Blake on LinkedIn Ruan Transportation LinkedIn Ruan Transportation Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle The Driver’s Perspective with Dean Key The Ruan Story with Ben McLean Ruan Megasafe Safety Program Ruan Takes Home Seven Awards at ATA’s National Truck Safety and Industrial Safety Contests Ruan Sees Positive Results from Video Safety Program Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/5/2023 • 56 minutes, 11 seconds
Outsourced Sales and Marketing with Ryan Mann
Joe Lynch and Ryan Mann discuss outsourced sales and marketing, which is one of many services provided by Lean Solutions Group. Ryan is the Director of Marketing at Lean Solutions Group which offers a nearshore/offshore model to establish remote satellite offices in Latin America and the Philippines, allowing businesses to build mission-critical teams in just 3-5 weeks to meet customer expectations and accomplish more. About Ryan Mann Ryan Mann is the Director of Marketing at Lean Solutions Group, with a proven track record of success in the industry. He earned his degree in General Studies from Texas Tech University, where he also minored in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Resources Development. With extensive experience in agencies, freelance work, and business marketing, Ryan is a highly skilled strategist and marketer who is passionate about helping businesses grow and connecting people with their goals. Ryan's biggest motivation is his family, and he is dedicated to turning amazing ideas into reality for businesses. He is a natural leader who has led each member of his team with passion and hard work, promoting their best qualities and building team confidence and collaboration. Ryan is also a talented writer, with a love for blogs, essays, short stories, songs, and Haiku. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group is a nearshore and offshore service provider that offers a range of services, including staffing, technology, marketing, sales, and BPO services. The company helps transportation and logistics businesses hire and retain the best talent while keeping costs low. Lean Solutions Group has satellite offices in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Philippines, staffed with qualified bilingual professionals trained in clients' processes and systems. The company has worked with over 500 satisfied U.S.-based transportation and logistics providers since 2014. Lean Solutions Group has a low-cost, low-risk, and low-hassle approach, and their account managers handle the entire process. The company has a highly scalable and flexible workforce of over 9,000 employees with operations at seven satellite offices. Lean Solutions Group has ranked four years in a row on the Inc.500 list for fastest-growing private companies in America and has obtained recognitions like Best Place to Work and landed on the FreightTech List of most innovative companies in the transportation and logistics industry. Key Takeaways: Outsourced Sales and Marketing Ryan is the Director of Marketing at Lean Solutions Group which offers a nearshore/offshore model to establish remote satellite offices in Latin America and the Philippines, allowing businesses to build mission-critical teams in just 3-5 weeks to meet customer expectations and accomplish more. In the podcast interview, Ryan and Joe discuss outsourced sales and marketing, a service that Ryan and the LSG team provides to leading companies in transportation, logistics, warehousing, and technology. Lean Solutions Group is a nearshore and offshore service provider with satellite offices in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Philippines. They offer a broad range of services, including staffing, technology, marketing, sales, and BPO services. They specialize in helping transportation and logistics companies hire and retain top talent. Their team consists of qualified bilingual professionals. They have worked with over 500 satisfied U.S.-based transportation and logistics providers since 2014. They ensure that your satellite office is staffed with highly educated, English-speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. Their approach is low cost, low risk, and low hassle. They have a highly scalable and flexible workforce of over 9,000 employees. Lean Solutions Group have been ranked four years in a row on the Inc. 500 list for fastest-growing private companies in America and have obtained incredible recognitions like Best Place to Work. Learn More About Outsourced Sales and Marketing Ryan on LinkedIn LSG on LinkedIn LSG website Lean Solutions Group Success Story: Beemac Logistics 3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same with Ryan Mann The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena Digitizing Check Calls with Trey Griggs and Ryan Rogers The Competitive Advantage with David Bell and Peter Rentschler Doug Waggoner Talks Lean Solutions Group Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/2/2023 • 54 minutes, 5 seconds
Overcoming Last Mile Hurdles with Luke Denny
Luke Denny and Joe Lynch discuss overcoming last mile hurdles. Luke is the Co-Founder and CEO of FRAYT Technologies, a last-mile on-demand delivery and logistics technology company. About Luke Denny Luke Denny is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in software and supply chain logistics. He is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of FRAYT Technologies, a last-mile delivery platform. With 15 years of experience in software and 6 years in supply chain, logistics, and transportation, Luke has founded three separate companies and sold one of them in early 2022. He is also a licensed CPA and previously spent 7 years in the accounting industry working for firms such as BDO. Originally from Los Angeles, Luke is a graduate of Indiana University and currently resides in Cincinnati, OH. About FRAYT FRAYT is a last-mile on-demand delivery and logistics technology company that offers businesses professional, reliable on-demand shipping through an intuitive web platform, API, and mobile app. With over 13,000 drivers in over 50 markets across the United States, FRAYT enables businesses and retailers to offer same-day, last-mile delivery to their customers. The company's delivery platform offers scheduled or same-day delivery to customers in industries like retail, building material supply, and manufacturing. FRAYT's vehicle options range from cars to box trucks, making it easy to transport smaller items or multiple pallet deliveries. The company's multi-stop service allows businesses to maximize their spend and boost efficiency by easily scheduling multiple stops during a FRAYT driver's route. With FRAYT, businesses can deliver the best customer experience, expand their offerings, and get more done in a day. Key Takeaways: Overcoming Last Mile Hurdles with Luke Denny Luke Denny is the Co-Founder and CEO of FRAYT Technologies, a last-mile on-demand delivery and logistics technology company. In the podcast interview, Luke and Joe discuss overcoming last mile hurdles. FRAYT has over 13,000 drivers in over 50 markets across the United States and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company offers businesses professional, reliable on-demand shipping through an intuitive web platform, API, and mobile app. FRAYT enables businesses and retailers to offer same-day, last-mile delivery to their customers. The company's platform allows businesses to offer scheduled or same-day delivery to their customers. FRAYT's customers come from industries like retail, building material supply, and manufacturing. The company offers a range of delivery vehicle options, from cars to box trucks. FRAYT's platform allows businesses to easily schedule multiple stops during a driver's route, maximizing efficiency and saving money. Learn More About Overcoming Las Mile Hurdles Luke on LinkedIn FRAYT on LinkedIn FRAYT website Navigating the Last Mile: Capacity Planning in Today’s Supply Chains Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference Episode Sponsor: Port X Logistics Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/31/2023 • 43 minutes, 36 seconds
REPOST: The Newtrul Story with Ed Stockman
Ed Stockman and Joe Lynch discuss the Newtrul story. Ed is Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. About Ed Stockman Ed Stockman is the Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. Ed is a logistics industry veteran with over a decade of experience from Echo, Redwood Logistics and Transfix. Ed’s expertise is rooted in sales and growth, and he has served as the Director of Sales at two enterprise transportation brokerages. Ed founded Newtrul on his first-born’s birth date in 2018 after realizing the need for digitization and aggregation in the increasingly fragmented transportation space. Ed describes himself as a servant leader who would is passionate, competitive, and sympathetic. He thrives in nuanced, fast-paced environments and is known for bringing clarity and conciseness to complicated scenarios. Ed earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Statistics & Law Enforcement from Western Illinois University. Outside of his work, you’ll find Ed spending time with his wife and two children in Dallas, TX. About Newtrul Based in Chicago, Newtrul is a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. Newtrul’s proprietary, digital freight matching platform integrates with freight brokers to seamlessly share available loads with carriers digitally in real-time. The carrier platform allows trucking companies to enter Newtrul’s user interface to search for the best shipment across multiple customers for each truck. Instead of carriers and brokers spending time and resources contacting each other individually, Newtrul’s digital aggregation platform provides an easier, simpler, and more cost-effective way to connect everyone and book more loads faster. For more information visit www.Newtrul.com. Key Takeaways: The Newtrul Story Ed Stockman is the Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. In the podcast interview, Joe and Ed discuss Ed’s career and the founding of Newtrul. Newtrul connects shippers, brokers, and carriers through a centralized portal – similar to traditional load boards, but with more integration. Newtrul technology is easy to use and will seamlessly integrate into your current systems (TMS, WMS, Fleet Management System, etc.) Newtrul is a digital freight aggregator that operates with the primary goal of providing the most cost-effective and efficient options for shippers and providing an easily accessible portal for carriers. Carriers and shippers can seamlessly conduct business without the need to go through a traditional load board. Learn More About The Newtrul Story Ed on LinedIn Newtrul on LinkedIn Newtrul Case Studies Demo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/29/2023 • 54 minutes, 47 seconds
The Outsourced Supply Chain with Hannah Kain
Hannah Kain and Joe Lynch discuss the outsourced supply chain, a topic Hannah is familiar with due to ALOM's extensive experience managing supply chain functions for diverse industries. Hannah is Founder and CEO of ALOM, a leading global supply chain management services and solutions provider, offering comprehensive services to Fortune 500 clients in various industries. About Hannah Kain Hannah Kain is President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company she founded in 1997. ALOM operates out of 19 global locations to support its Fortune 500 customers in the technology, automotive, life sciences, and regulated industry sectors. Hannah was born in Denmark where - in addition to a business and political career - she taught at Copenhagen Business School. Hannah is a board member of the National Association of Manufacturers, WBEC-Pacific, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) where she also serves as WBENC Forum 1st vice chair, board chair of How Women Lead–Silicon Valley, and is a member of the Committee of 200 for executive women. Hannah was named an SDCE 2023 Supply Chain Pro to Know and 2021 WE USA Top WBE CEO. In 2020 she was featured as a Business Insider Top 100 People Transforming Business, recognized as a Top 10 Women in Logistics by Global Trade Magazine, and won the SDCE Women Leaders in Supply Chain award. About ALOM ALOM is a global supply chain management services and solutions provider, serving as a strategic partner to its Fortune 500 clients in the technology, automotive, life sciences, and highly regulated industry sectors. Headquartered in Fremont, CA, USA, its teams of technology engineers and supply chain specialists operate globally from 19 locations. Committed to environmental and social responsibility, ALOM manages the physical supply chain from procurement, inventory management, contract assembly, digital media and print, to omni-channel fulfillment and returns. ALOM seamlessly integrates digital and financial streams into the physical supply chain, deploying e-commerce and payment solutions, visibility tools, digital delivery tools, data management, and strong back-end systems, all while producing and fulfilling goods worldwide. ALOM is proud to deliver its clients’ products and services impeccably, enrich the end-user experience, and uphold their brand reputations. Key Takeaways: The Outsourced Supply Chain Hannah Kain is Founder and CEO of ALOM, a leading global supply chain management services and solutions provider, offering comprehensive services to Fortune 500 clients in various industries. In the podcast interview, Hannah and Joe discuss the outsourced supply chain, a topic Hannah is familiar with due to ALOM's extensive experience managing supply chain functions for diverse industries. ALOM aims to bring competitive advantage to customer brands through operational excellence, innovative technology, and quality management practices. Excellence and innovation: ALOM specializes in designing and implementing innovative and sustainable supply chain strategies that help customers gain a competitive edge and increase brand loyalty. Protecting customer brands: ALOM strictly adheres to world-class standards in process and quality excellence to ensure flawless product delivery and mitigate supply chain disruptions and reputational risks. Collaborative business model: ALOM believes in collaborative and results-driven customer/supplier relationships, focusing on understanding customers' needs, improving operational performance, and optimizing supply chains for efficiency. Supply chain planning: ALOM's supply chain engineers blend expertise, technology, and innovative thinking to optimize process flow, material movement, and visibility while reducing time, risk, and costs. Data analytics and reporting: ALOM employs robust order management and business intelligence systems to track, analyze, and continuously improve supply chain operations based on terabytes of data. Global operations: With strategic locations near major industrial hubs and markets worldwide, ALOM offers agility in adjusting supply chain operations based on changing market requirements. Compliance and risk management: ALOM invests heavily in maintaining stringent compliance with regional, national, and international regulatory mandates to protect customers and ensure uninterrupted delivery of goods and services. ALOM Advantage: ALOM's global resources, customer-centric approach, regulatory compliance, agility, and collaboration help solve complex challenges and achieve customers' supply chain goals while protecting their brands. Learn More About The Outsourced Supply Chain Hannah on LinkedIn Hannah on Twitter Hannah on Facebook ALOM website ALOM on LinkedIn ALOM on Twitter ALOM on Facebook ALOM company overview video Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/26/2023 • 57 minutes, 41 seconds
Sustainability and Reusable Packaging with Mike Newman
Mike Newman and Joe Lynch discuss sustainability and reusable packaging. Mike is the CEO of Returnity Innovations, a triple bottom line company dedicated to supporting its investors, the community, and the planet. About Mike Newman Mike Newman, the CEO of Returnity Innovations, is a recognized authority in the field of transformational logistics platforms, specializing in shifting from single-use to circularity through reusable packaging solutions for companies and organizations. With a strong commitment to reducing plastic and corrugated cardboard waste while achieving significant cost savings in packaging expenses, Mike has made substantial contributions to the industry. He holds an MBA from the prestigious Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Throughout his extensive career spanning over 20 years, Mike has been instrumental in merging supply chain and sustainability initiatives. Notably, he has served as the Sales and Marketing Vice President for ReCellular, where he developed e-waste programs for renowned companies like Verizon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Mike's expertise has earned him speaking engagements at prominent events such as Shoptalk, NRF Big Show, Package Fulfillment, Logistics & Delivery EXPO, Home Delivery World, Pack EXPO, and Waste Expo. About Returnity Returnity, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a triple bottom line company dedicated to supporting its investors, the community, and the planet. Specializing in reusable packaging solutions, Returnity offers a wide range of products to companies and organizations. Their offerings include consumer and B2B reusable bags, industrial/enterprise reusable solutions, and customizable options. With an extensive product lineup consisting of reusable shipping boxes, bags, envelopes, and shopping bags, Returnity caters to both enterprise and consumer needs. The company provides a comprehensive integration plan that encompasses cleaning, repair, and replacement services. Renowned clients such as Walmart, Estée Lauder, New Balance, and Rent the Runway rely on Returnity's expertise in designing, manufacturing, and implementing reusable packaging and circular logistics systems. Impressively, their packaging solutions facilitate over 1 million shipments and deliveries per month, achieving an impressive return rate of 95.5% through their target of 20 customer shipment/delivery cycles (40 in total) per bag or box. Key Takeaways: Sustainability and Reusable Packaging Triple Bottom Line Approach: Returnity is a company committed to supporting investors, the community, and the planet. Extensive Product Range: They offer a diverse selection of reusable packaging solutions, including consumer and B2B reusable bags, industrial/enterprise solutions, and customizable options. Comprehensive Integration Plan: Returnity provides a full-service integration plan that covers cleaning, repair, and replacement services for their reusable packaging products. Renowned Clientele: Returnity's expertise is trusted by renowned clients such as Walmart, Estée Lauder, New Balance, and Rent the Runway. Impressive Shipment and Delivery Volume: Their packaging solutions facilitate over 1 million shipments and deliveries per month. High Return Rate: Returnity achieves a remarkable return rate of 95.5% through their target of 20 customer shipment/delivery cycles (40 in total) per bag or box. Addressing the Packaging Problem: Returnity recognizes the challenges posed by excessive cardboard waste in the shipping and delivery industry. Reusable Packaging Solution: They offer durable, customized, and reusable bags and boxes, along with supporting logistics systems. Comprehensive Approach: Returnity follows a systematic approach, starting with a reusable packaging analysis, followed by a pilot program to measure performance and finally scaling up based on the learnings. Circular Framework: Returnity embraces a circularity framework, allowing businesses to make the switch to reusables, thus reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Learn More About Sustainability and Reusable Packaging Mike on LinkedIn Returnity on LinkedIn Returnity website Operations Partner - Beyond the Bag Consortium The Last Box - Reducing Cardboard Waste Finalist - 2023 Reusies Packaging Europe - How to measure reusable packaging success Retail Dive - The next frontier in e-commerce packaging Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/24/2023 • 42 minutes, 8 seconds
3PL Selection 101 - A Step by Step Guide with Matt Hertz
Matt Hertz and Joe Lynch discuss 3PL Selection 101 - A Step by Step Guide. Matt is the Co-founder of Second Marathon, a logistics consulting firm that helps brands find outsourced fulfillment providers tailored to their business needs. About Matt Hertz Matt Hertz, the Co-Founder of Second Marathon, established the ecommerce logistics consulting firm after a successful career building and scaling intricate supply chain operations. With experience as an early employee at Rent the Runway, Birchbox, and Shyp, Matt's journey began as the 5th employee at Rent the Runway, where he spearheaded warehouse operations. Subsequently, at Birchbox, as the 1st employee, he played a pivotal role in scaling the company's supply chain, facilitating growth from 500 to 1 million monthly orders across 5 countries. Matt then relocated to San Francisco to lead Business Development at Shyp. Initially starting his career at a hedge fund in New York, Matt now resides in Nashville and holds a bachelor's degree in commerce and finance from McGill University. About Second Marathon Second Marathon, founded by operators Matt Hertz (Ex-Birchbox, Rent the Runway, Shyp) and Ryan Belanger (Ex-Everlane, Venmo), leverages over 25 years of experience in supporting brands with supply chain operations. Frustrated by the lack of suitable external assistance in navigating the complex landscape of 3PLs, they established Second Marathon as a dedicated resource. Their mission is to guide brands in finding the ideal partner to build, scale, and manage their supply chains. With a deep understanding of the industry, Second Marathon aims to provide the necessary support to ensure brands discover the right solutions and optimize their operations. Key Takeaways: 3PL Selection 101 - A Step by Step Guide Matt Hertz is the Co-founder of Second Marathon, a logistics consulting firm that helps brands find outsourced fulfillment providers tailored to their business needs. In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss 3PL Selection 101 - A Step by Step Guide. Second Marathon helps brands find outsourced fulfillment providers tailored to their business needs. The company has a vast network of ecommerce-focused 3PLs and uses a refined search process to match growing ecommerce brands with the right provider. Second Marathon was founded by two ecommerce leaders who experienced challenges in finding suitable outside support, leading to the company's mission of finding tailored solutions for brands. The company assists businesses in navigating their options and securing proposals to find the ideal 3PL partner, whether it's their first or next provider. Second Marathon understands the challenges faced by brands in supply chain and logistics and aims to be a resource, providing solutions that meet their standards and enable scalability. The company offers to handle the heavy lifting of finding the right 3PL provider, which can be a challenging, frustrating, and time-consuming process. Second Marathon follows a comprehensive process designed to understand a brand's unique needs and identify the right 3PL partner to meet their business goals. The process includes thorough preparation, curation, outreach to potential 3PLs, evaluation of pricing proposals, decision-making support, and assistance during the transition phase. During the preparation stage, Second Marathon conducts meetings with stakeholders, gathers key information about the brand's operations, and determines criteria for a successful 3PL partnership. Second Marathon manages the screening process, communicates with selected 3PL providers, evaluates pricing proposals, guides the decision-making process, and supports brands in transitioning their operations smoothly to the chosen 3PL provider. Learn More About 3PL Selection 101 - A Step by Step Guide Matt on LinkedIn Second Marathon on LinkedIn Second Marathon on Twitter Second Marathon homepage Second Marathon: Sent Items Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/22/2023 • 59 minutes, 20 seconds
Elevating Transportation Sales and Marketing with Jennifer Karpus-Romain
Jennifer Karpus-Romain and Joe Lynch discuss elevating transportation sales and marketing. Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA), an association that enables sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections and resources for close to a century. Click here to register for 2023 TMSA ELEVATE Conference – June 11 – 13, 2023, Savannah, GA About Jennifer Karpus-Romain Jennifer serves as the Executive Director at the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) and as an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College teaching social media. Previously, she was Director of Marketing for Faye, a software integration firm, and has also held roles in the publishing and marketing industries, and managed her own content and publishing firm. Karpus-Romain has her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and received her MBA from Capella University. About Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) Sales and marketing professionals in the logistics and transportation industry come to the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA)as the place to learn, to grow, to have fun together and to make lasting connections. Members enjoy access to live events, virtual forums and exclusive member-only benefits. The association was founded in 1924 and has gone through many names and iterations throughout the years, but it’s mission to be the resource for its members has never changed. Key Takeaways: Elevating Transportation Sales and Marketing Jennifer Karpus-Romain is the Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA). The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) is a professional association focused on advancing marketing and sales practices within the transportation and logistics industry. TMSA provides a platform for professionals in transportation marketing and sales to network, exchange ideas, and access valuable resources. The association offers educational programs and resources to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members, including webinars, articles, whitepapers, and industry-specific research. TMSA hosts events and conferences throughout the year, providing opportunities for industry professionals to connect, learn from experts, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. Membership in TMSA offers benefits such as access to exclusive content, networking opportunities, discounts on events and publications, and the ability to engage with a community of transportation marketing and sales professionals. TMSA promotes thought leadership within the industry through its partnerships with leading organizations and experts, who contribute to the association's initiatives and resources. The association offers a certification program, the Certified Transportation Marketing Professional (CTMP), which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in transportation marketing and sales. TMSA actively advocates for the transportation and logistics industry, addressing key challenges, promoting best practices, and fostering collaboration among its members. The association provides a platform for companies in the transportation and logistics sector to showcase their products and services through sponsorships, advertising opportunities, and participation in TMSA events. 2023 TMSA ELEVATE Conference – June 11 – 13, 2023, Savannah, GA TMSA's website serves as a comprehensive hub for transportation marketing and sales professionals, featuring a directory of members, a blog with industry insights, and a wealth of resources to support professional growth and success. Learn More About Elevating Transportation Sales and Marketing Jennifer’s LinkedIn TMSA LinkedIn Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) 2023 TMSA ELEVATE Conference – June 11 – 13, 2023, Savannah, GA TMSA Key Takeaways with Jennifer Karpus-Romain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/19/2023 • 46 minutes, 20 seconds
Navigating the Freight Downturn with Kevin Coomes
Kevin Coomes and Joe Lynch discuss navigating the freight downturn in the logistics and transportation space. Kevin is the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. About Kevin Coomes Kevin Coomes, the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, is an accomplished freight tech professional with over 15 years of sales, business development, and start-up experience spanning two countries. His expertise extends across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, energy efficiency, logistics, and technology applications. Kevin's journey in transportation and logistics began in China, where he managed ocean and air imports for his own venture, Phoria Energy Solutions. Additionally, he collaborated with AnSen Beyond Investments on various logistics projects involving commodities and agricultural products, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating international markets. Fluent in Mandarin, Kevin spent three years living and working in China, immersing himself in the culture and language. Over the past decade, Kevin has built an extensive network that has fueled success and innovation in the U.S. logistics market. He has made significant contributions through his involvement in consulting projects with Metafora (formerly CarrierDirect) and his instrumental role in developing and executing sales, marketing, and product growth strategies for ExFreight Zeta, Inc. and Revenova, LLC. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a concentration in Chinese, from Kansas State University. This comprehensive academic background further enhances his ability to navigate diverse markets and engage with stakeholders on a global scale. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a pricing platform specifically tailored for the truckload spot freight market. Through the utilization of advanced machine learning techniques and big data, Greenscreens.ai offers real-time market price predictions that take into account the buying power of your company. Their platform not only provides highly accurate buy rates but also offers sell price suggestions based on comprehensive data analysis. This proven solution has been designed to assist companies in boosting their win rate, safeguarding, and expanding their profit margins, and improving the productivity of their sales representatives. Greenscreens.ai empowers businesses in the truckload spot freight market with the tools they need to make informed decisions and maximize their success. Key Takeaways: Navigating the Freight Downturn Kevin Coomes is the Vice President of Sales at Greenscreens.ai, a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. In the podcast interview, Kevin and Joe discuss navigating the freight downturn in the logistics and transportation space. By leveraging Greenscreen's dynamic pricing platform, freight brokers can generate precise pricing with greater efficiency, empowering them to thrive even in times of freight downturn.Greenscreens.ai is a pricing platform specifically designed for the truckload spot freight market. The platform utilizes big data and advanced machine learning techniques to provide real-time market price predictions. Greenscreens.ai considers your company's buying power when generating accurate buy rates. Greenscreens.ai's solution has been tested and proven to help companies increase their win rate. The platform enables businesses to protect and grow their profit margins through optimized pricing strategies. By leveraging comprehensive data analysis, Greenscreens.ai enhances the productivity of sales representatives. Greenscreens.ai provides users with the tools to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively. The platform's real-time market insights allow companies to stay competitive and adapt to market fluctuations. Limited Time Offer - Boost Your Profitability Today with a 20% Discount on Greenscreens.ai! In order to assist you and your company in thriving during the freight downturn, the Greenscreen's team is pleased to offer a limited-time opportunity. Take advantage of discounts of up to 20% on monthly subscriptions. By scheduling a demo and completing the form, you can explore the benefits firsthand. With Greenscreen's unwavering support and discounted subscriptions, your business can grow efficiently and achieve profitability. Embrace this chance to navigate the challenges and emerge successful during this period of downturn. Greenscreens.ai: For a limited time, save up to 20% off! Learn More About Navigating the Freight Downturn Kevin on LinkedIn Greenscreens.ai website GS on LinkedIn Related episodes: Highlights from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier The Power of Partnerships with The Matt Silver Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/17/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 21 seconds
The State of Logistics Podcasting with Blythe Brumleve
Blythe Brumleve and Joe Lynch discuss the state of logistics podcasting. They talk about the growing popularity of podcasts in the logistics industry and how podcasting can be a helpful tool for professionals to stay up-to-date on industry trends and insights. Blythe is the Founder of Digital Dispatch and the Host of Cyberly, an influential podcast on the Freightwaves platform. About Blythe Brumleve In 2008, Blythe Brumleve was working as a waitress and a blogger with a dream of owning her own company when she received an opportunity to work in the world of logistics. As an executive assistant to the C-suite, she gained first-hand knowledge of the daily operations of a $140M asset-based logistics provider. Knowing about her blogging side hustle, the executive team allowed her to take on the additional responsibility of the company’s digital marketing initiatives where over the course of 5 years, orchestrated two website redesigns, implemented an inbound marketing initiative, and established a sales outreach plan. After 5 years and following the unexpected closure of the logistics company, Blythe chose to seek opportunities in traditional marketing and media. During this time she served as editor in chief of Void Magazine, B2B copywriter for an ad agency, and radio/TV broadcaster in the North Florida market. During this time, her team earned several awards including three ADDY’s plus earning runner-up as Jacksonville’s Best Radio Personality. Eventually, Blythe would use these skills to fulfill her entrepreneurial goal by founding Digital Dispatch in 2018. Present-day, Blythe and her team oversee the management of dozens of websites to help the one-person marketing team flourish. In addition to running her company, Blythe is also a co-founder of the Jacksonville Podcasters Unite community, hosts the tech/B2B marketing show Cyberly on Freightwaves, and serves on the board of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association. About Digital Dispatch Your website is the only thing that can sell for you 24/7. While managing it can feel like a part-time job, ignoring it can cost your business revenue. That’s why Digital Dispatch is on a mission to help every freight company build a better website that connects your digital sales dots. Using our website services, you’ll know your company is built on a stronger digital foundation to increase brand awareness, off-load those annoying website tasks, shorten sales cycles, and speak confidently about ROI. Trusted by 30 freight brands and growing, Digital Dispatch pricing starts as low as $90/month with solutions to connect all of your marketing and sales data to one place with bonus industry-specific marketing education for your whole team. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:48] Joe’s career background. [00:03:51] Starting a successful blog. [00:07:57] Podcasting during COVID lockdown. [00:10:54] High Failure Rate of Podcasts. [00:15:50] Picking podcast guests. [00:17:09] Evergreen content strategy. [00:23:14] Listener-funded podcasts. [00:24:49] Sponsored content authenticity. [00:28:39] How to make a bad podcast. [00:32:45] Successful entrepreneurs from humble beginnings. [00:36:05] Starting a Podcast. [00:38:12] The challenges of podcasting. [00:41:33] Collaborating with sponsors. [00:47:46] Podcasting and YouTube convergence. [00:48:23] Creating YouTube-friendly content. [00:52:32] The future of TikTok. [00:55:57] Trucking industry job improvement. [01:00:11] Podcasting and community building. [01:02:54] Warehousing company turnover. Learn More About The State of Logistics Podcasting Blythe on LinkedIn Digital Dispatch Digital Dispatch Podcast Digital Dispatch on Linkedin Digital Dispatch on YouTube Digital Dispatch on Instagram Disgital Dispatch on TikTok Everything is Logistics Connecting The Digital Dots with Blythe Brumleve The Future of Inbound Lead Generation with Blythe Brumleve Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/15/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 16 seconds
Smarter Fleet Operations with Kayne Grau
Kayne Grau and Joe Lynch discuss smarter fleet operations. Kayne is the CEO and Board Director at Uptake, a Chicago-based Industrial AI and Analytics company that specializes in providing predictive analytics software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to various industries. About Kayne Grau Kayne Grau is a seasoned executive with an impressive track record in the technology industry. Currently serving as the CEO and Board Director at Uptake, a Chicago-based Industrial AI and Analytics company, he joined the company as President a year prior with a strong passion for building high-performing teams and delivering advanced analytics to operators in the industrial enterprise space. As CEO, he is responsible for evolving the product suite, enhancing deployment and customer success, and optimizing company operations. Prior to his current role, Kayne served in various senior executive positions with KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), where he co-founded and served as CEO of DRIVIN until April 2017. He also held leadership positions at Music Dealers, Apartments.com, Cars.com, Allstate, and several other online companies. Kayne is an active member of the tech community, serving on various advisory boards, mentoring local start-ups, and investing in technology-based companies in Chicago and Dallas. He is also a dedicated father of three children and enjoys learning about fatherhood in his free time. About Uptake Uptake is a Chicago-based company that specializes in providing predictive analytics software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to various industries. Their focus is on translating data into actionable insights that improve operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Uptake leverages industrial data science to offer over 45 patents, almost 200 data science models, and has received recognition from several industry leaders such as Gartner, Verdantix, CNBC, and Forbes. Uptake's solutions predict and prevent failures in trucks and components, optimize parts and maintenance strategies, and visualize cost information to help businesses make better decisions. They promise to deliver real-time insights in an easy-to-use and visually appealing interface that provides streamlined results. Uptake's products are designed to be simple to use, easy to scale, and provide a fast return on investment. With their predictive analytics software, companies can leverage data to optimize their operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Overall, Uptake is a leader in predictive analytics SaaS, providing businesses with the tools they need to improve their bottom line. Key Takeaways: Smarter Fleet Operations with Kayne Grau Kayne Grau is the CEO and Board Director at Uptake, a Chicago-based Industrial AI and Analytics company that specializes in providing predictive analytics software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to various industries. Kayne Grau and Joe Lynch discuss smarter fleet operations, which is exactly what Uptake provides to carriers. Uptake specializes in providing predictive analytics SaaS solutions to various industries. The company leverages industrial data science to offer over 45 patents and almost 200 data science models. Uptake's solutions predict and prevent failures in trucks and components, optimize parts and maintenance strategies, and visualize cost information. Uptake promises to deliver real-time insights in an easy-to-use and visually appealing interface that provides streamlined results. Their products are designed to be simple to use, easy to scale, and provide a fast return on investment. Uptake helps companies optimize their operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs through data-driven insights. The company's solutions enhance preventive maintenance programs with predictive maintenance. Uptake's solutions help streamline operations and maintenance, maximize reliability and availability with data-driven insights. The company's solutions also help optimize inventory, improve labor effectiveness, and make the right repair the first time by having the right people and expertise available for the job. Learn More About Smarter Fleet Operations Kayne on LinkedIn Uptake on LinkedIn Uptake Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
China is Moving to Mexico with Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen
Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen and Joe Lynch discuss why China is moving to Mexico. Jorge is Co-CEO of The Nearshore Company, where he helps North American, European, and Asian manufacturing companies to successfully establish reliable manufacturing operations in Mexico. About Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen is Co-CEO of The Nearshore Company, where he helps North American, European, and Asian manufacturing companies to successfully establish reliable manufacturing operations in Mexico, by ensuring quality, certifications, transparency, and continuous improvement. Jorge also has become a leading voice on nearshoring and globalization, contributing insights as an expert source and author to such publications as Forbes, the BBC, Sourcing Journal, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, and FreightWaves. For more than 20 years, Jorge has connected Mexico’s rich financial and industrial resources to companies and individuals the world over. In addition to his current role at The Nearshore Company, Jorge is managing partner of Akazia Capital Partners, an enterprise that acquires and grows middle-market companies. Jorge has a deep background in cross-border investment banking, private equity, and corporate management at companies such as Rothschild, UBS, CMR-Mexico, and Grupo Calidra, that have benefited from his keen business sense and determined approach. Additionally, Jorge has leveraged his insights with students in Mexico, serving as a clinical professor of entrepreneurship for the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, where he taught an undergraduate course for students majoring in business, economics, and engineering. Jorge holds a B.A. in International Relations from Mexico’s Universidad Iberoamericana, and an MBA from New York University. About The Nearshore Company The Nearshore Company is a manufacturing services company that was founded in 1992. With the aim of helping manufacturing companies around the world to launch and/or transfer their operations, The Nearshore Company offers traditional and customized business models that are tailored to the needs and requirements of its customers. Its services range from the "shelter" model, where the company provides real estate, administrative, and legal services while the client manufactures their goods, to "contract manufacturing," where the company manufactures the client's design and specification. The Nearshore Company is known for its flexibility and ability to work across the entire spectrum of manufacturing services. International Assembly LLC (IAI Mexico) is a part of The Nearshore Company, and it helps manufacturers of all sizes to transfer their manufacturing operations into Mexico through traditional and customized nearshoring arrangements. Its facilities are certified and comply with Mexico's legal, environmental, and safety regulations. By manufacturing in Mexico, clients of The Nearshore Company can reduce their operating costs by up to 80%, increase production efficiency, and grow their businesses. Overall, The Nearshore Company offers a range of manufacturing services that are customized to meet the needs of its clients, with a focus on reducing costs, improving efficiency, and helping businesses grow. Key Takeaways: China is Moving to Mexico Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen is Co-CEO of The Nearshore Company, where he helps North American, European, and Asian manufacturing companies to successfully establish reliable manufacturing operations in Mexico. In the podcast interview, Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen and Joe Lynch discuss why China is moving to Mexico. USA based companies are increasingly interested in moving their supply chains from China to Mexico and Latin America. The nearshoring trend is driven by several causes including: China is no longer the lowest cost country for manufacturing. Sustainability – long supply chains produce more green house gases. USA tariffs that make China a less attractive place to manufacture. Supply chain resiliency concerns that were highlighted by COVID. Chinese companies are moving to Mexico so they can keep their USA based customers and expand their reach into the USA and Mexico markets. The Nearshore Company provides manufacturing services that are tailored to the needs and requirements of its clients, ranging from the "shelter" model to "contract manufacturing," allowing for maximum flexibility. With the assistance of International Assembly LLC (IAI Mexico), The Nearshore Company helps manufacturers of all sizes to transfer their operations into Mexico through traditional and customized nearshoring arrangements. The facilities provided by The Nearshore Company and IAI Mexico are certified and comply with Mexico's legal, environmental, and safety regulations, ensuring a high standard of quality. Manufacturing in Mexico through The Nearshore Company can result in a reduction of operating costs by up to 80%, allowing businesses to improve their bottom line. The Nearshore Company's services are designed to help businesses improve production efficiency and grow their operations, with a focus on providing customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Learn More About China is Moving to Mexico Jorge on LinkedIn The Nearshore Company on LinkedIn The Nearshore Company website The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization Episode Sponsor: TMSA TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/10/2023 • 56 minutes, 16 seconds
5 Reasons to Leave Your 3PL with Shane Hanson
Shane Hanson and Joe Lynch discuss 5 reasons to leave your 3PL. Shane is Founder and CEO of Square1 Distribution & Logistics, a 3PL Warehouse that focuses on the Beauty and Packaged Food sectors. Shane Hanson Bio Shane Hanson is an experienced logistics executive with over 30 years of experience in distribution. He is the Founder and CEO of Square1 Distribution & Logistics, a 3PL Warehouse that focuses on the Beauty and Packaged Food sectors. Before founding Square1, Shane served as Vice President of Salon Service Group (SSG), where he was responsible for navigating the company through seven acquisitions and founding GB Logistics. Shane began his career working with the Wal-Mart Innovation Network, a group dedicated to providing market feasibility analysis to inventors and innovators. Shane completed his bachelor's degree in business administration from Missouri State University while working with the Wal-Mart Innovation Network. He is also a US Army veteran. With his vast experience in distribution, Shane has become a valuable asset to the logistics industry, particularly in the Beauty and Packaged Food sectors. About Square1 Distribution & Logistics Square1 Distribution & Logistics is a 3PL warehouse located in Springfield, Missouri that offers omni-channel services. Their facility spans 114,000 square feet and is climate-controlled, maintaining temperatures of 65o - 68o and 40% - 60% humidity. Square1 primarily serves clients in the Beauty, Packaged Food, Apparel, and Consumer Goods industries, and currently works with 40 domestic and international clients. One of Square1's strengths is their use of technology, combined with a dedicated staff, to provide fast and accurate order fulfillment. They have a skilled team that can handle kitting, light assembly, and Amazon Prep services as well. Square1 is committed to flexibility and communication, always willing to go the extra mile to help their clients achieve success. Overall, Square1's focus on customer service, combined with their technological capabilities, make them a valuable partner for businesses looking for reliable and efficient 3PL services. Key Takeaways: 5 Reasons to Leave Your 3PL Shane Hanson is Founder and CEO of Square1 Distribution & Logistics, a 3PL Warehouse that focuses on the Beauty and Packaged Food sectors. In Shane’s experience, below are 5 reasons to leave your 3PL: Lack of responsiveness - If your 3PL is not taking proactive steps to address your needs and concerns in a timely manner, it may be necessary to look for a more responsive provider. Poor fit - If your 3PL does not have the necessary specialization, expertise, or resources to meet your specific business needs, it may be time to consider finding a provider that is a better fit. Poor quality - If your 3PL is causing issues such as product damage or shipping the wrong products, it can have a detrimental effect on your business. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek a more reliable provider. Poor communication - Effective communication is vital when working with a 3PL. If your current provider is lacking in terms of regular reviews, updates, or general communication skills, it may be time to consider a provider who can offer better communication. Outgrowing the 3PL - As your business evolves and expands, you may require more advanced support and services than your current 3PL can provide. It may be necessary to look for a more experienced and capable provider to meet your growing needs. Square1 Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider based in Springfield, Missouri. The company offers a range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management. Square1 Logistics serves clients across various industries, including food and beverage, consumer goods, and automotive. The company has a network of carriers and warehouses across the United States, allowing for efficient transportation and distribution. Square1 Logistics offers customizable solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client, ensuring optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The company uses state-of-the-art technology to manage and track shipments in real-time, providing clients with visibility and control over their supply chain. Square1 Logistics has a team of experienced logistics professionals with expertise in various areas, including transportation management, inventory control, and order fulfillment. The company is committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly practices wherever possible, including recycling and reducing waste. Square1 Logistics has a reputation for delivering high-quality service and building long-term partnerships with its clients. The company is dedicated to continuous improvement and invests in ongoing training and development for its employees to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices. Learn More About 5 Reasons to Leave Your 3PL Shane Hanson LinkedIn Square1 Distribution & Logistics LinkedIn Square1 Distribution & Logistics website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/8/2023 • 49 minutes, 14 seconds
Silicon Valley in a Box with Mike Zayonc
Mike Zayonc and Joe Lynch discuss Silicon Valley in a box, a nickname for Plug and Play Ventures, a global startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, California. Mike is a Partner at Plug and Play where he founded the firm's $25.5M Supply Chain Fund and Supply Chain accelerator program. About Mike Zayonc Mike Zayonc is a Partner at Plug and Play where he founded the firm's $25.5M Supply Chain Fund as well as the Supply Chain accelerators based in Silicon Valley, Savannah, Toronto, Northwest Arkansas, Hamburg, and Shanghai in partnership with 60+ corporate partners such as Walmart, TJX, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Shell, DHL, Kohls, Japan Post, Yamato, Maersk, Ryder, Prologis, BASF, ArcelorMittal, ExxonMobil, United States Postal Service, Arcbest, Mitsubishi Electric, Georgia Pacific, Trimac, Crowley Martime, etc... This program is responsible for accelerating hundreds of startups and investing 60+ supply chain related startups at the seed stage including Rappi, Einride, Shippo, Cogniac, Repowr, Koffie Labs, Oloid, etc. Prior to joining Plug and Play, Mike was a serial entrepreneur from Vancouver, Canada. Mike graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Management, where he specialized in studying Entrepreneurial Technology and Finance. Throughout University Mike maintained a full-ride athletic scholarship for competing across Canada in men’s varsity basketball. About Plug and Play Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. The firm is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has a presence in more than 40 locations across five continents. Plug and Play offers corporate innovation programs and assists corporate partners at every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. The firm also organizes startup acceleration programs and is among the most active investors worldwide, with over 200 investments per year driving innovation across multiple industries. Plug and Play's portfolio comprises companies such as Dropbox, Guardant Health, ApplyBoard, Course Hero, Einride, Honey, Blockdaemon, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. Key Takeaways: Silicon Valley in a Box with Mike Zayonc Mike Zayonc is a Partner at Plug and Play Ventures a global startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, California. The firm was founded in 2006 by Saeed Amidi, who is also the CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center, a startup incubator and co-working space. Plug and Play Ventures invests in early-stage startups across various industries, including fintech, healthtech, insurtech, and mobility, among others. The firm has a portfolio of over 1,200 companies, including notable successes like Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub. Plug and Play Ventures provides more than just funding to startups; it also offers mentorship, resources, and access to a vast network of corporate partners, investors, and mentors. The firm has a presence in over 35 locations globally, including in the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Plug and Play Ventures typically invests between $25,000 and $500,000 in startups, with the potential for follow-on funding in later rounds. The firm is known for its industry-specific accelerator programs, which provide startups with tailored resources and connections to help them grow and succeed. Plug and Play Ventures is also actively involved in corporate innovation, working with established companies to help them stay competitive and innovative in the face of disruption. The firm has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives like its Female Founders program and partnerships with organizations like Black Founders Matter. Learn More About Silicon Valley in a Box Mike on LinkedIn Plug and Play on LinkedIn Plug and Play Website Plug and Play Silicon Valley June Summit 2023 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/5/2023 • 57 minutes, 59 seconds
Freight has an Identity Crisis with Jordan Graft
Jordan Graft and Joe Lynch discuss freight has an identity crisis, which refers to rampant fraud and double brokering in the transportation business. Jordan is Founder and CEO of Highway, where he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. About Jordan Graft Jordan Graft is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for technology and transportation. As the Founder and CEO of Highway, he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. With a patent-pending identity engine and the most comprehensive carrier equipment data in the industry, Highway's Single Sign-On (SSO) for trucking identity service is revolutionizing the way carriers operate and interact with digital systems. Prior to founding Highway, Jordan served as the CEO of TriumphPay from 2018 to 2021, where he transformed the concept from a reverse factoring business into the first payments network in transportation, growing TriumphPay into the largest payer of freight invoices in the US. Before that, he co-founded CrateBind, a Dallas-based IT consulting and software development company that developed over fifty custom applications across various industries. Jordan also served as an investment professional with TA Associates, a global private equity firm in Boston, Massachusetts, and as an investment analyst for J.P. Morgan in New York City. Jordan's diverse experience has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to lead Highway towards a brighter future in the transportation industry. About Highway Highway is a technology company focused on solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. They have developed a Carrier Identity engine that manages carrier identity and eliminates the risks of fraud and double brokering. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge their capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement, making the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load, source with superpowers that give them the truth about a carrier's lanes and equipment and be warned of negative indicators discovered in public and private data sources. They can also connect their carrier network with speed and security, onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection and monitor carriers to enforce an all-new standard with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology and commitment to improving security and efficiency. Key Takeaways: Freight has an Identity Crisis Jordan Graft is Founder and CEO of Highway, where he is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today: the lack of connection between digital and physical carrier identity. Highway is a technology company solving the digital identity problem in the trucking industry. The company removes risk and friction between brokers and carriers with a Carrier Identity engine. Highway provides brokers with comprehensive data on carrier equipment to supercharge capacity sourcing and vetting efforts. The company accelerates connections and drives engagement to make the industry more integrated, digital, and secure. Customers can identify the right carrier for every load and be warned of negative indicators from public and private data sources. They can also onboard new carriers with rightful owner validation and dispatch service detection. Customers can monitor carriers to enforce new standards with automated compliance. Highway is transforming the trucking industry with their innovative technology. The company is committed to improving security and efficiency in the industry. Learn More About Freight has an Identity Crisis Jordan on LinkedIn Highway on LinkedIn Highway website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/3/2023 • 54 minutes, 41 seconds
Gathering Inventory Data with Sankalp Arora
Sankalp Arora and Joe Lynch discuss gathering inventory data, a function that is being transformed by Sankalp’s company Gather AI. Sankalp is CEO and Co-founder at Gather AI, a warehouse automation company that has created the world's first drone-powered inventory monitoring solution. About Sankalp Arora Sankalp Arora is an accomplished entrepreneur and roboticist, currently serving as the CEO and Co-founder of Gather AI, a cutting-edge warehouse automation company. Gather AI has created the world's first drone-powered inventory monitoring solution, which promises to revolutionize the way warehouses manage their inventory. Sankalp has a wealth of experience in the field of robotics, having spent 14 years working on various projects related to autonomous vehicles and robotics. He played a key role in developing safety and sensor planning for the world's first safe autonomous helicopter, a project that earned several prestigious awards including the Howard Hughes award, AUVSI Xcellence award, and a nomination for the Collier Trophy. Sankalp's innovative work has also earned him recognition in the form of the Qualcomm Innovation fellowship and Swartz Innovation fellowship. He holds a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, where he conducted extensive research on robotic perception and control. With his vast experience and expertise in robotics and automation, Sankalp is leading Gather AI towards a brighter future, where the power of drone technology can be harnessed to optimize warehouse operations and transform the logistics industry as we know it. About Gather AI Gather AI is a pioneering warehouse automation company that was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company has quickly established itself as a leader in the field of drone-powered inventory monitoring, providing warehouse operators with an innovative solution to optimize their profitability. Led by a team of experienced roboticists and entrepreneurs, including founders Sankalp Arora, Daniel Maturana, and Geetesh Dubey, Gather AI has developed a unique product that is already being used by warehouses across a range of industries, including third-party logistics, retail distribution, manufacturing, and food & beverage. With its cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approach, Gather AI is poised to revolutionize the logistics industry and transform the way warehouses operate in the years to come. Key Takeaways: Gathering Inventory Data Sankalp Arora is CEO and Co-founder at Gather AI, a warehouse automation company that has created the world's first drone-powered inventory monitoring solution. Gather AI uses off-the-shelf autonomous drones to gather data in warehouses, such as the number of items on a shelf and the locations of particular pallets. Gather AI was co-founded in 2019 by Sankalp Arora, Daniel Maturana and Geetesh Dubey, who were graduate students at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute. Gather AI's core product is an inventory monitoring system that uses off-the-shelf autonomous drones. Gather AI's approach is more fungible and less costly than that of its rivals because it relies on consumer drones instead of custom-built ones. Consumer-grade drones are more attainable and scalable than their commercial counterparts, and still able to perform tasks like detecting damaged inventory and counting pallet cases. A core innovation of Gather AI is that it can achieve sophisticated state estimation on commodity hardware and can fly autonomously without GPS on drones that can be bought at consumer stores. With Gather AI you can drive efficiency with autonomous warehouse drones. What used to take employees 2 hours can now be done in an automated 8 minutes. A common knock-on autonomous inventory solutions is that not all warehouses are robot-friendly, and that if barcodes aren’t displayed perfectly, then the system suffers. Gather AI can read your existing labels over 95% of the time. Learn About Gathering Inventory Data Sankalp on LinkedIn Gather AI on LinkedIn Gather AI on Twitter Gather AI website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/1/2023 • 55 minutes, 59 seconds
What Kills Warehousing Companies with Summitt Hogue
Summitt Hogue and Joe Lynch discuss what kills warehousing companies. Summitt is the founder of Growe, a Dallas-based commercial real estate firm focused exclusively on serving the various needs of third-party logistics companies across the United States. About Summitt Hogue Summitt is the founder of Growe, a Dallas-based commercial real estate firm focused exclusively on serving the various needs of third-party logistics companies across the United States. After beginning his career in commercial real estate, Summitt quickly identified the unique and under-served challenges faced by 3PLs. Growe was formed on a foundational appreciation for the importance of speed, flexibility, creativity, and timing on a 3PL’s real-estate strategy and overall profitability. This customized approach and ingrained understanding of the 3PL business model has led Summitt & the Growe team to expand beyond just real-estate services. Growe has evolved into a diverse network that connects numerous 3PLs, brands, manufacturers, and vendors in every market across the country. This multi-faceted approach has allowed Growe to fully support all aspects of its customers’ growth initiatives by simultaneously providing real-time market intelligence, real-estate services, vendor connections, and customer introductions - resulting in full warehouses & well over $100 million in CRE transactions in the last 5 years alone. Summitt grew up working on a family farm/vineyard in West Texas and went on to play division I football at Texas Tech University. He now resides in Dallas where he enjoys spending time with his wife, Miranda, and chasing around their daughter, Falynn. About Growe Growe is a commercial real estate firm that specializes in representing 3PL (third-party logistics) companies in managing their real estate portfolios across North America. The company's core focus is to facilitate growth for 3PLs by helping them find new warehouses and fill the space as they expand across the country. Growe works specifically with growth-minded 3PLs, figuring out what they specialize in and bringing them brands that fit their needs, resulting in a win/win situation for both the 3PL and the brand. The company provides tenant representation and lease negotiation services specifically to those growth-minded 3PLs and helps them navigate the process of expanding in their existing market, managing a renewal, or expanding into a new market on the other side of the country. Growe has experience in almost every market across the United States and has local partners in every market to ensure that they have very specific submarket knowledge and understanding. The company ensures that their 3PLs get the most cost-effective and flexible deal in the market, which is important in the 3PL business. Key Takeaways: What Kills Warehousing Companies Summitt Hogue is the founder of Growe, a Dallas-based commercial real estate firm focused exclusively on serving the various needs of third-party logistics companies across the United States. In the podcast interview, Summitt and Joe discus what kills warehousing companies. Summitt and his team have direct experience working with 3PLs in the USA and are familiar with the challenges that can negatively impact warehousing companies. Labor problems are a key issue, including high turnover rates, cultural challenges, low productivity, and high labor costs. Poor technology is another major challenge that can limit productivity and hinder a company's ability to compete effectively. Bad customer fit can be costly for warehousing companies, as the wrong customers may require extra resources, lack technological expertise, and cost more to support. Customer acquisition costs can also be a significant challenge, particularly in a competitive market. Growth, especially in terms of real estate, can be a complex issue for warehousing companies and requires careful planning and management. Growe is a commercial real estate firm that specializes in representing 3PL (third-party logistics) companies in managing their real estate portfolios across North America. The company's core focus is to facilitate growth for 3PLs by helping them find new warehouses and fill the space as they expand across the country. Growe provides tenant representation and lease negotiation services specifically to growth-minded 3PLs and helps them navigate the process of expanding in their existing market or expanding into a new market. The company has experience in almost every market across the United States and has local partners in every market to ensure specific submarket knowledge and understanding. Growe works with growth-minded 3PLs, figuring out what they specialize in and bringing them brands that fit their needs, resulting in a win/win situation for both the 3PL and the brand. Learn More About What Kills Warehousing Companies Summit on LinkedIn Growe on LinkedIn Growe Website Growe Network The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/28/2023 • 55 minutes, 39 seconds
What Drivers Want with Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas and Joe Lynch discuss what drivers want. Ashley is the CEO of is of Supreme Driver Recruiting where they provide rapid CDL driver staffing and direct placement for carriers in 48 States. About Ashley Thomas Ashley Thomas is the CEO of Supreme Driver Recruiting where they provide rapid CDL driver staffing and direct placement for carriers in 48 States. She has been a dominant force in the driver recruiting industry for the past 5 years. Ashley is a renowned speaker and trainer in CDL driver recruitment. Ashley is also a well-known non-fiction author and a symbol of success in America due to her remarkable story of overcoming obstacles. Her book, "Divorcing the Game: My Journey from The Stripper Pole to Owning a Million-Dollar Trucking Business" has been featured on Fox4 News, NY Weekly, Forbes Magazine, and the Black Authors Matter Tour, leaving a positive impact on many. As a former exotic dancer, high school dropout, and survivor of teen sex trafficking, Ashley has inspired many by sharing her story and showing what God has done for her to bring hope to others. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, Ashley persevered with the help of God's plan. About Supreme Driver Recruiting Supreme Driver Recruiting is a leading CDL Driver/Owner Operator Recruitment and Exclusive Lead Generation firm. They specialize in providing highly qualified drivers for trucking companies to fill their vacant seats, helping them achieve success on the road. With a skilled team of experts, Supreme Driver Recruiting is dedicated to steering companies towards growth by adding reliable owner operators to their fleets. Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated through their motto, "Providing Jobs for The Whole Block," and they take pride in offering top-paying jobs to all Class A Drivers. Supreme Driver Recruiting is equipped to propel medium and large-sized trucking companies to new heights, providing the horsepower needed to thrive in all 48 states. Key Takeaways: What Drivers Want with Ashley Thomas Ashley Thomas is the CEO of Supreme Driver Recruiting, a company that offers rapid CDL driver staffing and direct placement services for carriers across 48 states. In the podcast interview with Joe, Ashley discussed the common wants and needs of drivers, an issue that her team at Supreme Driver Recruiting encounters daily. In her experience, drivers want the following: The truth about various aspects of the job, such as the truck, money, and freight. More time at home Good and clean equipment More money Respect. Supreme Driver Recruiting specializes in connecting trucking companies with highly qualified drivers who are available for interviews within 48 hours. The company provides guaranteed results and no-risk services, allowing carriers to build a reliable team without the stress and hassle of traditional driver hiring methods. Learn More About What Drivers Want Ashley on LinkedIn SDR on LinkedIn SDR on Instagram SDR on Facebook Supreme Driver Recruiting Website Divorcing the Game: My journey from the Stripper Pole to owning a Million Dollar Trucking Business Ashley Thomas and Truck N' Hustle Review 1 Review 2 Database Testimonial Testimonial Driver Database The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/26/2023 • 48 minutes, 30 seconds
Winning in a Down Freight Market with Nick Dangles
Nick Dangles and Joe Lynch discuss winning in a down freight market. Nick is Co-founder of Sync Logistics Training is a joint venture between Metafora + Kinetic, a Learning Management Software that gives brokerages the power to transfer years of industry knowledge to new hire employees in an engaging and effective platform. About Nick Dangles Nick Dangles is the Co-founder of Kinetic, and Sync Logistics Training, a learning management platform built and designed for the growing supply chain and logistic industry. Nick is a tenured veteran of full truckload freight brokerage who has firsthand knowledge of technology’s power in the freight industry. Nick’s operational focus and capacity to find a path forward, no matter the challenge, make his skills indispensable when working on a project, problem, or idea. Nick received his degree in Philosophy from The University of Illinois and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. About Sync Logistics Training Sync Logistics Training is a learning management platform built and designed for the growing supply chain and logistic industry. Effective training is no longer an option, it’s an expectation, and the quicker your employees ramp the quicker you realize ROI. With Sync you’ll experience engaging video content, real time call simulations, and premade worksheets and handouts that will jump start and bolster your training needs. About Kinetic Kinetic helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. It’s not enough to simply build a great product. To succeed, both startups and companies at scale need to make decisions about how to effectively acquire new customers and address their target audience. By leveraging our network and transportation experience, we assess the current market understanding of your product to help find product-market-fit and provide support to your sales and marketing teams. We also partner with your company to build and deliver effective training materials, drive adoption throughout an organization, and provide basic customer support. Key Takeaways: Winning in a Down Freight Market Nick Dangle is Co-founder of Sync Logistics Training, a joint venture between Metafora + Kinetic. Sync Logistics Training is a Learning Management Software that gives brokerages the power to transfer years of industry knowledge to new hire employees in an engaging and effective platform. In the podcast interview Nick and Joe discuss winning in a down freight market During a down freight market, most freight brokers scale back spending on technology, people, marketing, and training – while this might be an economic necessity for some, it often results in lagging results especially when the market becomes healthy again. During down freight markets like right now, many shippers become price focused, which means freight brokers need different sales tactics – and perhaps some training on new sales tactics. Training is a proven tool to improve the performance of employees, but it has under-utilized in logistics because most training programs were expensive, required off-site travel, and wasn’t customized to the needs of logistics people. With Sync Logistics Training companies can: Reduce the burden on management. Increase retention of new hires. Increase employee utilization rates in their first 180 days. Increase speed of knowledge transfer through engagement. Increase employee engagement. Implement enterprise level course content at a fraction of the cost. Minimize time to employee utilization. Sync Logistics Training provides customized learning management perfect for the logistics industry by utilizing a mix of video courses, simulations, and quizzes that will help employees improve their attitudes, skills, and knowledge. Learn More About Winning in a Down Freight Market Nick on LinkedIn Kinetic on LinkedIn Sync Logistics Training on LinkedIn Kinetic Sync Logistics Training Different and Better with Nick Dangles The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/24/2023 • 58 minutes, 42 seconds
What’s Next for The Freight Market with Chris Pickett
Joe Lynch and Chris Pickett discuss what’s next for the freight market. Chris is the Chief Operating Officer at Flock Freight, a technology company that is on a mission to solve the US trucking industry’s wasted capacity problem. Chris is also the Lead Market Analyst at Pickett Research, LLC – an independent market research firm focused exclusively on the dynamics that drive US truckload freight rates. About Chris Pickett Chris Pickett is the Chief Operating Officer at Flock Freight, a technology company that is on a mission to solve the US trucking industry’s wasted capacity problem. Its patented technology finds and fills underutilized trailer space so Shippers can save, Carriers can earn more, and goods can move terminal-free faster and more efficiently. Think faster than traditional LTL and with less damage and cheaper than underutilized FTL – while emitting 20-40% less carbon than the alternative. In addition to his role at Flock, Chris is also the Lead Market Analyst at Pickett Research, LLC – an independent market research firm focused exclusively on the dynamics that drive US truckload freight rates. Prior to Flock, he played key leadership roles (including Chief Strategy Officer from 2010-2020) at Coyote Logistics - a UPS Company, a leading provider of non-asset based 3PL solutions across North America and Europe. Chris’ passion for understanding US Truckload Freight Market dynamics and predicting the direction of spot and contract rates stems from his work at Coyote over this period where long-term contract commitments were often made based on an expected long-term cost of capacity in the spot market. It has since become a borderline obsession, where his fascination in these market phenomena continues to drive the evolution of the market cycle framework and the predictive value it delivers. Before joining Coyote in 2006, Chris spent his early career in supply chain software development and network design – and studied at as many Eastern US tech schools as he could: earning a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.Eng. in Logistics from MIT, and an MBA from Georgia Tech. About Flock Freight Founded in 2015, Flock Freight is a technology company reinventing the supply chain through smarter, more sustainable shipping solutions. By leveraging its patented technology, Flock Freight matches locations, schedules, and compatible shipments, finding the best options to pool freight at scale among billions of possible combinations. As one of the first freight shipping companies to earn a B Corporation certification, Flock Freight’s solutions for moving fuller trucks on optimized routes results in reduced carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Flock Freight was recently recognized as one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies in the World and as a CNBC Disruptor 50. To learn more about the company, offerings, and careers, visit flockfreight.com. About Pickett Research Pickett Research was established in 2020 to fill a void in the US Truckload Freight Marketplace for analysis, forecasting, and market guidance that is both objective and credible. The mission at Pickett Research is to fill that void by leveraging a unique market philosophy, framework, and forecasting methodology that was developed and refined over more than a decade of commercial market experience scaling one of the largest and fastest-growing truckload freight brokers and 3PLs in North America from scratch. PR’s flagship research product, The Pickett Line, launched January 2021 as a monthly publication available via paid annual subscription, provides an overview of current and expected future market conditions and a rolling forecast for national spot and contract truckload linehaul rates on a quarterly year-over-year basis for up to five years out. To learn more or to subscribe to the 2023-24 series, visit www.pickettresearch.com. Key Takeaways: What’s Next for The Freight Market Chris Pickett is the Chief Operating Officer at Flock Freight, a technology company that is on a mission to solve the US trucking industry’s wasted capacity problem. Chris is also the Lead Market Analyst at Pickett Research, LLC – an independent market research firm focused exclusively on the dynamics that drive US truckload freight rates. In the podcast interview, Chris and Joe discuss what’s next for the freight market, a topic where Chris is recognized as an industry expert. Pickett Research’s flagship research product, The Pickett Line, is a monthly publication available via paid annual subscription, provides an overview of current and expected future market conditions and a rolling forecast for national spot and contract truckload linehaul rates on a quarterly year-over-year basis for up to five years out. Flock Freight is a technology-driven logistics company that specializes in pooling shipments to increase efficiency and reduce transportation costs. Flock Freight uses proprietary algorithms and machine learning to optimize the shipping process and identify opportunities for consolidation. The company's technology platform allows shippers to easily book and track shipments in real-time and provides carriers with better access to high-quality freight opportunities. Flock Freight's unique approach to shipping has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the number of trucks on the road. Flock Freight is a B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of verified levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Learn More About What’s Next for The Freight Market Chris on LinkedIn Flock Freight on LinkedIn Flock Freight Website Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates with Chris Pickett More VUCA Ahead with Oren Zaslansky The Flock Freight Story with Oren Zaslansky Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/21/2023 • 52 minutes, 43 seconds
Fulfilling Big Bulky Small Parcels with Dusty Holcomb
Dusty Holcomb and Joe Lynch discuss fulfilling big bulky small parcels. Dusty is the CEO of Red Stag Fulfillment is a third-party logistics (3PL) company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. About Dusty Holcomb Dusty Holcomb joined “The Herd” at Red Stag Fulfillment in May 2021. As a leader in a dynamic industry, his focus as CEO is on three things: delivering exceptional value for our clients, operational excellence, and curating an exceptional people first culture. He is committed to developing, inspiring, and leading a team of client-centric problem solvers who are constantly innovating and adapting new techniques and technologies to serve clients better. While he values all of Red Stag’s core principles, “we treat all with dignity and respect” stands out most for Dusty. He believes we are all people first and every team member should be treated with the utmost respect, no matter what role they have in the organization. As a triathlete and the CEO of a client-centered business, Dusty has always believed in going the extra mile. About Red Stag Fulfillment Red Stag Fulfillment is a rapidly growing third-party logistics company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Specializing in ecommerce order fulfillment and inventory management services, the company operates multiple warehouse facilities with over 1 million square feet of space across the United States. Red Stag Fulfillment sets itself apart by handling large, heavy, and high-value products that can be challenging to ship and store. They utilize advanced technology and automation to ensure accurate and efficient order processing and offer a 100% guarantee on order accuracy and on-time shipping. The company has received recognition for its exceptional service and innovative solutions, including being named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. Red Stag Fulfillment's online portal provides clients with real-time visibility and reporting, and the company's dedicated account managers and support teams deliver exceptional customer service. With a commitment to excellence, Red Stag Fulfillment has established itself as a leader in the logistics industry, serving businesses of all sizes across a range of industries. Key Takeaways: Fulfilling Big Bulky Small Parcels Dusty Holcomb is the CEO of Red Stag Fulfillment is a third-party logistics (3PL) company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the podcast interview, Dusty and discuss fulfilling big, bulky small parcels – the type of business most fulfillment companies avoid. Handling large, heavy, and high-value products that can be difficult to ship and store – this is where Red Stag Fulfillment excels. Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in providing ecommerce order fulfillment and inventory management services to businesses of all sizes. The company operates multiple warehouse facilities across the United States, with a combined total of over 1 million square feet of space. The company uses advanced technology and automation to ensure accurate and efficient order processing. Red Stag Fulfillment offers a 100% guarantee on its order accuracy and on-time shipping. The company has won multiple awards for its outstanding service and innovative solutions, including the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. Red Stag Fulfillment provides real-time visibility and reporting to its clients through a user-friendly online portal. The company prides itself on its exceptional customer service, with dedicated account managers and support teams available to assist clients. Learn More About Fulfilling Big Bulky Small Parcels Dusty Holcomb Red Stag Fulfillment on LinkedIn Red Stag Fulfillment Website Red Stag Fulfillment Video Sales Video Meet the Herd Video Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/19/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes
Last Mile Delivery Grows Up with Ron Richardson
Ron Richardson and Joe Lynch discuss last mile delivery grows up. Ron is the Chief Revenue Officer at OneRail, an Orlando-based omnichannel fulfillment solution providing shippers across all verticals with Amazon-level dependability and speed to keep their delivery promise. About Ron Richardson Ron Richardson is a highly experienced Chief Revenue Officer with a strong background in logistics and transportation. He currently works at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. Prior to joining OneRail, Ron was the CRO at Turvo, a TMS solution provider that offers end-to-end communication and analytics solutions for freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers. Ron has also played a key role in the success of FourKites, a logistics technology company. Throughout his career, Ron has worked with many Fortune 2,000 shippers, retailers, and 3PLs, helping them to optimize their logistics operations using real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and global control tower capabilities. Ron's sales leadership experience spans more than 20 years, and he has worked for major companies such as Infor, Microsoft, and OpenText. Ron holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. He is also a regular speaker at leading supply chain universities, including the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton Supply Chain College. About OneRail OneRail is an Orlando-based omnichannel fulfillment solution providing shippers across all verticals with Amazon-level dependability and speed to keep their delivery promise. With a real-time connected network of 12 million drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for the right delivery so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Across retail, CPG, distribution, construction, healthcare and more, OneRail offers an exceptional last mile delivery experience with an on-time delivery rate north of 98.6%, while keeping brands front and center. To learn more about OneRail, visit OneRail.com. Key Takeaways: Last Mile Delivery Grows Up Ron Richardson is the Chief Revenue Officer at Onereail, Orlando-based omnichannel fulfillment solution providing shippers across all verticals with Amazon-level dependability and speed to keep their delivery promise. OneRail is a last mile delivery logistics solution company that helps businesses remove friction in fulfillment. The company provides a cloud-based platform that enables retailers, carriers, and delivery providers to optimize their delivery operations. OneRail's platform offers real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and global control tower capabilities to its customers. The company works with a range of businesses, including retailers, e-commerce companies, and healthcare providers. The company's platform can integrate with a variety of systems, including ecommerce platforms, warehouse management systems, and transportation management systems. OneRail offers multiple delivery options, including same-day, next-day, and two-day delivery. The company provides customers with a branded tracking page that allows them to monitor their deliveries in real-time. OneRail's solution is designed to help businesses reduce delivery costs, improve customer satisfaction, and increase operational efficiency. Learn More About Last Mile Delivery Grows Up Ron on LinkedIn OneRail on LinkedIn OneRail Building World Class Tech for Final Mile with Eddie Misicka Retail Delivery Trends with Matt Schultz Inventory is Everything with Jeff Flowers The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania Modern Courier Delivery Compliance Considerations: Understanding SOX and SOC Compliance Snapshot of Current Landscape from 2022 Gartner® Market Guide for Last Mile Delivery Technology Solutions Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/17/2023 • 34 minutes, 54 seconds
Subscription First Fulfillment with Paul Jarrett
Paul Jarrett and Joe Lynch discuss subscription first fulfillment. Paul is Co-Founder & CEO of Bulu, a subscription-first, full-service 3PL based in Lincoln, Nebraska. About Paul Jarrett Paul Jarrett is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats including father, husband, CEO, entrepreneur, innovator, athlete, and speaker. As a former D1 college football player, Paul is a driven and competitive individual with a passion for leading his team to success. In 2012, after managing advertising campaigns for top-tier brands for many years, Paul and his wife co-founded Bulu Box, a health and wellness subscription box service that provides product samples to customers. Bulu Box has since evolved alongside the ecommerce industry, diversifying its offerings to include a software company, and partnering with major retail brands like American Express, BuzzFeed, Clorox, Disney, Pepsi, and Scotts Miracle-Gro to create "Private-Label Subscription Box" programs. With over 15 years of experience in ecommerce, subscription services, fulfillment, and global brand management, Paul, and his team at Bulu identified an opportunity to help small and medium-sized businesses grow their brands. By reducing customer acquisition costs, lowering shipping fees, and increasing customer lifetime value, Bulu has created a proven model for brand growth. Bulu solves the challenges that arise at the intersection of the ecommerce order page and warehouse logistics, positioning itself as a subscription-first, full-service 3PL. This approach has allowed Bulu to rapidly scale its operations, making it a formidable force in the industry. About Bulu Bulu is a full-service 3PL company that specializes in subscription-based services. Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team, Paul and Stephanie Jarrett, Bulu initially started as a health and wellness product sample Subscription Box company. Over the years, the company has diversified and expanded its offerings by building and selling a software company and partnering with major retail brands such as Disney, Pepsi, and Clorox to execute "Private-Label Subscription Box" programs. With over 15 years of experience in ecommerce, subscription services, fulfillment, and global brand management, the Bulu team identified a gap in the SMB market and created a model to grow brands of all sizes. By solving the problems at the intersection of the ecommerce order page and warehouse logistics, Bulu reduces customer acquisition costs and lowers shipping fees while increasing customer lifetime value. Bulu's approach is to provide a subscription-first model, ensuring that their clients' customers are consistently engaged and active. Their full-service 3PL model includes everything from warehousing and fulfillment to customer service and marketing support. By offering a comprehensive solution, Bulu has rapidly scaled its operations, becoming a leading player in the industry. In summary, Bulu is a subscription-based, full-service 3PL company that offers a proven model for brand growth. With a focus on reducing costs, increasing customer engagement, and providing a comprehensive solution, Bulu is well-positioned to help businesses of all sizes succeed. Key Takeaways: Subscription First Fulfillment Paul Jarrett is Co-Founder & CEO of Bulu, a subscription-first, full-service 3PL based in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the podcast interview Paul and Joe discuss subscription first fulfillment, which is what Paul and his team at Bulu provide to their customers. Bulu Group is a leading provider of turnkey subscription box solutions for retail and media partners. The company offers a range of services including product sourcing, packaging design, order fulfillment, and customer service management. Bulu Group's proprietary technology platform, BuluBox, allows partners to easily launch and manage their own subscription box programs. The company has worked with a diverse range of partners, including major brands such as Disney, Clorox, and Crayola, as well as media companies like Women's Health and Men's Health. In addition to its subscription box services, Bulu Group also offers product development and consulting services to help clients bring new products to market. The company has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach to subscription box services, including being named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America. Bulu Group is committed to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and sourcing eco-friendly materials for its packaging and products. Learn More About Subscription First Fulfillment Paul on LinkedIn Bulu on LinkedIn Paul Jarrett Website Bulu Website Paul Jarrett Contact Bulu on PBS Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/14/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 9 seconds
Is Drayage Just Drayage with Brian Kempisty
Brian Kempisty and Joe Lynch discuss the question is drayage just drayage. Brian is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. About Brian Kempisty Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian grew up as a farm kid outside of Buffalo, NY and learned how to work at a young age. While earning his degree at Canisius College he needed a job and found himself working in the logistics industry. Since those early days, he has run multiple companies and his latest adventure called for him to create Port X Logistics which is a national drayage and transloading company with offices on both coasts. About Port X Logistics Port X Logistics specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the US and Canada. With a combination of company trucks, owner operators, and logistics network Port X Logistics can effectively service every port and rail ramp. Port X Logistics provides drayage, trans-loading, and over the road trucking to help clients meet their fulfillment and production plans. The team operates with urgency, attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ultimate in visibility. Key Takeaways: Is Drayage Just Drayage Brian Kempisty is the Founder of Port X Logistics, a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. In the podcast interview Brian and Joe discuss the question, is drayage just drayage. Drayage is not just drayage if you work with Port X Logistics. Brian and his team at Port X Logistics have revolutionized the drayage business. While most drayage companies are small local carriers that only work at one or two ports, Port X is a national drayage company that employs state of the art technology to manage the shipment before it even reaches the port. Port X Logistics provides the following services: Drayage – every port in the USA and Canada Transload Truckload Crisis Management Project Management Supply Chain Solutions Port X Logistics lives by the motto “Culture. Service. Tech. Trucks.” Learn More About Is Drayage Just Drayage Brian on LinkedIn Port X Logistics on LinkedIn Port X Logistics website Started from the bottom, now we’re here, Started from the bottom, now my whole team here” – Port X Logistics Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/12/2023 • 52 minutes, 27 seconds
REPOST: The Flock Freight Story with Oren Zaslansky
Oren Zaslansky and Joe Lynch discuss the Flock Freight story. Oren is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/26478612/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/TheBiggestRiskFacingTruckDrivers_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="26478612" /] About Oren Zaslansky Raised by parents who worked for a van line and later started their own freight forwarders, Oren has deep-seated roots in logistics and entrepreneurship. At 21, he founded a 125-truck fleet that provided white-glove freight service throughout the U.S. and Canada. His subsequent venture, SolSource Logistics, continues to operate today, with Oren serving as chairman. SolSource Logistics opened Oren’s eyes to how wasteful traditional freight shipping is. He became determined to find a new approach by building a technology-driven solution. Flock Freight (formerly AuptiX) opened its doors in 2015, driven by Oren’s vision of using technology to combine multiple shipments into one multi-stop shared truckload. Under Oren’s leadership, Flock Freight continu es to rapidly grow while creating a new standard of service for shippers, increasing revenue for carriers, and eliminating the impact of carbon emissions through the patented shared truckload solution, FlockDirect™. About Flock Freight Flock Freight is a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. Flock Freight leverages its advanced, first-to-market algorithms that pool shipments and fill trucks at scale to create a new standard of service for shippers and increase revenue for carriers. Flock Freight's shared truckload solution eliminates the need for terminals and is the only carbon-neutral shipping option with all emissions accounted for through carbon offsets supporting freight-related efficiency projects. Flock Freight is headquartered in Encinitas, CA with an additional office in Chicago, IL. Key Takeaways: The Flock Freight Story Oren Zaslansky is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, where he and his team are driving industry change and powering shared truckload service with top-tier talent and advanced algorithms. In the podcast interview, Oren shares his entrepreneurial story and the founding of Flock Freight. Flock Freight provides an alternative to less-than-truckload shipping, which has traditionally been expensive, slow, and more likely to damage freight compared to truckload shipping. Shippers and 3PLs have always converted some number of LTL shipments to multi-stop or shared truckload shipments, but the approach was scattershot and process was very manual. As investments in freight tech grew, the number of multi-stop shipments increased, however there were no purpose built tech or companies dedicated to multi-stop truckload shipments until Flock Freight. For Shippers: Flock Freight moves shipper freight via shared truckload, combining it with other freight into one multi-stop truckload. Flock Freight gives midsize freight shippers an efficient, cost-effective way to move their goods. For Carriers: Flock Freight helps carriers maximize their revenue by booking high-paying shared truckloads online in seconds. Carriers earn higher profits for the same amount of work by combining multiple shipments moving in the same direction to minimize half-empty trucks and deadhead miles. Most trucks are moving with trailers that are only partially full – Flock Freight can help them earn more revenue by filling up their truck with good paying freight. For the Environment: Flock Freight shipments move via shared truckload, skipping the inefficient LTL hub and spoke system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. Flock takes the remaining 60% and offset it by supporting projects with Carbonfund.org, making Flock Freight the only carbon neutral shipping option available to shippers at no extra cost. Flock Freight is a B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of verified levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Learn More About The Flock Freight Story Oren's LinkedIn Flock Freight LinkedIn Flock Freight The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/10/2023 • 46 minutes, 23 seconds
The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers with Dan Slagen
Dan Slagen and Joe Lynch discuss the biggest risk facing truck drivers. Dan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Tomorrow.io, the world’s weather and climate security platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. About Dan Slagen Dan Slagen is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Tomorrow.io, and a 4-time start-up executive specializing in scaling global go-to-market functions from early stage to $100M+ in annual revenue. With experience in both private and public companies such as HubSpot and Wayfair, Dan has built teams across marketing, growth, sales, customer success, business development, and founded and sold a video technology startup of his own. A frequent speaker and advisor, Dan has spoken at more than 50 conferences and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, TechCrunch, and Bloomberg TV amongst others. Above all else, Dan believes in creativity, drive, and a people first mentality. Dan graduated from Endicott College with a degree in international business and marketing, and currently lives with his family in Boston, Massachusetts. About Tomorrow.io Tomorrow.io is The World’s Weather and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Fully customizable to any industry impacted by the weather, customers around the world including ITS ConGlobal, Uber, Delta, Ford, National Grid, and more use Tomorrow.io to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Tomorrow.io was built from the ground up to help teams prepare for the business impact of weather by automating decision-making and enabling climate adaptation at scale. Key Takeaways: The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers Dan Slagen is the Chief Marketing Officer at Tomorrow.io, the world’s weather and climate security platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. In the podcast interview, Dan Slagen and Joe Lynch discuss the biggest risk facing truck drivers. Weather or more accurately the lack of weather-related intelligence and alerts is the biggest risk for drivers. Approximately 20% of accidents are caused by weather events such as sleet, snow, heavy rain, fog, and high winds. Traditional weather services are not accurate enough or targeted enough to be useful for truck drivers who potentially drive through multiple weather systems and climates every day. The cost of weather-related accidents, delays, inventory damage, service failures, and hour of service problems for drivers are enormous, but there hasn’t been a push to improve because nobody can control the weather. While we can’t control the weather, we can do a better job of planning around the weather – avoiding all those weather-related problems. Tomorrow.io has developed a weather intelligence and climate security platform that is custom-built to help logistics and transportation companies reduce the impact of weather on their operations. Carriers using Tomorrow.io’s weather and climate security platform are reducing weather related risk and improving the lives of truck drivers. Tomorrow.io customers make better decisions because they a have better weather intelligence. Better weather-related decisions reduce accidents, insurance costs, shipment delays, and makes the lives of drivers safer and easier. Learn More About The Biggest Risk Facing Truck Drivers Dan's LinkedIn Tomorrow.io LinkedIn Tomorrow.io Understanding Start-Up CEOs: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One by Dan Slagen Thinking Like a CEO with Dan Slagen Why Your Shipment is Late with Ayala Rudoy Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/7/2023 • 44 minutes, 27 seconds
BI and AI for Logistics with Brad Young
Brad Young and Joe Lynch discuss BI and AI for logistics. Brad is a Principal at Third Axiom Solutions, a quick and cost-effective solution for delivering AI-based transportation analytics to your company and customers. About Brad Young Brad Young is a Principal at Third Axiom Solutions. Leveraging his passion for using technology and diverse transportation experience he is working to help organizations gain insight and answers to what is driving their business performance. This is accomplished through Axiom-One, a next generation artificial intelligence platform that enables transportation professionals to communicate data-driven insights and recommendations more quickly and easier than ever before. Prior to joining Third Axiom, Brad was a key member of the executive team at MODE Transportation where he developed and implemented technology solutions across operations, pricing, capacity, data science, and analytics while also working to design and implement solutions for MODE’s transportation network and managed transportation customers. About Third Axiom Solutions Founded by a small group of individuals with deep experience in the transportation industry Third Axiom Solutions develops advanced software solutions specific to the transportation and logistics industry. Our platform, Axiom-One, enables our customers to deploy business solutions utilizing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and data visualization. Designed to remove the complexity inherent in deploying transportation analytics, Axiom-One is a truly affordable one-stop solution built specifically to solve organization’s unique transportation problems. Combining advanced software, effective processes, and data science services allows Third Axiom to jumpstart your journey to analytics success. Key Takeaways: BI and AI for Logistics Brad Young is a Principal at Third Axiom Solutions, a quick and cost-effective solution for delivering AI-based transportation analytics to your company and customers. In the podcast interview, Brad and Joe discuss the use of BI and AI in logistics. BI = business intelligences and AI = artificial intelligence. Third Axiom Solutions provide a next-generation artificial intelligence platform, Axiom-One, that enables transportation professionals to communicate data-driven insights and recommendations more quickly and easily than ever before. Third Axiom’s solution was built by transportation experts to solve the industry's specific problems in less time, and with less expense, than other solutions. Third Axiom Solutions enable their customers to use AI and analytics to: Increase Sales Manage Cost Support Customers Enhance Productivity Third Axiom Solutions has developed analytics and AI custom built for for 3PLs, brokers, freight forwarders, and shippers. Learn More About BI and AI for Logistics Brad on LinkedIn Third Axiom Solutions on LinkedIn Third Axiom Solutions Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/5/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 37 seconds
Beyond Electric Vehicles with Tucker Perkins
Tucker Perkins and Joe Lynch discuss beyond electric vehicles. Tucker is the President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that invests in the research and development of propane-powered innovation and promotes the safe, efficient use of propane through safety training and education programs. About Tucker Perkins Tucker Perkins is the President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Perkins joined PERC in 2015 as Chief Business Development Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer before the Council named him President and CEO in 2018. A Virginia Tech graduate in civil engineering, Perkins earned his MBA from the University of Richmond. Perkins is a dynamic and relatable leader who has amplified propane’s voice in the national energy conversation as a frequent keynote speaker on energy-related topics. Tucker is also host of the podcast, Path to Zero, in which he engages energy thought leaders in provocative discussions regarding energy and the environment and the path to zero carbon emissions. About PERC The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that invests in the research and development of propane-powered innovation and promotes the safe, efficient use of propane through safety training and education programs. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry, and its programs benefit a variety of markets including transportation, agriculture, commercial landscaping, residential, and commercial building. Key Takeaways: Beyond Electric Vehicles Tucker Perkins is the President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). In the podcast interview, Tucker and Joe discuss beyond electric vehicles. There are many challenges facing the transportation and logistics industry regarding reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting sustainability goals. Propane is a cleaner, greener option that is often overlooked. There are many advantages to using propane in transportation and logistics including: Propane fuel has a lower carbon content than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. When used as a vehicle fuel, propane can offer life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions benefits over conventional fuels, depending on vehicle type, age, and drive cycle. Propane exhaust is also colorless and almost odorless, making it ideal for locations where air quality is a concern. Diesel engines may be prohibited in certain areas due to their emissions. A propane engine is also quieter than diesel and gasoline engines. Propane is frequently used to replace gasoline in smaller off-road applications, such as forklifts and commercial lawn equipment, and it provides benefits like those achieved in on-road vehicles. The potential for lower maintenance costs is one reason behind propane's popularity for use in light- and medium-duty vehicles, such as trucks and taxis, and for heavy-duty vehicles, such as school buses. Propane vehicles have been widely used and refined for decades, and a propane vehicle's power, acceleration, and cruising speed are like those of conventionally fueled vehicles. The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. PERC programs benefit a variety of markets including transportation, agriculture, commercial landscaping, residential, and commercial building. Learn More About Beyond Electric Vehicles Tucker on LinkedIn PERC on LinkedIn PERC Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/3/2023 • 52 minutes, 10 seconds
Highlights from TPM 2023 with Peter Tirschwell
Peter Tirschwell and Joe Lynch discuss highlights from TPM 2023. Peter is Vice President, Journal of Commerce, the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global, a global data, analytics and business intelligence organization serving sectors including maritime, energy, automotive, petrochemical and financial. About Peter Tirschwell Peter Tirschwell is Vice President in the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global;, a global data, analytics and business intelligence organization serving sectors including maritime, energy, automotive, petrochemical and financial. In his role Peter leads The Journal of Commerce, the historic New York City maritime newspaper founded in 1827, today a team of specialized business journalists focused on the end-to-end international shipping supply chain including shipping, ports, airfreight, trucking, rail and home delivery, addressed to the needs of shippers. A career business journalist, Peter has served as a maritime reporter, West Coast Bureau Chief, Editor in Chief and Publisher of The Journal of Commerce, over the course of his 30-year career with the JOC beginning as a maritime beat reporter in the early 1990s. He is the founder and chairman of the annual JOC TPM conference in Long Beach, Calif., the world’s largest container shipping conference, now 23 years old. He writes a regular JOC column, speaks regularly at industry events and has been quoted in or written for mainstream business media including the The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and The Washington Post, CBS News, NPR, The Financial Times, The New York Times and others. He has degrees from the University of Maine and Fordham University. About Journal of Commerce Journal of Commerce is a team of specialized journalists covering international logistics and supply chains with a focus on containerized shipping, ports, trucking, railroads and airfreight. The JOC develops industry-leading events such as TPM, the world’s largest containerized shipping event. The Journal of Commerce is part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, whose team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. Key Takeaways: Highlights from TPM 2023 Peter Tirschwell is Vice President, Journal of Commerce, the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global. In the podcast interview, Peter and Joe discuss highlights from TPM 2023 TPM is the premier conference for the international container shipping and logistics community. TPM 2023 was held February 26 – March 1, 2023, at the Long Beach Convention Center, California. TPM annually presents the industry’s most in-depth program delving into the most pressing challenges affecting container shippers in North America and globally. TPM annually attracts the most senior-level audience in the industry and is a platform for a week of essential and intensive networking, negotiations, and relationship building among the multiple parties in the international container shipping supply chain: shippers, carriers, forwarders, technology providers, trucking operators, railroads, ports, terminals, and many others who participate in this market. In addition to significant networking opportunities, the event provides an in-depth look at the industry’s current situation through panel discussions, roundtables, and speeches by key industry players. Now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence , the JOC Group is the world’s authoritative provider of business intelligence, information and events for trade, transportation, and logistics professionals. JOC Group provides import and export trade information to more than 1,600 companies, governments, and associations in more than 50 countries. JOC products include PIERS, the world’s most comprehensive database of U.S. waterborne activity; the TPM annual conference for the trans-Pacific and global container shipping community; JOC.com, an information portal for container shipping and international logistics; The Journal of Commerce publication for logistics executives; and RailResource, a collection of well-known brands that serve the North American freight railroad and rail-supply markets. Learn More About Highlights from TPM 2023 Peter on LinkedIn S&P Global on LinkedIn S&P Global S&P Global: Market Intelligence TPM JOC Subscriptions The Post-Pandemic Supply Chain with Peter Tirschwell Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/31/2023 • 41 minutes, 11 seconds
The Power of Partnerships with The Matt Silver
Matt Silver and Joe Lynch discuss the power of partnerships in the logistics and transportation space. Matt is the VP of Strategic Partnerships with Greenscreens.ai, a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. About Matt Silver Matt Silver is the VP of Strategic Partnerships with Greenscreens.ai. Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the logistics industry that optimizes and enriches historical and real-time market data to predict buy rates and sell prices that are 2 – 3X more accurate than traditional pricing methods, empowering LSPs to increase profit per transaction and volume per rep. Matt's extensive skill set comes from his unique work history, which ranges from owning and operating a small business to holding an executive leadership position for one of the fastest-growing freight brokerages in the world. Matt champions pushing our industry forward with his "better together" mantra and inclusive approach. When Matt is not traveling for work or pleasure, he enjoys cooking, car building, and spending time with his adopted pit bulls in his home base in Phoenix, AZ. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the logistics industry that delivers freight market pricing intelligence and business insights to help you grow and protect your margins. We exist to help our customers quote with confidence & win more business…more profitably. Our solution combines the power of aggregated market data and your own data with advanced machine-learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to your company's individual buying and selling behavior. Key Takeaways: The Power of Partnerships Matt Silver is the VP of Strategic Partnerships with Greenscreens.ai., a technology that provides predictive pricing recommendations for maximum broker margins. In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss the power of partnerships, which is so important in the logistics business. Greenscreens.ai partners with freight brokers to provide them with predictive pricing recommendations that result in higher margins. Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing technology for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help brokers and 3PLs grow and protect their margins. Freight brokers and 3PLs using Greenscreens.ai gain the following advantages: Faster pricing for both buy side and sell side transactions. Pricing that is more accurate and more likely to win profitable business. Greenscreen.ai’s dynamic pricing is based on an algorithm that gets better every day, unlike human reasoning which typically has biases and blind spots. Greenscreens.ai was started in 2020 by a team of veterans who have collectively spent over 100 years in the supply chain industry who remember what it was like to operate with limited technology and market intelligence. That is why they named the company Greenscreens.ai. Greenscreens.ai's mission is to be the industry-leading, neutral platform for dynamic pricing and revenue optimization. Providing customers with high-confidence, highly accurate predictive buy and sell rate guidance, and differentiated pricing strategies that are powered by the industry's most up-to-date and contextually relevant dataset. Learn More About The Power of Partnerships Greenscreens.ai website GS on LinkedIn Matthew on LinkedIn Related episodes: Highlights from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/29/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 30 seconds
Supply Chain Risk Management with Barry Conlon
Barry Conlon and Joe Lynch discuss supply chain risk management, which is exactly what Barry and his team at Overhaul provide to Fortune 100 companies across the world. Barry is the CEO and founder of Overhaul, an Austin-based company that provides intelligent, real-time supply chain visibility, risk, compliance, and insurance solutions for global shippers and logistics providers. About Barry Conlon Barry Conlon is the CEO and founder of Overhaul, an Austin-based company that provides intelligent, real-time supply chain visibility, risk, compliance, and insurance solutions for global shippers and logistics providers. Barry is a dedicated supply chain security professional with more than 30 years of experience within that discipline. Founder and former CEO of FreightWatch, Barry is considered one of the originators of modern-day supply chain security standards and best practices that have been adopted by shippers of high-value freight worldwide. Barry is a former member of the Irish Defense Forces, Irish Special Operations Unit, Army Ranger Wing, and gained unique security operations experience in all aspects of Special Forces Operations during his eleven-year tenure. He moved from Ireland to Texas and became a citizen in 2011 About Overhaul Founded in 2016 and with offices around the world, Overhaul is the only device-agnostic supply chain visibility and risk management software company. As the global leader in in-transit supply chain risk management, Overhaul transforms real-time visibility into risk management, compliance, and insurance solutions for its partners. Its software-based approach offers high configurability and efficient time-to-value to supply-chain organizations without heavy tech. Overhaul is a trusted provider for Fortune 100 companies moving freight globally across industries, such as pharmaceutical and healthcare, technology, logistics, and food and beverage. Customers include Microsoft, Bristol Myers Squibb, and many others. Key Takeaways: Supply Chain Risk Management Barry Conlon is the CEO and founder of Overhaul, an Austin-based company that provides intelligent, real-time supply chain visibility, risk, compliance, and insurance solutions for global shippers and logistics providers. In the podcast interview, Barry and Joe discuss supply chain risk management, which is exactly what Barry and his team at Overhaul provide to Fortune 100 companies across the world. Logistics and supply chain professionals are paid to increase compliance and visibility, while simultaneously reducing risks and cost – Overhaul provides the technology and expertise to achieve these goals in an increasingly difficult environment. Overhaul is a tech company founded by logistics experts who have actually managed supply chains and logistics networks at some of the world’s biggest organizations. This real-world experience means they’ve been in your shoes, grappling with the same risks and performance pressures. Overhaul’s vision is to empower their customers to have world leading supply chains. Overhaul’s mission is to enhance visibility, security, safety, and integrity by transforming data into actionable outcomes. Overhaul’s technology is an always-on, SaaS solution that enables truly transformational supply chain visibility and risk management. Learn More About Supply Chain Risk Management Overhaul Social channels: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Barry Conlon LinkedIn Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/28/2023 • 1 hour, 55 seconds
Flexible Warehousing with Flexe CEO Karl Siebrecht
Karl Siebrecht and Joe Lynch discuss flexible warehousing, which is exactly what Karl and the Flexe team provides to their customers. Karl is the Co-Founder and CEO of Flexe, a company that solves the hardest omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. About Karl Siebrecht Karl Siebrecht is the Co-Founder and CEO of Flexe, a company that solves the hardest omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. Karl is a seasoned technology executive, with leadership experience in both startups and large, global corporations. Prior to co-founding Flexe, Karl was CEO of AdReady, a Seattle-based advertising technology company. He is also a founding Board member of EnergySavvy, a SaaS-based solution for energy efficiency management. Previously, Karl was President of Atlas at aQuantive, before its $6B acquisition by Microsoft, and earlier in his career he was a Manager at Bain & Company in Boston and a Diving Officer in the U.S. Navy. About Flexe Flexe solves the hardest omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. Integrating technology, open logistics networks, and elastic economic models allow Flexe customers to move fast, at scale, and with precision. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Seattle, Flexe brings deep logistics expertise and enterprise-grade technology to deliver innovative eCommerce fulfillment, retail distribution and network capacity programs to the Fortune 500. Key Takeaways: Flexible Warehousing Karl Siebrecht is the Co-Founder and CEO of Flexe, a company that solves the hardest omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. In the podcast interview, Karl and Joe discuss flexible warehousing, which is exactly what Flexe delivers to their customers. Flexe solves the most difficult omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. Flexe Logistics Programs expedite network expansion and growth through a flexible, asset-light approach. With Flexe, there are no upfront costs or term agreements, just better omnichannel operations and a smarter use of capital. Flexe provides their customers with a sophisticated technology platform to run same-day delivery, ecommerce fulfillment, and B2B distribution programs. Learn More About Flexible Warehousing Karl on LinkedIn Karl on Twitter Flexe on LinkedIn Flexe on Twitter Flexe website Flexe Case Study: Cost-Conscious CPG Company Finds 300%+ Storage Savings with Flexe Logistics Programs Flexe Case Study: Aterian Uses Flexe Logistics Programs to Achieve 97% Two-Day or Less Delivery Speeds Flexe white paper: The 2022 Omnichannel Retail Report Flexe webinars Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/24/2023 • 52 minutes, 13 seconds
How to Find a Fulfillment Partner with Joe Spisak
Joe Spisak and Joe Lynch discuss how to find a fulfillment partner. Joe Spisak is the Founder and CEO of www.Fulfill.com, a marketplace that connects ecommerce brands with the right warehousing and fulfillment partners. [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/26310894/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/How_to_Find_a_Fulfillment_Partner_with_Joe_Spisak_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="26310894" /] About Joe Spisak Joe Spisak is the Founder and CEO of www.Fulfill.com, a marketplace that connects ecommerce brands with the right warehousing and fulfillment partners. Prior to starting Fulfill, Joe founded and successfully exited ShipDaddy, a flexible fulfillment solution for ecommerce companies. Joe is also the founder of a 7-figure ecommerce brand, which is when he learned first-hand how difficult it is for shipper to find a good fulfillment partner. Earlier in his career, Joe was a Network Engineer for AT&T global. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in leadership and public policy, and a master’s degree in education from University of Virginia. Joe was a scholarship wrestler at UVA. About Fulfill.com Fulfill.com, headquartered in Austin, Texas is the #1 3PL marketplace to help brands find the right warehousing and fulfillment partner. Founded in 2020, the company has rapidly grown. The Fulfill.com team has successfully placed hundreds of ecommerce brands with the right 3PL partner. Fulfill.com's mission is to help businesses streamline their operations and improve their customer experience by providing recommendations for fast, reliable, and cost-effective fulfillment partners. The company's vast 3PL directory and advanced matchmaking technology enable it to efficiently process eCommerce information and recommend the best 3PL partner across the globe. Key Takeaways: How to Find a Fulfillment Partner Joe Spisak is the Founder and CEO of www.Fulfill.com, a marketplace that connects ecommerce brands with the right warehousing and fulfillment partners. In the podcast interview Joe and Joe discuss how to find a fulfillment partner, which is one of the biggest decisions a company can make. A bad fulfillment partner can cost ruin a business. Fulfill.com is a digital marketplace connecting companies with the highest-rated 3PLs. Built to simplify the RFP process and ensure brands partner with the best 3PL for their specific needs, Fulfill.com is bringing scale to both 3PLs and the companies they service. Selecting a fulfillment partner is one of the most critical decisions a company can make, yet few companies have the internal expertise required to make the right decision, which is why Fulfill.com exists. Fulfill.com also helps warehousing and fulfillment companies to grow – they are a sales channel. Fulfill.com is a network of 3PLs where shippers select the right partner for their needs – so the Fulfill team has helped many 3PLs (fulfillment partners) achieve exceptional growth. Learn More About How to Find a Fulfillment Partner Joe Spisak on LinkedIn Fulfill.com on LinkedIn Fulfill.com Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/22/2023 • 52 minutes, 32 seconds
REPOST: The KlearNow Story with Rick Tellez
Rick Tellez and Joe Lynch discuss the KlearNow story. Rick is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a tech firm dedicated to simplifying global customs clearance and drayage functions. About Rick Tellez Rick Tellez is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a technology start-up positioned as the go-to digital supply chain solution for businesses that trade across borders. His business acumen was built from a 20-year successful track record of managing operations, engineering and sales positions at DHL. Prior to starting KlearNow, Rick was on an executive career development track at DHL where he experienced multiple aspects of the business, including operations, process improvement, hub and gateway management, labor negotiations, special project management, and sales. Rick saw the frustrations faced by today’s supply chain operators, and those observations sparked his desire to start KlearNow. Now, Rick uses his first-hand experience to inform the strategy behind KlearNow’s logistics technology and services. Rick received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. About KlearNow KlearNow is transforming supply chains with its smart Logistics as a Service (LaaS) platform that connects data, people, processes, and organizations to enable new levels of visibility and productivity that reduce logistics costs and create better customer experiences. KlearNow’s customs clearance and drayage marketplaces on its AI-powered platform ease supply chain bottlenecks by digitizing paper-based transactions and enabling customs brokers and transporters to deliver superior real-time visibility needs of importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. Key Takeaways: The KlearNow Story Rick Tellez is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a tech firm dedicated to simplifying global customs clearance and drayage functions. In the podcast interview, Joe and Rick discussed Rick’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of KlearNow. The global supply chain logistics market is highly fragmented with documentation processes that are complex, labor-intensive, error-prone, and time-consuming. KlearNow’s goal is to simplify and automate those processes. KlearNow custom clearance Digital customs clearance with end-to-end shipment and transportation visibility Consolidated view of customs activities and multi-leg shipments on one platform Clear customs exceptions quickly KlearNow drayage Connecting truckers to shipments just at the right time with KlearNow Trucker Mobile App Last mile visibility for efficient warehouse planning and increased customer satisfaction Real-time demurrage clock to avoid unnecessary fees Learn More About The KlearNow Story Rick's LinkedIn KlearNow LinkedIn KlearNow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/20/2023 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
Highlights from Manifest 2023 with Courtney Muller
Courtney Muller and Joe Lynch discuss highlights from Manifest 2023 conference, which was held in Las Vegas, January 31 to February 2. Courtney is currently the President of Manifest, a new generation event with logistics technology at the center. She leads the Manifest team and drives all strategic partnerships for the event. About Courtney Muller Courtney Muller lived in 8 states before she was 14 years old. Which might be the reason she loves the travel and pace of the events industry! Courtney started her career in events in 1991. Courtney is currently the President of Manifest, a new generation event with logistics technology at the center. She leads the Manifest team and drives all strategic partnerships for the event. Manifest is owned by Connectiv, where Courtney also serves as Chief Corporate Development Officer. Connectiv is a live events studio that focuses on technology and how it transforms and evolves industries. Courtney has 31 years of trade show and event experience which includes a 20-year career at Reed Exhibitions where she rose to the role of Senior Vice President overseeing a portfolio of 10 industry leading events in five sectors, including multiple Trade Show 200 events (Global Gaming Expo Las Vegas and Macau, The Vision Expos, Interphex and BookExpo America as well as New York Restaurant, Florida Restaurant & Lodging and California Restaurant events). She also oversaw the sponsorship revenue team as well as the conference teams for all U.S. events. Recently, Courtney worked for Clarion Events North America where she was Chief Corporate Development and Strategy Officer. In her role she was responsible for acquisitions, new business, partnerships, and commercial development for Clarion North America. Courtney also oversaw two acquisitions, InsureTech Connect and The National Grocer’s Association Show. During her 4-year tenure in the role in the North American Division of Clarion grew by 4 times, putting them on the map of the leading event organizers in the U.S. Prior to Clarion Events, Courtney worked as Executive Vice President for Urban Expositions where she oversaw the team and portfolio of almost 35 events. Clarion Events bought Urban in 2016 and Courtney continued to help build the division of Clarion. Muller is recognized for building strong relationships with association partners and customers. Over her career she has worked with The American Booksellers Association, The American Gaming Association, The Vision Council, The New York State Restaurant Association and the National Indian Gaming Association and the National Grocer’s Association to name a few. Courtney’s creative approaches to growing business are exemplified by her strong leadership and team building skills. Courtney is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She enjoys gardening and cooking and adores the natural beauty of her island home in North Carolina. She and her husband and dog live on the Topsail Island Sound and only steps from the beach! They have three grown children and three grandsons. About Manifest: The Future of Logistics The world of logistics is changing faster than ever. Technology advances plus rapidly changing consumer behavior has already dramatically changed how business gets done. Manifest will provide a focused look at what’s to come across the spectrum of LogisticsTech and which companies and technologies are transforming the way goods circumnavigate the globe. Manifest will help you forge new relationships, new alliances, and foster new strategies that help move your business forward and avoid falling into the traditional mindset. About Connectiv Connectiv is a live events studio that for the past decade has dedicated itself to creating industry leading gatherings. Our passion and our expertise is owning and operating at scale, vertical-specific conferences. The events we have created attract more than 15,000 people each year and touch on global industries impacting people’s daily lives. Key Takeaways: Highlights from Manifest 2023 Courtney is currently the President of Manifest, a new generation event with logistics technology at the center. She leads the Manifest team and drives all strategic partnerships for the event. In the podcast, Courtney and Joe discuss the highlights of Manifest 2023 --- and there were a lot of highlights. Courtney also shared plans for Manifest 2024, which is going to be even more epic that Manifest 2023. Register early and save big: Manifest Registration Manifest Vegas brings together the most comprehensive ecosystem of innovation and transformation in supply chain and logistics. Manifest: The Future of Logistics is February 5th – 7th, 2024 in Las Vegas Manifest is the premiere gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and investors in a showcase of the cutting edge of Logistics and Supply Chain. Get unprecedented access to the people and technologies changing the way the world moves. Register now for Manifest 2024 and save big: Manifest Registration Larn More About Highlights from Manifest 2023 Courtney on LinkedIn Connectiv on LinkedIn Connectiv Manifest End to End Supply Chain Disruption with Pam Simon Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2023 • 42 minutes
3 Reasons to Outsource Fulfillment with Nathan Lugo-Montanez
Nathan Lugo-Montanez and Joe Lynch discuss 3 reasons to outsource fulfillment. the empty container marketplace. Nathan is the EVP of Strategy and Transformation at STACI-US, a leading provider of supply chain end-to-end solutions. About Nathan Lugo-Montanez Nathan Lugo-Montanez is a turnaround executive with over 15 years of experience in supply chain and business operations. Throughout his career, he has specialized in turnaround and expansion projects for a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. In addition to his work, Nathan is a former US Army Ranger having served for over a decade with several tours in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is deeply involved in numerous veteran’s charities and mentors young aspiring business leaders through the Future Business Leaders of America program. Nathan is currently pursuing his doctorate in business administration with a concentration in strategy and innovation at Columbia International University and has Masters Degrees in Business and Public Administration. He is a sought-after speaker and have presented at NRF, eRetail West, and TEDx. Currently, Nathan is the EVP of Strategy and Transformation at STACI-US, where he works with the executive leadership team to develop and implement the overall strategy for STACI’s business, including identifying growth opportunities, optimizing service offerings, and enhancing customer value proposition. About STACI-US STACI-US is a dynamic and innovative logistics network headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, specializing in technology driven omni-channel distribution solutions and consulting services. The company has an impressive track record of delivering cutting-edge 3PL solutions that help businesses of all sizes to optimize their supply chain and e-commerce operations, reduce costs, and increase profitability. With a team of experienced and highly skilled professionals, STACI-US has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly evolving supply chain landscape. STACI US has recently acquired Amware Fufillment bringing together STACI’s expertise in logistics and supply chain management with Amware's exceptional warehousing and fulfillment services across 18 locations throughout the US. Key Takeaways: 3 Reasons to Outsource Fulfillment Nathan Lugo-Montanez is the EVP of Strategy and Transformation at STACI-US, a leading provider of supply chain end-to-end solutions. In the podcast interview, Nathan and Joe discuss 3 reasons to outsource fulfillment. There are many reasons to outsource warehousing and fulfillment, but Nathan shared these: 1.) Economics (cost savings). 2.) Enables the brand to focus on their core competency. 3.) Ability to quickly scale fulfillment without investment, hiring, or hassle. 4) Technology - warehousing and fulfillment companies like STACI have invested in the technology and the expertise to leverage that technology. STACI-US support ecommerce, B2C, and B2B Clients across a diverse range of industries. STACI’s services include multi-channel integrated fulfillment solutions (direct to customer, retail, and wholesale customers), kitting, complex packaging, logistics and warehousing. Staci Group Acquires Amware Fulfillment to create strong global fulfillment capability. The combined company now has 81 fulfillment centers across the U.S., France, Belgium, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain Learn More About 3 Reasons to Outsource Fulfillment Nathan on LinkedIn STACI-US on LinkedIn STACI-US Episode Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/15/2023 • 53 minutes, 55 seconds
Lead Gen for Logistics with Kara Brown
Kara Brown and Joe Lynch discuss lead gen for logistics. Kara is the Founder and CRO of LeadCoverage, the premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping logistics companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. About Kara Brown Kara Brown is the Founder and CRO of LeadCoverage, the premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping logistics companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. Kara was one of the first employees at Echo Global Logistics which grew quickly in three years and her name is on the company’s 2009 IPO press release. In 2017 after a successful corporate career including SEKO Logistics, OHL (now Geodis), and Rubicon Global, she partnered with Will Haraway, another industry veteran, to start LeadCoverage. Brown is also an active force in empowering women leaders. She is on the board of the Entrepreneur's Organization Atlanta chapter, LaunchPad2x, and co-founded CloseHer, a community for women in sales. About LeadCoverage LeadCoverage is a premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. Their team of industry experts, Kara Brown and Will Haraway, specialize in supply chain and logistics services, offering lead gen services that include marketing and sales alignment, perfecting tech stacks, social and email conversions, SEO & PPC, and sales accountability. The LeadCoverage team take pride in their ability to align marketing efforts with sales goals while providing their clients with measurable results. Key Takeaways: Lead Gen for Logistics with Kara Brown Kara Brown is the Founder and CRO of LeadCoverage, the premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping logistics companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. In the podcast interview, Kara and Joe discuss lead gen for logistics, which is the specialty of Kara’s company, LeadCoverage. Kara and her team at LeadCoverage have developed a proven approach to lead generation that is focused on measuring results and getting a positive return on investment (ROI). The LeadCoverage process in a nutshell: Share Good News – a robust content development process enables targeted PR and lead generation campaigns. Track Who's Interested - follow prospects from first buying signal through closed deal. Follow Up – the LeadCoverage team of virtual sales development reps make the first dial. Measurement - analytics and analysis delivered executive-ready. LeadCoverage has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing, privately owned companies in America by Inc. 5000. Learn More About Lead Gen for Logistics Kara on LinkedIn LeadCoverage on LinkedIn LeadCoverage Episode Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/13/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 20 seconds
Highlights from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon
Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss highlights from the BGSA Conference, an annual event designed to bring together top industry leaders from all segments of the supply chain and provides an intimate and candid setting where CEOs and leaders can privately network and explore ideas with their peers. Ben Gordon, is the Founder of Cambridge Capital (private equity), BGSA (advice), and the Ukraine Logistics Coalition (humanitarian aid) [podcast src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/26171376/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/4c4ca4/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/The_Empty_Container_Marketplace_with_Sean_Bardon_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="4C4CA4" libsyn_item_id="26171376" /] About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Cambridge Capital Cambridge Capital is a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in our sectors. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. Cambridge Capital was founded in 2009 as the investment affiliate of BG Strategic Advisors (www.bgsa.com), the advisor of choice for a large, growing number of supply chain CEOs. Cambridge Capital leverages BGSA’s unique approach to strategy-led investment banking for the supply chain. BGSA is known for its work helping companies achieve outsized returns via targeted acquisitions and premium sales processes, and has worked with category leaders such as UPS, DHL, Agility Logistics, New Breed, NFI, Genco, Nations Express, Raytrans, and others. Our relationship with BGSA gives us deep market expertise, access to outstanding deal flow and people flow, transactional capabilities, additional resources, and a powerful core competency in the supply chain sector. The Partners and Advisory Board members of Cambridge Capital have diverse backgrounds with complementary technical, operating, and financial expertise. The Cambridge Capital team has spent their careers building, growing, and advising outstanding companies in the supply chain sector. They include former leaders of UPS Logistics, Ryder Logistics, ATC Logistics, APL Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and other globally recognized firms. Cambridge Capital’s professionals know what it takes to build great companies. Key Takeaways: Highlights from the BGSA Conference Ben Gordon is the Founder of Cambridge Capital (private equity), BGSA (advice), and the Ukraine Logistics Coalition (humanitarian aid). In the podcast interview, Ben and Joe discuss highlights from the BGSA Conference. For the 17th year, Ben and his firm hosted the BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference at the Palm Beach Breakers hotel. The conference was held from January 19-21. The BGSA Conference is the industry’s only CEO-level conference focused on all segments of the supply chain. Over 300 of the top CEOs in the logistics and supply chain space attended this year’s conference to discuss technology, strategy and deals. BGSA Holdings specializes in providing strategy-led M&A advisory services for leading CEOs in the supply chain and technology sector. BGSA has a track record of executing over 50 deals for our clients, who rely on them for trusted and experienced transaction advice. Cambridge Capital is a private investment firm focused on investing in high-growth, tech-enabled supply chain companies, encompassing the logistics, transportation, distribution, and supply chain-related sectors. Learn More About Highlights from the BGSA Conference Ben on LinkedIn Ben on Twitter Cambridge Capital on LinkedIn Cambridge Capital BGSA BGSA Supply Chain Conference BGSA 2023 Conference: Vlad Bilanovsky BGSA 2023 Conference: Rick Murrell Ukraine Logistics Coalition Episode Sponsor: Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai’s dynamic pricing infrastructure built to grow and protect margins. The Greenscreens.ai solution combines aggregated market data and customer data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buy and sell behavior. Episode Sponsor: Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics is a national network of the best regional parcel carriers that puts Shippers first, with lower costs, reliable service, and proactive support. Tusk save Shippers 40% or more on small parcel shipping. Tusk's technology connects your parcel operation to a national network of vetted regional carriers, all with pre-negotiated rates and reliable, predictable service. Integrating to your existing software takes minutes, and Tusk has your back with proactive shipper support on each parcel, in real time. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/10/2023 • 53 minutes, 18 seconds
The Empty Container Marketplace with Sean Bardon
Sean Bardon and Joe Lynch discuss the empty container marketplace. Sean is the Co-founder and COO at Qualle, The world's first empty container marketplace that connects exporters, importers, trucking companies, and steamship lines. Using Qualle’s technology, supply chains run more effectively, more efficiently, and less greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. About Sean Bardon Sean Bardon is the Co-founder and COO at Qualle, The world's first empty container marketplace truckers actually use. Sean is a bilingual start-up veteran who’s worked in China with the Beijing Silicon Valley Group, leading the logistical planning of multiple joint ventures. After gaining vital international experience in manufacturing and transpacific shipping, he took on a variety of roles back in the U.S. managing freight and drayage trucking operations for enterprise clients like Amazon, Samsung, and Apple. Sean earned a bachelor degrees in Chinese Studies and International Business at University at Albany, SUNY and completed post graduate studies in Chinese at Princeton and Beijing Normal University. About Qualle Since launching in May 2022, Qualle has quickly built up a substantial trucker base that spans from the LA and Long Beach ports to New York, New Jersey, Savannah, Houston, and Memphis ports. Truckers can use Qualle to manage and request street turns with multiple steamship lines at the click of a button. They can also access additional empty equipment or offer up their surplus equipment in a documented and secure place, the empty container marketplace. This saves them a lot of time and money running their operations. With this marketplace, Qualle has become the leading empty container management platform that connects truckers, exporters, importers, and steamship lines. The team at Qualle aim to streamline the traditionally fragmented drayage space by connecting and sharing more data between these stakeholders with the end goal of keeping containers moving. Key Takeaways: The Empty Container Marketplace Sean Bardon is the Co-founder and COO at Qualle, The world's first empty container marketplace truckers actually use. In the podcast interview, Sean and Joe discuss the empty container marketplace and the importance of efficiency, visibility, and sustainability when moving shipping containers. Sean, the Qualle team, and major steamship lines have collaborated to develop an empty container marketplace powered by Qualle’s technology. Shipping containers are the building blocks of the supply chain, yet we don’t do a great job managing those containers. The poor management of containers drives extra costs, wasted time, empty miles for trucking companies, and excess pollution. By connecting the four major stakeholders in drayage, Qualle is helps to the container moving: Exporters gain access to more capacity and equipment. Steamship lines improve container velocity through flexible connected transactions. Trucking Companies are able secure the container equipment they need. Importers free up yard space and reduce their overall costs. Using Qualle’s technology, supply chains run more effectively, more efficiently, and less greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Learn More About The Empty Container Marketplace Sean on LinkedIn Qualle on LinkedIn Qualle website The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/8/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 32 seconds
5 Sales and Marketing Myths with Mary Keough
Mary Keough and Joe Lynch discuss 5 sales and marketing myths. Mary Keough is a Senior Strategist at Gorilla 76, a marketing company that works with midsized B2B American manufacturing companies selling complex products or services in long, consultative sales cycles. About Mary Keough Mary Keough is a Senior Strategist at Gorilla 76. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Mary began her wild and crazy ride through technical writing to editing to marketing. She joined Gorilla after helping a leading water tech manufacturer earn leads by repositioning the B2B customer at the front of their strategy. In a digital world, Mary’s proven approach helps industrial and manufacturing businesses stay ahead. About Gorilla 76 Gorilla 76 helps B2B manufacturers grow through revenue-focused marketing programs. For more than a decade, Gorilla 76 has built expertise working with B2B companies throughout the manufacturing ecosystem. Gorilla 76's client portfolio includes OEMs, custom machine builders, contract manufacturers, robotics systems integrators and industry 4.0 tech companies. Key Takeaways: 5 Sales and Marketing Myths Mary Keough is a Senior Marketing Strategist at Gorilla 76, a marketing company that works with midsized B2B American manufacturing companies ($10M to $200M) selling complex products or services in long, consultative sales cycles. In the podcast interview Mary and Joe discuss 5 sales and marketing myths Myth 1: Trade shows are always a good investment. Truth: Do the math and determine if the trade show or event provides a good return on investment (ROI). Myth 2: The email list that I bought will help us grow our email list and connect with prospective customers. Truth: Bought email lists will annoy prospective customers who don’t know you and potentially cause your email server to be “flagged” which means all your company’s emails may go to the junk folder. Myth 3: Print media and print first media is a good way to engage your market. Truth: Today’s customers prefer digital first media and digital media is more cost effective – and digital assets can be tracked and measured. Myth 4: Email newsletters are a great way to sell prospective customers. Truth: Email newsletters can be a great tool for growing engagement and sales, but customers want useful and educational information, not a daily sales pitch from your company. Myth 5: Social media posts from the company will spur engagement. Truth: Social media posts from actual people perform much better than company social media posts. Gorilla 76 helps B2B manufacturers grow through revenue-focused marketing programs. Gorilla 76 uses a four-step framework that include: Road Map: Strategy and tactical plan to get from point A to point B. Go-to-Market Messaging Strategy: Customer interviews, written positioning language, documented content plan and campaign map. Essential Content: Most critical base of product/service, blog, video, case study, landing page and/or other content for use in campaigns. Campaigns: Ongoing campaign launch, management and reporting to both capture existing demand and create new demand. Learn More About 5 Sales and Marketing Myths Mary on LinkedIn Gorilla 76 on LinkedIn Gorilla 76 Industrial Marketing Live The Manufacturing Executive Podcast The Manufacturing Marketer Podcast A little more about who Gorilla 76 help and how The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/6/2023 • 59 minutes, 17 seconds
Digital Freight Forwarding with Gary Nemmers & Martyn Verhaegen
Gary Nemmers, Martyn Verhaegen and Joe Lynch discuss digital freight forwarding – and the importance of a modern, data-driven logistics software platform to optimize every step of the freight forwarding process. Gary (CEO) and Martyn (CTO) are executive leadership at Magaya, the logistics software made for the modern freight forwarder. About Gary Nemmers A charismatic and visionary leader, Gary Nemmers brings his decades of industry experience in high-growth software to the Chief Executive Officer role at Magaya. Having most recently served as CEO and board member of IQMS Software, Gary previously held the role of COO at HighJump Software, Senior VP at Infor, and was the founder and CEO of DataTrend Information Systems, which provided ERP solutions to the JD Edward and PeopleSoft communities. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Behavioral Psychology from Northwestern University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management. About Martyn Verhaegen Prior to his role as Chief Technology Officer, Martyn Verhaegen was the Founder and CEO of Qwyk, the digital forwarder solution that was acquired by Magaya in 2021. Before founding Qwyk, he served as lead for Corporate Account Technology at top global consolidator ECU Worldwide. Having joined ECU in 2007, Martyn operated in roles ranging from Operations to Systems and Technology to Sales. As a product owner, he was jointly responsible for the redesign and development of ECU’s internal and externally facing operational systems. Martyn possesses not only extensive technical expertise, but deep knowledge of the logistics and freight forwarding industries and the vision to evolve the Magaya Digital Freight Platform as the industry continues to shift. About Magaya Magaya delivers a Digital Freight Platform that accelerates growth with flexible, interoperable, and modular cloud-based solutions designed to optimize and digitize logistics operations and customer experience. Whether used together as an integrated platform or independently, Magaya solutions enable businesses of all sizes to streamline complex and redundant processes, enhance the customer experience, optimize productivity, reduce costs, and grow revenue. Trusted by more than 2,300 businesses located across over 100 countries, the Magaya Digital Freight Platform sets the technology foundation for modern logistics management with solutions for shipping, warehousing, rate management, visibility, digital forwarding, compliance, CRM, and more. Visit magaya.com to learn more. Key Takeaways: Digital Freight Forwarding Gary Nemmers is the CEO of Magaya, a modern, data-driven logistics software platform for freight forwarders, 3PLs, NVOCCs, and customs brokers. Martyn Verhaegen is the CTO of Magaya, the digital freight platform that enables freight forwarders and 3PLs to streamline their operations, better serve their customers, and grow profitably. In the podcast interview, Martyn, Gary, and Joe discuss digital freight forwarding and importance of using technology to reduce cost, streamline functions and stay competitive in the increasingly tech-centric logistics space. Freight forwarding is one of the most difficult services within the logistics industry. The nature of freight forwarding is much more complicated because there are so many companies involved in the process including, but not limited to the shipper, receiver, multiple trucking carriers in multiple countries, customs brokers, customs officials, steamship lines, warehousing companies, and the receiver. These stakeholders speak different languages, live in different countries, different time zones and are governed by different laws. Magaya logistics tech solutions include: Digital freight portal - a branded, interactive digital experience with all the functions of a digital forwarder in a single solution. Supply chain - all-in-one solution for modern logistics and supply chain management. Rate management - modernize and optimize your freight rate data and processes with a single control tower for searching and comparing rates, managing margins, filing tariffs, responding to RFQs, and preparing winning quotes. CRM - Integrated with Magaya Supply Chain, this time-saving logistics CRM solution eliminates redundancies and fosters collaboration across sales and operations teams with greater visibility, streamlined processes, and built-in business intelligence. Customs compliance - accelerate, streamline, and simplify your compliance workflows with a cloud-based, ACE-certified ABI software solution for customs brokers, FTZ or CFS operators, and self-filers. Magaya has been included on Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider list in 2022. Learn More About Digital Freight Forwarding Gary on LinkedIn Martyn on LinkedIn Magaya on LinkedIn Magaya Website Magaya Digital Freight Platform Brochure Magaya Digital Freight Platform Video Magaya Resource Library The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/3/2023 • 54 minutes, 19 seconds
The Tech that Automated 60 Million Shipments with Chadd Olesen
Chadd Olesen and Joe Lynch discuss the tech that automated 60 million shipments. That tech belongs to AVRL and Chadd is the Co-Founder and CEO. AVRL’s Generation platform converts complex domain expertise into a rich, storied decision trees that can be cross-linked, aggregated across domains, and parsed by existing ERP, smart forms, mobile apps, and RPA. About Chadd Olesen Chadd Olesen is the Co-Founder and CEO of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company providing the supply chain and logistics architecture required to connect intricate systems and automate complex problems. Chadd and Co-Founder Nikolai Pereira started AVRL in 2017 and the company has grown so quickly that it is recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. magazine. About AVRL AVRL Generation is the world's most sophisticated platform for applying decision-making technology, while being manageable by your non-technical workforce. This platform uses decision trees in a way never seen before. With our proprietary technology, Generation allows users to convert their complex domain expertise into a rich, storied decision trees that can be cross-linked and aggregated across domains, allowing our users to reach their customers through rich APIs, sophisticated chatbots, automated content serving mechanisms and robotic process management. Key Takeaways: The Tech that Automated 60 Million Shipments Chadd Olesen is the Co-Founder and CEO of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company providing the supply chain and logistics architecture required to connect intricate systems and automate complex problems. AVRL works with more than half of the top 100 3PLs, which is how they have been able to automate over 60 million shipments. 3PLs, carriers, and shippers come to AVRL to connect disparate systems (TMS, WMS, ERP, etc.) and automate processes. “Over the course of every year, we identify 18 companies to work with us to automate their processes.” Copied from AVRL’s website. Learn More About The Tech that Automated 60 Million Shipments Chadd on LinkedIn AVR on LinkedIn Contact AVR The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/1/2023 • 49 minutes, 17 seconds
Why Packaging Matters with Phillip Akhzar
Phillip Akhzar and Joe Lynch discuss why packaging matters. Phillip is the Founder and CEO of Arka, a tech enabled packaging platform that provides custom and unbranded eco-friendly packaging to SMBs at competitive prices. About Phillip Akhzar Phillip Akhzar is the Founder and CEO of Arka, a tech enabled packaging platform that provides custom and unbranded eco-friendly packaging to SMBs at competitive prices. Phillip is a serial entrepreneur, Y Combinator alum, and sustainability and supply chain expert. Prior to starting Arka, Phillip founded and successfully exited a few startups. Phil began his professional career at Boeing Aerospace. Phil is a San Francisco native, who earned an Industrial Engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. About Arka Arka is a tech enabled packaging platform that provides custom and unbranded eco-friendly packaging to SMBs at competitive prices. Arka is integrated with Shopify, BigCommerce, Square and Shipbob and their integrations provide a seamless experience to their customers when they order packaging. Arka’s API uses AI to auto-replenish packaging inventory for warehouses and 3PLs. Arka Packaging has the flexible packaging solution ecommerce businesses need to stand out from the crowd with custom and unbranded eco-friendly packaging. All of Arka’s paper products are FSC certified. From their material offerings, to how they ship, to the facilities they use, it all utilizes the latest eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Key Takeaways: Why Packaging Matters Phillip Akhzar is the Founder and CEO of Arka, a tech enabled packaging platform that provides custom packaging solutions to the SMB market. Ecommerce packaging is one of keys to a great customer experience. A box that is ugly, too big, or too difficult turns customers off – and they might not buy again. Arka works with both shippers and warehousing companies. For shippers: Arka has worked with over 2,000 entrepreneurs, small businesses owners, and makers of all sizes to understand what matters most to their unboxing experience: low minimums, premium materials, quick turnaround, self-service tools and the flexibility to scale orders. For warehousing companies: Arka automates the packaging ordering process by connecting Arka’s API to the warehouse management system (WMS). By automating the packaging ordering system, companies eliminate packaging inventory shortages, the hassle of inventory counts, and dozens of emails and phone calls. Learn More About Why Packaging Matters Arka on LinkedIn Arka on Instagram Arka on Twitter Arka Case Study Introduction to Packaging Your Products with Phillip Akhzar The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/27/2023 • 38 minutes, 23 seconds
MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics with Chris Caplice
Chris Caplice and Joe Lynch discuss MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics and a wide range of logistics and supply chain topics. Chris is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). About Chris Caplice Dr. Chris Caplice is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) where he is responsible for the planning and management of the research, education, and corporate outreach programs for the center. He created and leads the MITx MicroMaster’s Program in Supply Chain Management, the first online credential offered at MIT, for which he was awarded the MITx Prize for Teaching and Learning, the Irwin Sizer Award for the Most Significant Improvement to MIT Education, and the MIT Teaching with Digital Technology Award. He is also the founder of the MIT FreightLab – a research initiative that focuses on improving the way freight transportation is designed, procured, and managed. Outside of MIT, Dr. Caplice is the Chief Scientist for DAT Freight and Analytics. In this role, he pioneered the development of the Freight Market Intelligence Consortium (FMIC). He received a Ph.D. from MIT in 1996 in Transportation and Logistics Systems, a MSCE from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BSCE from the Virginia Military Institute. Twice the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has formally recognized him: the Doctoral Dissertation Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2016. Chris was named the Silver Family Research Fellow in 2016. About MIT Center of Transportation and Logistics The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) is a research and education center dedicated to advancing the field of supply chain management, freight transportation, and logistics. Founded in 1973, the center has since become a world-renowned institution known for its innovative research and practical solutions to complex transportation and logistics problems. CTL offers a range of educational programs, including a master's program in supply chain management, executive education courses, and online courses, all of which focus on preparing students for careers in the transportation and logistics industry. The center also engages in cutting-edge research, working with companies and organizations to develop new technologies, strategies, and practices that improve the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of global supply chains. The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics is a leader in the field, working to address the challenges facing the transportation and logistics industry today and, in the future, and driving innovation into practice. Key Takeaways: MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics Dr. Chris Caplice is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT and serves as the Executive Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). The MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management helps learners gain expertise in the growing field of Supply Chain Management through an innovative online program consisting of five courses and a final comprehensive exam. The MicroMasters is an advanced, professional, graduate-level foundation in Supply Chain Management. Chris is also the Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics In the podcast interview, Chris and Joe discuss the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) and the Supply Chain Management MicroMasters (mit.edu) Future Freight Flows initiative is primarily concerned with improving the way in which freight infrastructure investments are made and enabling informed discussions of national, multistate, state, and regional freight policy and system investment priorities. MIT FreightLab which develop innovations in freight transportation planning and operations and drive them into practice. Almost 400 new mines needed to meet future EV battery demand, data finds Remora – Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks Learn More About MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics Chris on LinkedIn Chris' personal website MIT FreightLab Freightvine Podcasts for DATiQ Future Freight Flows material MIT CTL DAT MIT MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/24/2023 • 53 minutes, 11 seconds
5 Things Your Carrier Wants with Brian Gibala
Brian Gibala and Joe Lynch discuss 5 things your carrier wants. Brian serves as Vice President of Sales at LTI Trucking Services, an asset-based truckload carrier and 3PL specializing in temperature-controlled contract service. About Brian Gibala Brian Gibala is the VP of Sales at LTI Trucking Services, an asset-based truckload carrier and 3PL specializing in temperature-controlled contract service. He studied Logistics and Operations Management at The University of Missouri-St. Louis and got his start in the industry at Hub Group in the Highway Brokerage division. Brian has worn many hats in his 8 years at LTI, holding various roles with responsibilities in operations, sales, pricing, customer success, and network strategy. Brian is passionate about Freight Network Engineering, building relationships, continuous improvement, analytics, and taking a hands-on approach in working with clients and teammates to achieve win-win solutions. Brian is a competitive and compassionate leader and happily married father of two young boys that love trucks. About LTI Trucking Services LTI Trucking Services is an asset-based, super-regional, truckload carrier and 3PL headquartered in St. Louis, MO offering reliable, consistent, quality capacity. One of The Top 500 For-Hire Carriers in United States, their network consists of nearly 300 tractors, 600 trailers, and 15,000 vetted partner carriers. LTI has strong density and capabilities in the Midwest and select markets in Georgia, Eastern Pennsylvania, Texas, and Colorado. Obsessed with efficiency and delivering on promises, LTI Trucking’s niche strengths are leveraged by many Fortune 500 food manufacturers and retail corporations. Their professional drivers and experienced operations team work diligently to deliver value utilizing technology, proven processes, and resilience. Key Takeaways: 5 Things Your Carrier Wants Brian Gibala is the VP of Sales at LTI Trucking Services, an asset-based truckload carrier and 3PL specializing in temperature-controlled contract service. In the podcast interview, Brian and Joe discuss 5 things your carrier wants: Carriers want consistent shipments so they can manage their assets. Carriers want shippers who forecast their shipments and then meet those forecasted volumes - within reason because no forecast is perfect. A solid shipper/carrier partnership characterized by collaboration, communication, and great relationships. Consistent communication cadence (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly) Load and unload quickly and move to drop & hook if feasible. Mutual respect LTI’s fleet is based in St. Louis, a central location that enables them to cover the Midwest, East Coast, and South. LTI utilize their logistics division for increasing that coverage. The combination of both allows LTI to remain efficient and network-dense, while also covering freight across the nation, wherever it needs to go. Learn More About 5 Things Your Carrier Wants Brian on LinkedIn LTI Trucking Services on LinkedIn LTI Trucking Services The Tusk Logistics Story with Ben Emmrich The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/22/2023 • 49 minutes, 3 seconds
REPOST: Connecting The Digital Dots with Blythe Brumleve
Blythe Brumleve and Joe Lynch discuss connecting the digital dots. Blythe is the Founder of Digital Dispatch and the Host of Cyberly, an influential podcast on the Freightwaves platform. About Blythe Brumleve In 2008, Blythe Brumleve was working as a waitress and a blogger with a dream of owning her own company when she received an opportunity to work in the world of logistics. As an executive assistant to the C-suite, she gained first-hand knowledge of the daily operations of a $140M asset-based logistics provider. Knowing about her blogging side hustle, the executive team allowed her to take on the additional responsibility of the company’s digital marketing initiatives where over the course of 5 years, orchestrated two website redesigns, implemented an inbound marketing initiative, and established a sales outreach plan. After 5 years and following the unexpected closure of the logistics company, Blythe chose to seek opportunities in traditional marketing and media. During this time she served as editor in chief of Void Magazine, B2B copywriter for an ad agency, and radio/TV broadcaster in the North Florida market. During this time, her team earned several awards including three ADDY’s plus earning runner-up as Jacksonville’s Best Radio Personality. Eventually, Blythe would use these skills to fulfill her entrepreneurial goal by founding Digital Dispatch in 2018. Present-day, Blythe and her team oversee the management of dozens of websites to help the one-person marketing team flourish. In addition to running her company, Blythe is also a co-founder of the Jacksonville Podcasters Unite community, hosts the tech/B2B marketing show Cyberly on Freightwaves, and serves on the board of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association. About Digital Dispatch Your website is the only thing that can sell for you 24/7. While managing it can feel like a part-time job, ignoring it can cost your business revenue. That’s why Digital Dispatch is on a mission to help every freight company build a better website that connects your digital sales dots. Using our website services, you’ll know your company is built on a stronger digital foundation to increase brand awareness, off-load those annoying website tasks, shorten sales cycles, and speak confidently about ROI. Trusted by 30 freight brands and growing, Digital Dispatch pricing starts as low as $90/month with solutions to connect all of your marketing and sales data to one place with bonus industry-specific marketing education for your whole team. Keay Takeaways: Connecting The Digital Dots Blythe Brumleve is Founder of Digital Dispatch and the Host of Cyberly, an influential podcast on the Freightwaves platform. At Digital Dispatch, Blythe and her team are on a mission to help every freight company build a better website that connects their digital sales dots. In the podcast interview, Blythe and Joe discuss connecting the digital dots – in other words, leveraging your website to get more leads, reduce the sales cycle, and increase sale revenue. Blythe shared a number of great insights including: The buying process almost always begins online so companies need a website that will attract and convert prospective customers. The “95-5 Rule” applies to website visitors – for every visitor, 95% are visiting to educate themselves, but are not serious buyers and 5% are serious buyers. We don’t control the sales process, the buyers do. The goal should be to build a relationship with prospects using engaging content. When Blythe works with customers, she does an audit on their customer’s buying journey with the goal of finding and fixing any gap that may prevent the company from making a prospect into a customer (connecting the digital dots). Digital Dispatch helps your freight companies get online and grow. Digital Dispatch provides website infrastructure and industry-leading creative plus marketing education that helps their customers stay competitive. Learn More About Connecting The Digital Dots Blythe on LinkedIn Digital Dispatch Digital Dispatch Podcast Digital Dispatch on Linkedin Digital Dispatch on YouTube Digital Dispatch on Instagram Disgital Dispatch on TikTok Everything is Logistics The Future of Inbound Lead Generation with Blythe Brumleve Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon The Future of Logistics with Courtney Muller Manifest - The Future of Logistics Is Here The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/20/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 47 seconds
Winning the Logistics Talent War with Charlie Saffro
Charlie Saffro and Joe Lynch discuss winning the logistics talent war. Charlie is the Founder and President of CS Recruiting, a Woman-Owned leading search firm that specializes in the Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain industry. About Charlie Saffro Charlie Saffro is the President and Founder of CS Recruiting, a leading executive search firm that specializes in finding the right talent in the supply chain, logistics, and transportation industry. Charlie has over 14 years of direct recruiting experience within the logistics, transportation, and supply chain space. Charlie graduated from the University of Illinois and has since worked with many small to medium sized businesses, as well as with Fortune 50 companies to help them identify the right talent for their organizational needs. Clients have included third party logistics providers (3PL’s), asset-based providers, shippers (manufacturers and distributors) and vendors to the industry (transportation technology/fleet solutions). Charlie’s team of dedicated recruiters have experience filling positions of all levels, including C Level and executive positions, management roles and independent contributor seats. Their network of talent spans across all functions (sales/operations/analytics/leadership) and the CS team prides themselves on knowing how to identify and evaluate talent for key positions. CS Recruiting’s goal is to partner with clients and candidates to develop long lasting relationships and make appropriate and time sensitive career matches. About CS Recruiting CS Recruiting focuses on recruitment within the logistics, transportation, and supply chain Industry. We partner with clients across North America to help them identify the most qualified candidates for their niche hiring needs. Our client base consists of 3PLs, asset providers, shippers, (manufacturers/distributors) and companies that offer a technology platform, equipment solution or consulting services. We pride ourselves on our industry expertise, competitive market knowledge and network of talent to support searches for positions of all levels and functions that influence the supply chain. CS Recruiting’s goal is to partner with clients and candidates to develop long lasting relationships and make appropriate and time sensitive career matches. Key Takeaways: Winning the Logistics Talent War Charlie Saffro is the President and Founder of CS Recruiting, a leading executive search firm that specializes in finding the right talent in the supply chain, logistics, and transportation industry. In the podcast interview, Charlie and Joe discuss winning the logistics talent war. As the founder of a recruiting company that specializes in supply chain, logistics, and transportation, Charlie and her team have their finger on the pulse of the industry. After the shipping boom of COVID and the recent layoffs, it is difficult to know where the industry stands. Charlie is an excellent follow on LinkedIn and she share her industry insights. In the interview, Joe and Charlie discussed this LinkedIn post even though the market has recently changed. Since 2011, CS Recruiting has been the go-to recruiting firm for acquiring top talent within supply chain, transportation, and logistics. As experts in the space, they know the competitive landscape and industry trends and have worked on searches to find talent of all levels to serve in roles across all company functions. CS Recruiting understand the various positions required to support a supply chain and know to find talent, to attract the right candidates, and to manage client expectations to successfully fill roles with our proven process. CS Recruiting has quickly become one of the most trusted transportation executive search firms. They provide their expertise to companies across the globe. CS Recruiting focus areas include third-party logistics, asset-based trucking & warehousing, freight forwarding, import/export, supply chain management, manufacturing, distribution, technology, audit, finance, and insurance. Learn More About Winning the Logistics Talent War Charlie on LinkedIn CS Recruiting on LinkedIn CS Recruiting The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/17/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 56 seconds
REPOST: A New Model for Grocery Delivery with Sean Coakley
Sean Coakley and Joe Lynch discuss a new model for grocery delivery. Sean is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. About Sean Coakley Sean Coakley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. He is responsible for helping the company continue its rapid growth across its end-to-end logistics services offering. Previously, Sean held supply chain operations, design, consulting, and sales roles with companies such as EDS, Arthur Anderson, Ryder, and Kenco. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in International Business Administration from Central Michigan University. About Capstone Logistics Capstone Logistics is the leader in providing specialized, technology-enabled solutions for the most challenging supply chains. Powered by an interconnected platform, Capstone creates end-to-end efficiencies and cost-savings that help suppliers, distributors, and retailers exceed customer expectations. From performance-driven labor solutions to high-touch transportation and fulfillment, Capstone delivers the scale, accountability, and continuity that enables modern supply chains to compete in an ever-evolving environment. Key Takeaways: A New Model for Grocery Delivery Sean Coakley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. In the podcast interview, Sean and Joe discuss the new model for grocery delivery, which might also be called the “revenge of the retailers.” Prior to the pandemic, grocery retailers were slowly dipping their toes into ecommerce and grocery delivery. The sales and associated infrastructure were very small. The pandemic changed everything for grocery retailers – suddenly, consumers wanted to order their groceries online and get them delivered. Many grocery retailers didn’t have their own ecommerce sites, fulfillment, and delivery services. Enter the grocery delivery services like Shipt, Instacart, and others who provide a ready-made solution for the grocery delivery challenge. These companies provide the consumer interface, ecommerce technology, integrations, and personal shoppers perfect for grocery retailers who wanted to accommodate their house-bound customers. Consumers loved it – a record amount of consumers took advantage of this wonderful new service. Grocery shopping will never be the same and research suggests that 20% of groceries will be sold online by 2025. The only problem is grocery retailers don’t like it. They no longer have a direct relationship with their customers who use the grocery apps. They also lose control of the data and the customer experience. Worst of all, many grocery retailers lose money on home delivery transactions. A new model for grocery delivery has emerged. Grocery retailers are creating their own ecommerce sites and partnering with logistics companies to manage fulfillment and delivery. The new model has promise because grocery retailers will own the customer relationship and experience along with valuable data and insights. Best of all, grocery stores can be profitable on their fastest growing customer segment – home delivery. Additionally, the logistics providers will optimize the fulfillment and delivery service under a white label service. All communication, personnel, and vehicles carry the grocery store brand. Capstone’s Last Mile service has the operational expertise and technology that gives grocery retailers an advantage over crowd-sourced delivery apps. Their solutions enhance the customer experience and give retailers more control, increased efficiency, and improved profitability. Learn More About A New Model for Grocery Delivery Sean Coakley LinkedIn Capstone Logistics Capstone Grocery Delivery Services Cub case study Integrated End-to-End Supply Chain Solutions End-to-End Logistics Solutions The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/15/2023 • 50 minutes, 44 seconds
Automating the Warehouse with Gary Allen
Gary Allen and Joe Lynch discuss automating the warehouse. Gary is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc., a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions, that has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the World's Most Admired Companies® for 2023. About Gary Allen Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc. Mr. Allen for leading sales support and operational excellence functions across Ryder including new offer development, solutions design, program management, quality management and re-engineering disciplines. He has more than 25 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics outsourcing and professional services. Mr. Allen's areas of expertise range from process improvement, logistics outsourcing, new product development, business transformation, systems selection/implementation, operational due diligence, business performance improvement and overall supply chain strategy. Prior to Ryder, Mr. Allen was the leader of Ernst & Young's logistics advisory practice. Prior to Ernst & Young, he spent seven years with DHL Supply Chain as Vice President of product Development & Innovation as well as Vice President, Solutions, for the company’s Automotive, Chemical, and Industrial business unit. He was responsible for product development, solution design, operations excellence, and process improvement disciplines. About Ryder System, Inc. Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including full service leasing, rental, and maintenance, used vehicle sales, professional drivers, transportation services, freight brokerage, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and last mile delivery services, to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 239,000 commercial vehicles and operates more than 330 warehouses, encompassing more than 80 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. www.ryder.com Key Takeaways: Automating the Warehouse Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder System, Inc. In the podcast interview, Gary and Joe discuss automating the warehouse – a subject that Gary and his team at Ryder know better than virtually anyone else in the industry. Ryder is the only supply chain logistics provider to offer an end-to-end portfolio of solutions that includes warehousing & distribution, transportation logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, last mile delivery, reverse logistics, and innovative technology. Ryder operates 400 warehouses in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with 160 of those locations managing e-commerce shipments. Ryder has made significant investments in acquisitions, information technology, and automation to maintain their leadership position in the warehousing space. Warehousing is an increasingly important part of the supply chain because of the growth of e-commerce and rising customer expectations, but warehouse work is tough and there is a labor shortage. Ryder investments in warehouse automation has reduced their costs, improved their output & quality, and created better jobs for the people who work within their warehouses. Ryder provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including full service leasing, rental, and maintenance, used vehicle sales, professional drivers, transportation services, freight brokerage, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and last mile delivery services, to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Learn More About Automating the Warehouse Gary on LinkedIn Ryder System, Inc on LinkedIn Ryder System, Inc. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/13/2023 • 41 minutes, 39 seconds
The BoxC Story with Chad Schofield
Chad Schofield and Joe Lynch discuss the BoxC story. Chad is the Co-founder and Chief Digital Officer of BoxC, a logistics startup out of 500 Startups Batch 6 that simplifies the complexity of international parcel shipping by bringing together logistics and compliance resources from around the world into a single platform. About Chad Schofield Chad Schofield is currently Co-founder and Chief Digital Officer of BoxC, a logistics startup out of 500 Startups Batch 6 that simplifies the complexity of international parcel shipping by bringing together logistics and compliance resources from around the world into a single platform. As is the case with many startups he’s involved in many aspects of the company from design of the company’s proprietary software, business development and marketing, negotiations with carriers and postal authorities around the world as well as fund raising. The result has been fast growth year over year with the latest challenge managing the growth and expanding services from China, Hong Kong and the United States to the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Australia. Previously, he was Founder and Managing Director of Three Global, a consultancy to guide and advise companies, trade associations, NGOs and governments to adjust to changing realities of international marketing, sourcing and logistics in the apparel and accessories industry. He showcased his expertise in consulting and business by carrying out numerous assignments on strategy and implementation, design and development of new services, projects, and strategic partnerships. His specialty was consulting on domestic and global sourcing strategies and operations with TJM Group in Sydney, Australia. While consulting for USAID/COMPETE Africa, Schofield developed the concept of Origin Africa which is a branding and awareness campaign to promote and increase African apparel exports to the United States and Europe. As part of this effort, his team established an advisory panel of apparel industry leaders in the United States called Friends of Africa to advise and collaborate on solutions to increase East African manufacturers’ global competitiveness. Increasing this global competitiveness to all Africans is important to Schofield, as seen through his work with small African fashion designers, brands and craftspeople by coordinating collaborations with United Sates based fashion brands or advising on international distribution. Through his professional experience, Schofield demonstrates expertise in many areas, especially strategic planning, business development, marketing & brand management, global sourcing, business development, import & export markets, new market identification and partner development. About BoxC BoxC is an ecommerce logistics management platform built and designed for ecommerce in a globalized world. BoxC provide all the tools for logistics management in a single platform. Built for global ecommerce, logistics providers and ecommerce retailers unlock a delightfully hassle-free experience. Online retailers struggle to scale due to the cost and complexities of shipping. Logistics-enabled companies face prohibitive expenses and technical challenges to compete. At the end of this chain of inefficiency: the end-consumers that keep it all in motion. BoxC believe things can be better and they are here to shake up the status quo. In a single platform with a single API, BoxC put a global network of shipping and logistics services a click away. All the critical details — customs, duties, taxes, dangerous items pre-screening, and more — are managed by BoxC. It’s frictionless. It’s flexible. It’s affordable. It’s ecommerce logistics management the way it should be. Key Takeaways: The BoxC Story Chad Schofield is the Co-founder and Chief Digital Officer of BoxC, a logistics startup that simplifies the complexity of international parcel shipping by bringing together logistics and compliance resources from around the world into a single platform. In the podcast interview, Chad and Joe discuss the challenges of international parcel shipping and the founding of BoxC. BoxC is an ecommerce logistics management platform that goes beyond passively reselling labels and courier services. BoxC enable ecommerce shippers to control all aspects of international ecommerce logistics. Ecommerce shippers that work with BoxC can leverage BoxC’s expertise and scalable, flexible technology to quickly and easily ship internationally. BoxC connects a traditionally fragmented and growing list of service providers necessary for international ecommerce logistics under one platform. This includes first and last mile carriers, parcel insurance, airlines, customs brokers and agencies, warehouses, and data providers for compliance, taxes and duties, and address verificati Learn More About The BoxC Story Chad on LinkedIn BoxC on LinkedIn BoxC The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 21 seconds
REPOST: The Ruan Story with Ben McLean
Ben McLean and Joe Lynch discuss the Ruan story. Ben serves as CEO for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the largest privately-held logistics firms in the U.S. About Ben McLean Benjamin McLean serves as CEO for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the largest privately-held logistics firms in the United States. Ben joined Ruan in 2007 and served in a number of corporate and operational roles, including COO and CIO, before assuming his current role in 2015. Prior to joining Ruan, Ben assisted companies with mergers, acquisitions, and equity offerings at William Blair & Company in Chicago and the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York. He was also a systems developer and architect at Deloitte Consulting, where his team developed and implemented enterprise software for multiple clients. Ben was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management and a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Northwestern. Ben serves as a board member for UFP Industries and the American Transportation Research Institute, and he is a member of the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Committee. Ben is also a member of the Iowa Business Council and served as chair of the organization from 2016 to 2018. Previous board and philanthropic affiliations include United Way of Central Iowa, Orchard Place, and Reaching Higher Iowa. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 90 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 5,000 team members. Key Takeaways: The Ruan Story Ben McLean is the CEO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of country’s top 10 privately owned transportation companies. In the podcast interview, Ben shared the Ruan story – a story that started 90 years ago. Ben explains how Ruan’s founder, John Ruan created a company and a culture that enabled it grow into one of country’s top transportation companies. Over the last 90 years, Ruan has thrived as an industry leader by staying true to their Guiding Principles of People First, Safety Focus, Exceptional Performance, Customer Satisfaction, and Continuous Improvement—all of which were foundational to the company as John Ruan built customer relationships and developed his team during Ruan’s early years of growth. The company founder, John Ruan moved his first load of gravel on July 4, 1932. See his story here: About John Ruan Ruan is a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. Their Integrated Supply Chain Solutions combine Ruan’s non-asset and asset-based capabilities with optimal technology. Ruan Transportation Management System includes: Dedicated Contract Transportation – With Ruan’s Dedicated Contract Transportation, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer’s company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer’s brand. Managed Transportation – Ruan’s provides a customized third-party logistics solutions that includes mode selection, carrier management, network optimization, certified brokerage services, and more. Value-Added Warehousing - Ruan offers dedicated, Value-Added Warehousing services that combines the best warehouse management system (WMS) and experienced professionals to create the best experience for their customers. Ruan offers the region’s most versatile warehouse space and customized solutions tailored to their customers’ requirements. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions – Ruan offers an integrated supply chain solution that is customized to the customer’s specific needs. The solution may include a combination of the following services: freight brokerage, dedicated fleets, warehousing services, and contract logistics agreements. Ruan Transportation Management Systems Facts 300+ operations nationwide On-site managers to direct fleets and drivers 5,000 team members, including 4,000 professional drivers Ongoing commitment to quality and process improvement 24/7 customer care from one full-service transportation company Asset- and non-asset-based solutions Proprietary Megasafe Safety Program More facts about Ruan, click here Learn More About The Ruan Story Ruan Transportation LinkedIn Ruan Transportation Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle The Driver’s Perspective with Dean Key The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/8/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 15 seconds
Heavy Hauling with the Freight Coach Chris Jolly
Chris Jolly and Joe Lynch discuss heavy hauling with the Freight Coach. Chris is the CEO and Founder of The Freight Coach Logistics, a full-service brokerage that specializes in heavy haul trucking. About Chris Jolly Chris Jolly is the founder of The Freight Coach and the host of Coffee w/#TheFreightCoach podcast. Chris has over 14 years of experience in transportation with the bulk of his experience in freight brokerage. His experience within freight brokerage includes operations, sales, and leadership ranging from start-ups to one of the largest brokerages in the transportation industry. His passion is the training and development of sales and operations professionals in the brokerage business. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stout located in Menomonie, WI and holds an associate in Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. About The Freight Coach The Freight Coach partners with growth stage transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. Our main objective is to utilize niche-specific transportation training methods to improve efficiencies within the sales process and use our experience to enhance your operations team to execute your freight mix at a higher level. The Freight Coach provides one on one training with leadership as well as carrier and customer sales representatives to ensure that they overcome the barriers they are facing now to pave the way for greater success. Key Takeaways: Heavy Hauling Chris Jolly is the CEO and Founder of The Freight Coach Logistics, a full-service brokerage that specializes in heavy haul trucking. Heavy haul shipments include any load that is overweight or oversized dimensionally. Heavy haul shipment usually requires specialized equipment like flatbeds or step-decks. Special permits are often required to move heavy haul shipments. Oil field equipment, windmills, solar panel brackets, and infrastructure are often moved via heavy haul. Learn More About Heavy Hauling Chris Jolly The Freight Coach The Freight Coach Podcast Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly Why Cold Callers Fail with Chris Jolly The New Customer Journey with Chris Jolly The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/6/2023 • 40 minutes, 52 seconds
The Renewal Logistics Story with Courtney Folk
Courtney Folk and Joe Lynch discuss the Renewal Logistics story. Courtney is the Co-Founder and CEO of Renewal Logistics, a full-service apparel fulfillment company that is the largest independent apparel restoration company in the US. About Courtney Folk Courtney Folk is the Co-Founder and CEO of Renewal Logistics, a full service apparel fulfillment company that is the largest independent apparel restoration company in the US. Renewal is the leading 3PL for the fashion industry, serving some of the world’s largest apparel brands, fueling their fulfillment, returns, exchanges and more. She and her husband Bryan Folk who is President of Renewal have 20 years of experience in apparel distribution and returns management. They are the definitive industry experts in the world of apparel fulfillment. Courtney began in her family’s business of retail dry cleaning, then grew that business to become the pre-eminent destination for fashion logistics, then was approached by a top 3 global apparel brand to become their dedicated 3PL. She has since expanded their 3PL business to become the only fully integrated solution for apparel companies in the US, providing not only wholesale, retail, and ecommerce fulfillment, but also value-added services such as wholesale order prep, Amazon FBA prep, and re-ticketing, as well as full scale returns refurbishment via their 85,000 sq. ft. drycleaning facility in Atlanta Georgia. They currently operate 3 locations in the southeast, and have a bench of 2500 workers. She is a graduate from Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina. About Renewal Logistics Renewal Logistics is the 3PL for the fashion industry. They provide a unique integrated solution for apparel brands, where ecommerce, dropship wholesale fulfillment, returns, and value added services are handled at scale. They provide apparel brands the ultimate speed to get their goods to market, and quickly bring returns back to factory fresh condition, allowing apparel brands to sell more product faster. These solutions shorten their clients’ order to cash cycle time, provide flexibility they need to proactively manage their inventory, and reduce chargebacks. They became known in the industry as the go to problem solvers for apparel brands that required rework, such as mold remediation, AQL inspections, and re-ticketing, and have since grown to become a full solution for apparel brands that seek to outsource their distribution and fulfillment. Their motto is they bring relief. Key Takeaways: The Renewal Logistics Story Courtney Folk is the Co-founder and CEO of Renewal Logistics, a full-service apparel fulfillment company that is the largest independent apparel restoration company in the US. In the podcast interview, Courtney and Joe discuss apparel logistics, returns, value added services and the founding of Renewal Logistics. Renewal Logistics provides an end-to-end logistics solution for apparel companies. Renewal provides the following services: Omni-channel fulfillment solutions for ecommerce, retail, and wholesale distribution. Amazon FBA prep services Packaging for ecommerce and retail distribution Returns and circularity services Mold remediation services Subscription box fulfillment Learn More About The Renewal Logistics Story Courtney on LinkedIn Renewal Logistics on LinkedIn Renewal Logistics on YouTube Renewal Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/3/2023 • 51 minutes, 52 seconds
The FreightVana Story with Shannon Breen
Shannon Breen and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightVana story. Shannon is Co-CEO & Founder of FreightVana, a digital logistics partner powered by technology and built on a foundation of trust and transparency. About Shannon Breen Shannon Breen is the Co-CEO & Founder at FreightVana, a digital logistics partner powered by technology and built on a foundation of trust and transparency. With an educational and professional background in finance, Shannon joined the logistics industry in 2012 with Knight Transportation out of Phoenix, Arizona. In 2017, at the time of the merger with Swift Transportation, he led the synergy team focused on combined non-asset success, and soon after earned responsibility over both the Logistics and Intermodal segments for the publicly traded KNX. In early 2020 he left his executive role to embark on a professional passion project, FreightVana, one that he Co-Founded with a life-long friend and business partner John Gamero. Shannon is an avid golfer, coach, competitor, and happily married father of five. About FreightVana FreightVana is a Digital Logistics Partner powered by technology and built on a foundation of trust and transparency. Founded in 2021 by a team of seasoned logistics and transportation professionals, FreightVana has quickly become a key partner to many Fortune 500 Shippers and is one of the nation’s fastest growing logistics providers. With an unrivaled commitment to delivering margin and sourcing transparency through their proprietary platform, T3, and deploying the first collaborative power only fleet, FreightVana x, they are setting a new standard in the way freight gets moved nationwide. Under the FreightVana umbrella they operate three distinct business units, all constructed to challenge the status quo and advance the transportation industry forward: FreightVana Logistics, FV Technologies, and FV Advisory Group Key Takeaways: The FreightVana Story Shannon Breen is the Co-CEO & Founder at FreightVana, a digital logistics partner powered by technology and built on a foundation of trust and transparency. In the podcast interview, Shannon and Joe discussed how and why Shannon and his partner, John Gamero Co-Founded FreightVana. Under the FreightVana umbrella they operate three distinct business units, all constructed to challenge the status quo and advance the transportation industry forward: FreightVana Logistics – a full-service brokerage along with thousands of trailers that they sell and lease to small and medium carriers. FV Technologies – Proprietary tech platform that streamlines the shipping process / FreightTech development team FV Advisory Group - advisory that specializes in sell-side, buy-side, and consulting services exclusively in the T&L sector and is not under retainer with any companies. The FV team understand the grind that is transportation and logistics, so it is their primary mission to get their clients their fair, and full value when advising them on the largest, most important transaction of their lives. Learn More About The FreightVana Story Shannon on LinkedIn FreightVana on LinkedIn FreightVana Power-Only On the Rise: What It Is, Why it Matters This Downturn, and How to Play The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/1/2023 • 58 minutes, 7 seconds
Building World Class Tech for Final Mile with Eddie Misicka
Eddie Misicka and Joe Lynch discuss building wolrd class tech for final mile. Eddie is the Vice President of Product Development at OneRail an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. About Eddie Misicka Eddie Misicka is the Vice President of Product Development at OneRail. He is based out of Orlando, FL – where OneRail is headquartered – and where Eddie is a 3 generation Orlandoan. Eddie was pretty early into OneRail where he has played an integral role in the success of OneRail. He is formally trained in graphic and interactive design, and has been designing and building software for 15 years for various industries – from streaming freight pricing, streaming karaoke, machine monitoring, insurance, CRMs to healthcare. About OneRail OneRail is an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. With a real-time connected network of 10 million drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for the right delivery so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Across retail, CPG, distribution, construction, healthcare and more, OneRail offers an exceptional last mile delivery experience with an on-time delivery rate of 98.6%, while keeping brands front and center. To learn more, visit OneRail.com. Key Takeaways: Building World Class Tech for Final Mile Eddie Misicka is the Vice President of Product Development at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. In the podcast interview, Eddie and Joe discuss what it takes to build world class tech for final mile shipping. Eddie described the complex nature of developing technology for the final mile. The tech development team must successfully manage the following: Multiple personas – shippers, carriers, in-house team Multiple levels of users within the customers – financial, operational, and logistics Multiple environments – phone, laptop, tablet Regardless of the persona or the environment, the user experience must be perfect Users are accustomed to consumer grade tech (Amazon, DoorDash, etc.) and they expect it from the final mile tech – and OneRail delivers it OneRail’s comprehensive 4-in-1 delivery fulfillment solution combines leading technology with a coast-to-coast courier network, a skilled 24/7 Exceptions team and a micro fulfillment labor force to solve last mile logistics more comprehensively than any other solution in the space. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. The OneRail logistics platform is modular, with the flexibility to serve as a standalone platform or integrate with an existing TMS. Learn More About Building World Class Tech for Final Mile OneRail on LinkedIn OneRail The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania Inventory is Everything with Jeff Flowers Retail Delivery Trends with Matt Schultz The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/30/2023 • 54 minutes, 40 seconds
Building a Company and a Network with Nicole Glenn
Nicole Glenn and Joe Lynch discuss building a company a network. Nicole is the Founder & CEO at Candor Expedite, a critical expedite service provider as well as a white-glove B2B company. About Nicole Glenn Nicole Glenn founded Candor Expedite in 2017 after more than two decades in the transportation brokerage business, with a vision to build the smartest and most efficient freight business that delivers on its client’s promises. Today Candor is recognized as a leading certified women-owned business headquartered in Texas – with offices in Illinois and Kansas. Logistics is in Nicole’s DNA having held several operational positions for a variety of transportation brokerage companies over the years. Through these roles she learned the nuts and bolts of moving freight along with the biggest challenges both shippers and carriers face each day. In 2008 Nicole moved to the sales side of the business, working her way up to president of K & L Freight Management, Inc., and in 2016 became head of Cherry Logistics Corporation. After 20+ years of working for others, Nicole wanted to build her own team. With her strong network and excellent industry reputation, it wasn’t long before Candor became one of the top transportation companies in the business - known for its hot shot ground, high touch, time sensitive shipments and white glove delivery services. Nicole credits her success with an amazing team that consistently provides superior customer service, real-time updates, precision, and open communication. Nicole is a certified member of The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She is a member of The Expedite Association of North America, Women in Trucking, and the Transportation Intermediaries Association. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in management and marketing from Northwood University. Nicole is a sought-after speaker and frequent editorial contributor to Modern Shipper at FreightWaves and Inbound Logistics. She has received numerous accolades including: 2022 Top Women-Owned Business by Women in Trucking; a 2022 Enterprising Women of the Year Champion, an annual tribute to the world’s top female entrepreneurs; and 2022 Top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Nicole is one of the founders of The Ladies Leadership Coalition (LLC), a popular podcast featuring in-depth interviews with transformative female leaders. About Candor Expedite Candor Expedite is a woman-owned and operated hotshot ground and white-glove service provider with offices in Illinois and Texas. Candor specializes in hotshot ground, time-sensitive, and white glove delivery services. Because Candor manages so many high-touch, time-sensitive shipments, they have developed a culture of customer service, precision, special handling, and open communication – after all, Candor is the company name. Because shipment and truck visibility is so important on critical shipments, Candor utilizes Trucker Tools to track shipments and provide real-time updates. While no two clients or urgent shipments are the same, Candor has significant experience with customers in manufacturing, trade shows, hotels and hospitality, air-freight, and facility services. Key Takeaways: Building a Company and a Network Nicole Glenn, Owner and President of Candor Expedite, a critical expedite service provider as well as a white-glove B2B company. In the podcast interview, Nicole and Joe discussed the continued growth of Candor Expedite and Nicole’s network, which has been an integral part of her and Candor’s success. Candor Expedite has 3 areas of expertise: White Glove Time-Sensitive Truckload Hotshot Ground Services Nicole is a big believer in networking, and she is active in the following organizations: The Ladies Leadership Coalition (LLC) is a podcast for women in business by women business owners. Comprised of 6 women, each comes from a different walk of life and has encountered obstacles of their own. This podcast is to share those stories and to give listeners advice on being a successful boss lady in business. Vistage is the world’s largest and most comprehensive executive coaching organization for small and midsize businesses. Members meet with their peers in confidential group meetings facilitated by accomplished executive-level coaches to help solve their most complex issues. Nicole also has 10 networking calls per month to expand her reach and build solid business relationships. Learn More About Building a Company and a Network Nicole on LinkedIn Candor Expedite on LinkedIn Candor Expedite Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/27/2023 • 44 minutes, 2 seconds
The Tai Software Story with Walter Mitchell
Walter (Mitch) Mitchell and Joe Lynch discuss the Tai Software story. Mitch is the Founder and CEO of Tai Software, where they developed a TMS built for speed and scalability. About Walter (Mitch) Mitchell Walter Mitchell has over 17 years of experience architecting software applications and leading teams that build business software applications. Throughout his career, he has successfully translated complex business needs into practical software applications focused on efficiency and usability, delivering solutions that solve business problems and help customers. He has a passion for technology and continuous learning. Embracing and adapting to technology changes enables him to produce high-quality results that solve business needs. He tenaciously drives a project forward to ensure objectives are completed. He makes sure a clear finish line is established during that process, ensuring that a project is complete from both a business and development perspective. His goal is to help build a successful company and work with a thriving team. To him, that includes financial stability, valuable products and services, a comfortable and productive work environment, and an appropriate work-life balance. About Tai Software Tai Software (TMS) has been actively helping freight brokers grow their business for 15 years, with a core team of software developers and industry experts. Our customers know us for commitment to innovation, fast, efficient problem solving, and dedication to their success. Tai TMS provides freight brokers with an all-in-one platform for quoting, booking, and tracking shipments. Tai Automates your LTL shipping process and provides FTL brokers with a centralized platform for sourcing load coverage. We simplify your workflows so you can manage all your current shipments in one page, empowering your staff with a fast, efficient process built for speed and scalability. Tai Software's Mission is to empower every freight broker to become the best version of themself. Key Takeaways: The Tai Software Story Walter (Mitch) Mitchell is the Founder and CEO of Tai Software - an LTL and FTL TMS for overachievers! In the podcast interview, Mitch and Joe discussed the freight brokerage market, TMS design, and the founding of Tai Software. TAI TMS is a fully integrated platform for freight management and transportation. The TAI team has developed a comprehensive logistics intelligence system built for speed and scalability. Tai TMS is a multi-modal platform that provides full-scale automation in the shipment lifecycle. Through direct integrations with all major carriers and load boards, Tai allows brokers to go from quote to delivered without manual intervention, empowering your company to dedicate valuable resources to business growth. Tai gives brokers unmatched speed and scalability with automation implanted into every phase, along with direct integrations to carriers, load boards, and capacity tools. Learn More About The Tai Software Story Walter on LinkedIn Tai Software on LinkedIn Tai Software on Facebook Tai Software on Instagram Tai Software on YouTube Tai Software Explainer Video Main contact form 3PL Blog ARL Case Study Concept Case Study The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/25/2023 • 56 minutes, 26 seconds
The FreightTech Roadmap with Thomas Deakins
Thomas Deakins and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightTech roadmap. Thomas is Founder and CEO of Thomas Deakins Consulting, where he advises logistics and supply chain companies on digital supply chain strategy, technology selection, and creating supply chain partnerships. About Thomas Deakins Thomas Deakins is Founder and CEO of Thomas Deakins Consulting, a freight technology advisory. Thomas is well known in the supply chain ecosystem with a history of success in the supply chain technology and consulting/services industry. Thomas is recognized as a leader in building strategic world-class supply chain partner ecosystems. He is known for his thought leadership and experience in ESG Scope 3 transportation sustainability, TMS applications, real time supply chain visibility applications, and digital supply chain strategies. During his 30 years plus career, Thomas has worked for project44, Oracle, Trimble, MavenWire, MercuryGate, CHEP and JB Hunt. Thomas earned his MBA in Global Supply Chain from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. About Thomas Deakins Consulting Thomas Deakins Consulting is a trusted advisor to clients in three areas of the supply chain ecosystem: 1.) Digital Supply Chain Data Strategy, 2.) Digital Supply Chain Technology Selection, 3.) Creating World Class Supply Chain Partnership Ecosystem. The firm has 3 marketing segments: technology start-ups struggling with market fit, shippers and 3PLs that need helps with supply chain tech selection, and go-to-market strategies for emerging and established supply chain technology companies. Key Takeaways: The FreightTech Roadmap Thomas Deakins is Founder and CEO of Thomas Deakins Consulting, where he advises logistics and supply chain companies on digital supply chain strategy, technology selection, and creating supply chain partnerships. In the podcast interview, Thomas and Joe discuss the FreightTech road map and its impact on shippers, brokers, 3PLs, and technology companies. Learn More About The FreightTech Roadmap Thomas on LinkedIn Thomas Deakins Consulting The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/23/2023 • 55 minutes, 4 seconds
End to End Supply Chain Disruption with Pam Simon
Pam Simon and Joe Lynch discuss end to end of supply chain disruption, which is what the Manifest Conference is all about. Pam is the Conference Chair & EVP Programming at Connectiv where they organize and host Manifest: The Future of Logistics is Here. About Pam Simon Pam Simon is a successful entrepreneur and business connector with more than 15 years of experience in event production, content creation, experiential marketing and angel investing. In 2019 Connectiv acquired her Future of Event series from Lab Ventures. She is the Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. While a Partner at Lab Ventures Pam produced three major vertical technology summits ~ Future of Travel Tech, Future of Real Estate Tech and Future of Logistics Tech that bring new and emerging business to Miami. With her vast executive network and her ability to span many different worlds, she specializes in linking finance professionals with entrepreneurs to create lucrative new business opportunities. While living in Brazil she founded LATAM Founders Network (LFN), the largest private network of CEO’s, Founders and Investors focused on the technology sector in Latin America. In 2014, Pam launched the LATAM Founders Awards, now known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America’ an event that recognizes the most disruptive and innovative companies in the region. Pam is a George Washington University Graduate and an angel investor. She and her husband, Daniel Simon, have an 4 year old son, Hayden Storm Simon. About Manifest: The Future of Logistics The world of logistics is changing faster than ever. Technology advances plus rapidly changing consumer behavior has already dramatically changed how business gets done. Manifest will provide a focused look at what’s to come across the spectrum of LogisticsTech and which companies and technologies are transforming the way goods circumnavigate the globe. Manifest will help you forge new relationships, new alliances, and foster new strategies that help move your business forward and avoid falling into the traditional mindset. About Connectiv Connectiv is a live events studio that for the past decade has dedicated itself to creating industry leading gatherings. Our passion and our expertise is owning and operating at scale, vertical-specific conferences. The events we have created attract more than 15,000 people each year and touch on global industries impacting people’s daily lives. Key Takeaways: End to End Supply Chain Disruption Pam Simon is the Conference Chair & EVP Programming at Connectiv, the company that organizes and hosts Manifest: The Future of Logistics which is scheduled for January 31st - February 2nd, 2023. Manifest is held at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. Manifest, a conference designed for those at the forefront of the changing logistics landscape including industry executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. Manifest Vegas brings together the most comprehensive ecosystem of innovation and transformation in supply chain and logistics. There are more than 250 thought leaders and pioneers: Confirmed Speakers It’s not too late to be there: Manifest Registration Learn More About End to End Supply Chain Disruption Pam on LinkedIn Connectiv on LinkedIn Connectiv Manifest Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/20/2023 • 32 minutes, 13 seconds
The Tusk Logistics Story with Ben Emmrich
Ben Emmrich and Joe Lynch discuss the Tusk Logistcis story. Ben is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk, a small parcel shipping network driving value through lower prices, faster deliveries, and great service. About Ben Emmrich Ben Emmrich is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk. Ben has spent his career at the overlap of small parcel shipping and ecommerce and led operations and strategic partnerships at Google Shopping and Shippo before building Tusk. Having seen the small parcel industry from many angles -- as an operator, software provider and start-up -- Ben is a firm believer that any small parcel delivery provider's sole focus should be on making a meaningful, honest impact for its shippers and that volume follows value. About Tusk Logistics Tusk puts professional shippers first, unlocking previously unachievable savings and offering peace of mind with reliable technology, easy integrations, and great service. Founded in 2021 by Ben Emmrich and Adam Hipp, Tusk expands the possibility for shippers by connecting them to a national network of regional parcel carriers that offers reliable, predictable service at a significant savings – usually 30-40% lower than UPS or FedEx. Tusk instantly lowers shipping costs with pre-negotiated rates, eliminates “new carrier headache” with easy integrations and offers superior, proactive shipper support. Key Takeaways: The Tusk Logistics Story Ben Emmrich is the Co-founder and CEO of Tusk, a small parcel shipping network driving value through lower prices, faster deliveries, and great service. In the podcast interview, Ben and Joe talked about the small parcel market and the founding of Tusk Logistics. Small parcel shipping has seen explosive growth due to the rise of ecommerce. Most shippers that need to move a lot of ecommerce small parcel shipments, use FedEx, UPS, or USPS because these companies have a nationwide service area, and they do a great job. In addition to the dominant players (UPS, FedEx, etc.) there are a lot of regional small parcel carriers who provide a tremendous value, but they don’t have the nationwide service area. Tusk Logistics is laser focused on shippers and they have developed a technology/service that gives high volume small parcel shippers the ability to leverage the superior service and cost savings that the regional players provide – without sacrificing the nationwide service area. Tusk has connected the leading regional small parcel companies into a network that covers most of the USA (and growing all the time). The Tusk technology provides shippers a seamless experience while saving 30-40% on small parcel shipping. Learn More About The Tusk Logistics Story Ben on LinkedIn Tusk Logistics Tusk Logistics got its name because Ben's daughters love the song Tusk by Fleetwood Mac A Modern Approach to EDI with Jonathan Kish The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/18/2023 • 55 minutes, 20 seconds
The Smart Warehousing Story with Carl Wasinger
Carl Wasinger and Joe Lynch discuss the Smart Warehousing story. Carl is the CEO and Founder at Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. About Carl Wasinger Carl Wasinger is the Founder and CEO of Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. Carl has led Smart Warehousing since 2001 and spent his entire career in the logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment space, from working the warehouse floor to CEO and Founder. He is a logistics management and operations veteran, actively leading the business to its next phase of growth. Carl graduated from Kansas State University with a business degree and a focus on Information Systems, as well as from Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute with a warehouse operations focus. He’s also a long-time member of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). About Smart Warehousing Smart Warehousing is a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. With dedicated account managers, state-of-the-art technology, and highly automated processes, Smart’s model is built to be a fully autonomous, turnkey solution that satisfies the fulfillment needs of e-commerce and retail companies throughout the United States. Key Takeaways: The Smart Warehousing Story Carl Wasinger is the Founder and CEO of Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. In the podcast interview, Carl and Joe discussed the founding and spectacular growth of Smart Warehousing. Smart Warehousing has a nationwide footprint consisting of 38 warehouses, over 12 million square feet, and 12 geographies, Smart Warehousing offer 1-2 day shipping to 100% of the USA with a 99.8% inventory accuracy rate. In addition to their national service area, Carl and his team have developed a proprietary technology called Smart Warehousing Information Management System (SWIMS). SWIMS is a cloud-based technology that provides SW clients real-time visibility of their inventory, transaction level updates & a summary of all of their activity. Learn More About The Smart Warehousing Story Carl on LinkedIn Smart Warehousing on LinkedIn Smart Warehousing The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/16/2023 • 48 minutes, 8 seconds
The Amplio Story with Trey Closson
Trey Closson and Joe Lynch discuss the Amplio story. Trey is the Co-founder and CEO at Amplio, an Atlanta based tech firm that predicts and prevents material and parts shortage for companies in the electronic manufacturing space. About Trey Closson Trey Closson is the Co-founder and CEO at Amplio, an Atlanta based tech firm builds supply chain resilience for electronics manufacturers. Trey and his Co-founder Taha Zinifi started Amplio in Summer 2021 to help solve one of the most critical supply challenges facing the industry. Prior to co-founding Amplio, Trey led the international logistics capability at Georgia-Pacific, which is the largest U.S. exporter. Earlier in his career, Trey was part of the Flexport Atlanta founding team and led Kuehne + Nagel’s account management group where he helped design and operate automotive, high tech, and industrial manufacturing supply chain solutions. Trey holds an MBA from Georgia Tech and a BA in philosophy from Furman University. About Amplio Amplio builds supply chain resilience for electronics manufacturers. The Amplio solutions ensure that you have the inventory you need, when you need it, at the most optimized price so that you can focus on what matters most to you and your business. Amplio helps you meet your production goals by removing procurement roadblocks - the software assesses your BOMs' sourcing risk, locates inventory for you, and recommends optimal purchasing strategy so that you get the components you need at the best price. Key Takeaways: The Amplio Story Trey Closson is the Co-founder and CEO at Amplio, an Atlanta based tech firm that predicts and prevents material and parts shortage for companies in the electronic manufacturing space. In the podcast interview, Trey and Joe discuss the Amplio mission along with the challenges of managing a supply chain in the electronics manufacturing space. Trey and the Amplio team believe that sourcing electronic components should be easy and predictable. Electronics companies that work with Amplio gain the following: Predict and prevent shortages Streamline procurement Access diverse sources of supply Amplio helps you take back control of your supply chain by making purchasing cost-efficient and stress-free. Amplio’s procurement solution predicts future component shortages, accesses exclusive sources of supply to drive down costs, and streamlines the busy work of purchasing like PO and invoice management. Learn More The Amplio Story Trey Closson on LinkedIn Amplio on LinkedIn Amplio Meet with Amplio @ IPC Apex Expo 2023 Meet with Trey @ Manifest Vegas Schedule an Amplio Demo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/13/2023 • 43 minutes, 59 seconds
The Bloomberg of Freight with Mary O'Connell
Mary O’Connell and Joe Lynch discuss the Bloomberg of Freight. Mary is a podcast host and writer for FreightWaves, the leader in global supply chain market intelligence. About Mary O'Connell Mary O’Connell is a former pricing analyst, supply chain planner, and broker/dispatcher turned creator of the newsletter and podcast Check Call. Check Call gives insights into the world around 3PLs and freight brokers. When she's not writing about 3PLs you can find her in the cold chain world hosting Running on Ice. She will talk your ear off about anything and everything if you let her. Expertise in operations, LTL pricing and procurement, flatbed operations, dry van, tracking and tracing, reality tv shows and how to turn a stranger into your new best friend. Outside the office she can be found chasing after her dogs and trying any snack she can get her hands on. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: The Bloomberg of Freight with Mary O'Connell Mary O’Connell is a podcast host and writer at FreightWaves, the Bloomberg of Freight. In the podcast interview, Mary and Joe discuss some of the challenges facing transportation and logistics companies: Sustainability. As shippers struggle to comply with carbon mandates and Scope 3 emissions reporting, 3PLs, brokers, and shippers will be expected to become more sustainable. Modernizing the logistics back office. Many of the top players in transportation and logistics are leveraging technology to reduce costs and streamline process. Access to freight pricing insights. FreightWaves isn’t called the Bloomberg of Freight for nothing – they have actionable data that enables better decision making for carriers, shippers, and 3PLs. FreightWaves provides current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves is made up of three interconnected pillars: FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the space, serving up over 2.5M pageviews a month and over 1.5B monthly impressions. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. FreightWaves TVand audio podcasts provide up-to-the-minute freight industry news provided by hosts who understand the freight business. FreightWaves TV and podcasts are informed by FreightWaves’ freight data analytics and presented in interesting and engaging shows. Learn More About The Bloomberg of Freight Mary on LinkedIn Mary on Twitter FreightWaves on LinkedIn FreightWaves Subscribe to Check Call the newsletter Check Call Subscribe to Running on Ice the newsletter Running on Ice FreightWaves Events Understanding Freightonomics with Anthony Smith The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/11/2023 • 52 minutes, 26 seconds
Understanding Distributed Order Management with Dan Gilmore
Dan Gilmore and Joe Lynch discuss distributed order management (DOM). Dan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. About Dan Gilmore Dan Gilmore is a recognized thought leader in WMS, with experience prior to his role at Softeon as the founder of Supply Chain Digest, CMO at RedPrairie (now BlueYonder) and as lead WMS analyst at META Group (later acquired by Gartner). Earlier in his career, he led the implementation of two major WMS projects for Forte Industries. About Softeon Softeon is a global provider of supply chain solutions from planning through execution, anchored by a technology platform that has three pillars: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system. Softeon’s advanced services-based platform is engineered to reduce complex problems into simple solutions for a faster time to value and lower cost of ownership. Users can implement solutions incrementally to solve a specific challenge or deploy an integrated solution. Configurable modules and a rules-based technology platform give companies the business agility they need to get ahead and stay ahead. Companies benefit from the flexibility and ease-of-use of Softeon solutions – delivered in the cloud with a 100% track record of deployment success. Key Takeaways: Understanding Distributed Order Management Dan Gilmore is the CMO of Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. In the podcast interview, Joe and Dan discuss distributed order management (DOM). WMS stands for warehouse management system, which is a set of policies and processes intended to organize the work of a warehouse or distribution center and ensure that the facility can operate efficiently and effectively. Distributed order management (DOM) is a software system that provides integrated fulfillment planning and execution across multi-echelon, multi-node, multi-partner, and multi-channel supply chain networks. Distributed Order Management System (DOMS) provides powerful capabilities to: Enable omnichannel commerce without modifying existing systems Serve as a centralized “Order Hub” in both B2C and B2C ecosystems Integrate the extended fulfillment supply chain Optimize inbound and outbound order routing Provide real-time, granular inventory and order visibility across an extended network Define and execute detailed inventory allocation and reservation rules Automate complex channel and customer order management requirements (back order management, subscriptions, new product introduction, etc.) Maximize profitability while meeting customer service commitments Softeon’s broad suite of supply chain solutions improve customer’s operations and enhance their own customer’s satisfaction and experience. Softeon’s three flagship products are 1.) Warehouse Management System (WMS), 2.) Warehouse Execution System (WES) and 3.) Distributed Order Management (DOM) System – solutions increasingly deployed together. Many of the world’s best supply chains are powered by Softeon, including UPS Supply Chain Services, Sears Home Services, Duluth Trading Co., Saddlecreek Logistics, Lenovo, The Honest Company, Casey’s General Stores, Denso, Suncast, Sony, Universal Music Group, Optum Rx and many more. Gartner research has a very favorable opinion of Softeon’s WMS. Check out the research here: Gartner Critical Capabilities for Warehouse Management Systems 2022 Learn More About Understanding Distributed Order Management Dan on LinkedIn Softeon LinkedIn Softeon Clients Softeon Contact@Softeon.com Key WMS Trends for 2023 with Jim Hoefflin Understanding WMS in the Cloud with Dan Gilmore The Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/9/2023 • 1 hour, 51 seconds
The Year Ahead with Doug Waggoner
Doug Waggoner and Joe Lynch discuss the year ahead. Doug is the CEO of Echo Global Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. About Doug Waggoner Doug Waggoner has served as Chief Executive Officer of Echo Global Logistics since December 2006 and was a Board member from 2008-2021. Waggoner served as Chairman of the Board from 2015 until 2021. Prior to joining Echo, Waggoner founded SelecTrans, LLC, a freight management software provider based in Chicago, Illinois. From April 2004 to December 2005, Waggoner served as Chief Executive Officer of USF Bestway, and from January 2002 to April 2004 he served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing for USF Corporation. Waggoner served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Daylight Transport from April 1999 to January 2002, Executive Vice President from October 1998 to April 1999, and Chief Information Officer from January 1998 to October 1998. From 1986 to 1998, Waggoner held a variety of positions in sales, operations, marketing, and engineering at Yellow Transportation before becoming Vice President of Customer Service. Waggoner holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from San Diego State University. About Echo Global Logistics Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading Fortune 1000 provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Headquartered in Chicago with more than 30 offices around the country, Echo offers freight brokerage and Managed Transportation solutions for all major modes, including truckload, partial truckload, LTL, intermodal, and expedited. Echo maintains a proprietary, web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of over 50,000 transportation providers to serve 35,000 clients across a wide range of industries and simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management. For more information on Echo Global Logistics, visit: www.echo.com. Key Takeaways: The Year Ahead Doug Waggoner is the CEO of Echo Global Logistics, a leading Fortune 1000 provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. In the podcast interview Joe and Doug discussed the year ahead. The Covid hangover, inflation, and higher interest rates are causing softer volumes for shippers and carriers, which is driving cost per mile lower. Doug believes we are already in a recession, and we should expect higher unemployment, layoffs, lower valuations for venture backed tech companies, and softening of volumes and pricing. Expect some owner operators will leave the market. Technology will continue to be important and logistics providers will continue to invest. Large companies like Echo will invest in their own proprietary systems while smaller companies will leverage SaaS offerings. Over the years, Echo has made substantial investment in its technology platforms. Its industry-leading, proprietary technology supports clients by addressing a lack of visibility into their supply chain and provides a more robust, data-driven means of reporting. Echo's innovations also support freight carriers by providing more flexibility, transparency, and control. These solutions (and their on-going evolutions) ultimately result in a more streamlined and efficient process as well as increased carrier and client satisfaction. Learn more about Echo's branded technology offerings: EchoAccelerator - A flexible and robust proprietary architecture that supports over 16,000 shipments a day and powers Echo's shipper, carrier, and managed transportation systems. EchoShip - A self-service shipping platform giving shippers the ability to quote, book, ship, and track, as well as manage invoices, all online. The easy-to-use portal consolidates and simplifies shipping by enabling customers to build loads, store frequently used shipment information, and track shipments in real time. With consistent updates and new location management features, clients have more control over managing their location details, making the booking process faster and more efficient than ever. EchoDrive - A web portal and mobile app giving carriers real-time access to search, bid, book, manage, track, and get paid on freight hauled for Echo. EchoDrive's load management tool and document upload capabilities streamline operations, keep dispatchers organized, and help drivers get back on the road faster. EchoDrive also provides the opportunity to book loads digitally anytime, anywhere with the Book Now feature, greatly reducing the time it takes to book a load. Users can set up real-time email notifications for new loads that become available for any desired lane in EchoDrive and save preferred lanes to reduce time spent searching for loads. Learn More About The Year Ahead Doug on LinkedIn Echo Global Logistics on LinkedIn Echo Global Logistics Echo Resource Center The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/6/2023 • 59 minutes, 54 seconds
Key WMS Trends for 2023 with Jim Hoefflin
Jim Hoefflin and Joe Lynch discuss Key WMS Trends for 2023. Jim is the CEO of Softeon, a global provider of supply chain solutions from planning through execution, anchored by a technology platform that has three pillars: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system. About Jim Hoefflin Jim Hoefflin is the CEO of Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. Hoefflin brings over 25 years of executive experience in leading software businesses with a proven track record of delivering growth and market leadership. He and the Softeon executive team will lead Softeon through its next phase of growth, including new advances in supply chain technology and expansion of its service offerings. Hoefflin comes to Softeon from CBORD / Horizon Software, a Roper Technologies company, where he served as president and CEO. Prior to that, Hoefflin held executive leadership roles at supply chain software firm Kewill (rebranded BlueJay and now part of e2Open) and workforce management technology provider Empower Software Solutions. Earlier in his career, Hoefflin was a senior executive at RedPrairie (now part of Blue Yonder), where among several achievements Hoefflin was co-developer of the WMS industry’s first component-based technology platform. About Softeon Softeon is a global provider of supply chain solutions from planning through execution, anchored by a technology platform that has three pillars: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system. Softeon’s advanced services-based platform is engineered to reduce complex problems into simple solutions for a faster time to value and lower cost of ownership. Users can implement solutions incrementally to solve a specific challenge or deploy an integrated solution. Configurable modules and a rules-based technology platform give companies the business agility they need to get ahead and stay ahead. Companies benefit from the flexibility and ease-of-use of Softeon solutions – delivered in the cloud with a 100% track record of deployment success. Key Takeaways: Key WMS Trends for 2023 Jim Hoefflin is the CEO of Softeon, a global provider of supply chain solutions from planning through execution, anchored by a technology platform that has three pillars: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system. In the podcast interview Jim and Joe discussed key WMS trends for 2023: Warehouse management systems (WMS) are continuing to move to cloud-based computing. Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. Cloud computing has many advantages and technology leaders like Softeon architect their solutions to work seamlessly with the cloud. To learn more: Understanding WMS in the Cloud with Dan Gilmore Increasing need for material handling integration. To run an effective and efficient warehouse, material handling systems are required, and your WMS must be able to easily integrate with those systems. Rise of the warehouse execution systems (WES). WES are systems used in warehouses and distribution centers to manage and orchestrate the physical flow of products from receiving through shipping. WES organizes sequences and direct resources – both people and material handling systems necessary to move goods with a warehouse. WMS as part of the broader digital supply chain. Supply chain practitioners are fast realizing the importance of WMS to their supply chains. Companies cannot succeed in meeting customers’ expectations in regard to delivery, quality, and consistency without a modern, fully integrated WMS. A WMS help companies to resolve several issues within their supply chain: accuracy, visibility, productivity, and error reduction are just a few. Softeon’s broad suite of supply chain solutions improve customer’s operations and enhance their own customer’s satisfaction and experience. Softeon’s three flagship products are 1.) Warehouse Management System (WMS), 2.) Warehouse Execution System (WES) and 3.) Distributed Order Management (DOM) System – solutions increasingly deployed together. Many of the world’s best supply chains are powered by Softeon, including UPS Supply Chain Services, Sears Home Services, Duluth Trading Co., Saddlecreek Logistics, Lenovo, The Honest Company, Casey’s General Stores, Denso, Suncast, Sony, Universal Music Group, Optum Rx and many more. Learn More About Key WMS Trends for 2023 Jim on LinkedIn Softeon LinkedIn Softeon Clients Softeon Contact@Softeon.com Softeon Names Proven Technology Executive Jim Hoefflin as CEO Understanding WMS in the Cloud with Dan Gilmore The Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/4/2023 • 48 minutes, 28 seconds
REPOST: Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier
Dawn Salvucci-Favier and Joe Lynch discuss creating faster, better freight quotes. Dawn's company, Greenscreens.ai develops dynamic pricing which enables transportation and logistics companies to deliver faster, better freight quotes. About Dawn Salvucci-Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier is Chief Product Officer & Co-CEO at Greenscreens.ai. She has spent the past 20 years leading Global Product Strategy & Management at major Transportation Management System (TMS) providers. In addition, Dawn was President & Chief Operation Officer at Shippers Commonwealth where she had full P&L management responsibilities for the $6 million, value-added service provider of logistics solutions. In each of these roles, Dawn was able to develop and execute a vision and strategy for delivering industry-leading technology solutions to the Logistics market. She also brings extensive 3PL & Shipper Logistics operations experience having spent time as Director of Logistics Services for NFI Interactive Logistics and starting her career in the inbound transportation management function at Staples, Inc and The TJX Companies. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. The company combines the power of aggregated market data and historical data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term, predictive freight market pricing specific to a company's individual buying and selling behavior. Greenscreens.ai's mission is to be the industry-leading neutral platform for market data aggregation, market intelligence, and dynamic pricing. Greenscreen’s Provide customers with high confidence, predictive buy rate guidance, and differentiated pricing strategies that are powered by the industry's most up-to-date and contextually relevant dataset. Greenscreens.ai is fueled by transactional data from shippers, carriers, brokers, leading market data sources within the Greenscreens network and executed within the context of their existing technology ecosystem and workflow. Key Takeaways: Faster, Better Freight Quotes In the podcast, Dawn highlighted the following challenges facing freight brokers and 3PLs: Competitive pressures as well funded, venture capital-backed 3PLs and big publicly traded companies invest heavily in tech that enables them: Reduce the cost per load. Improve the customer experience. Deliver faster, more accurate freight quotes using dynamic pricing. Market volatility Delivering faster, better quotes is especially difficult when the market is volatile. Customers (shippers) are becoming more sophisticated and demanding. Instantaneous freight quotes are becoming more common. Old, dirty data There is a lot of data available to brokers and 3PLs, but much of the data is market averages that are non-contextual (out of context). Even when the data is good, it is difficult for humans to leverage the data into good quotes – too much to process. If freight margins compress, all the above problems become even more evident. When the margins are high, there is more slop and opportunity for brokers and 3PLs to hide their pricing mistakes. Dawn also discussed dynamic pricing, which is a pricing strategy that enables 3PLs and brokers to change prices based on algorithms that consider competitor pricing, supply and demand, and other external factors in the market. Dawn’s company, Greenscreens.ai provides dynamic pricing to the transportation and logistics industry. Dynamic pricing is used by many industry leaders and in many other industries including ride-sharing, airlines, professional sports, retail, and theme parks. Dynamic pricing utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning that can help 3PLs and brokers deliver freight quotes that both faster and better (more accurate). When companies use dynamic pricing from Greenscreens.ai they win more business because they can deliver faster, better freight quotes. In addition, companies improve their operational productivity and improve margins. Learn More About Faster, Better Freight Quotes Dawn Salvucci-Favier Greenscreens.ai Machine Learning for Predictive Spot Market Pricing The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/29/2022 • 43 minutes, 51 seconds
REPOST: Why Your Shipment is Late with Ayala Rudoy
Ayala Rudoy and Joe Lynch discuss why your shipment is late. Ayala is the Global Vice President and GM of Logistics and Transportation Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, the world's only Weather and Climate Security Platform. About Ayala Rudoy Ayala Rudoy is the VP & GM of the Logistics & Transportation Enterprise Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, The World’s Weather Intelligence and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Previously, Ayala worked at SafeDK (acquired by Applovin), for 3.5 years as Director of Strategic Sales. She also served as an Operations Officer in the Israeli Air Force where she witnessed first-hand, the difficulty weather made in planning and executing missions. Ayala, completed her B.A. in Political Science and L.L.M in Law at Tel Aviv University, and she's a certified Lawyer with an Israeli License. She currently resides in Tel Aviv, Israel with her husband and three children. About Tomorrow.io Tomorrow.io is The World’s Weather and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Fully customizable to any industry impacted by the weather, customers around the world including ITS ConGlobal, Uber, Delta, Ford, National Grid, and more use Tomorrow.io to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Tomorrow.io was built from the ground up to help teams prepare for the business impact of weather by automating decision-making and enabling climate adaptation at scale. Key Takeaways: Why Your Shipment is Late Ayala Rudoy is the VP & GM of the Logistics & Transportation Enterprise Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, The world’s weather intelligence and climate security platform dedicated to helping countries, businesses, and individuals make better decisions concerning the weather. In the podcast interview, Ayala and Joe discussed “why your shipment is late” and the answer is very often because of weather related delays. When it comes to late shipments there are lots of reasons including but limited to truck availability, shipment not ready, traffic jams, paperwork issues, etc., but we overlook the impact of weather related delays. The cost of weather related accidents, delays, inventory damage, service failures, and hour of service problems for drivers are enormous, but there is no push to improve because nobody can control the weather. While we can’t control the weather, we can do a better job of planning around the weather – avoiding all those weather related problems. Tomorrow.io has developed a weather intelligence and climate security platform that is custom-built to help logistics and transportation companies reduce the impact of weather on their operations. Tomorrow.io customers make better decisions because they a have weather intelligence. Better weather-related decisions reduce accidents, insurance costs, shipment delays, and makes the lives of drivers safer and easier. Learn More About Why Your Shipment is Late Ayala's LinkedIn Tomorrow.io LinkedIn Tomorow.io Climacon Wasted Miles The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/27/2022 • 59 minutes, 2 seconds
REPOST: Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish
Chris Fish and Joe Lynch discuss bulk food transport. Chris is the Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation by Ruan Transportation which provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. About Chris Fish Chris Fish was appointed Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation in 2017. He joined Ruan Transportation Management Systems in 1998 and has served in various progressive roles of leadership over his tenure. Fish has been in the transportation industry for the last 30 years, serving on various transportation committees during that time. Chris is a native of Chicago, IL, and attended Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. Chris and his spouse Christine are active in the community; most recently, Chris served as the chairperson of Ruan’s record breaking 2020 United Way of Central Iowa campaign. About Ruan Transportation Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. With 90 years of transportation and logistics experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates from 300 locations nationwide and employs over 5,500 team members. Key Takeaways: Successful Bulk Food Transport In his role as Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation at Ruan, Chris and his team help food producers transport bulk shipments. In the podcast interview, Chris explains that there is a higher bar for bulk food transport. Because the risk of contamination (intentional and unintentional) is very high, there is a lot of regulatory compliance for both producers and carriers. Bulk food carriers like Ruan must meet a higher standard in areas like driver training, licensing, weighing & sampling, and food safety. While there are plenty of small carriers that succeed in the space, big carriers who have the resources (people, tractors, tankers, ability to invest) are usually a better fit in the bulk food transportation business. The pandemic highlighted some of the real challenges faced by both milk producers and their supply chain partners. Overnight, milk producers were forced to drastically redirect their product to alternative channels. Milk cows never stop producing the product so the milk is either sold or it is wasted. Large carriers like Ruan who have a large fleet, visibility, and the ability to reallocate resources to key customers made all the difference for milk producers in their time of crisis. When selecting a bulk food transportation partner carrier, Chris suggests that food producers look for the following 5 attributes in a carrier: A large pool of drivers who have experience in bulk transport, low turnover, proper training, and certifications. Owns assets including tractors, trailers, terminals - especially valuable during times when capacity is a problem. The right culture – one that values ownership, employee engagement, safety, customer relationships, accountability, integrity, operational excellence, sustainability, etc. An exceptional logistics / back office that can plan, execute, and manage every risk and every continency. Cutting edge technology in their trucks, terminals, and offices. Learn More About Successful Bulk Food Transport Chris Fish LinkedIn Ruan Transportation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/23/2022 • 1 hour, 31 seconds
The Smart Warehousing Story with Carl Wasinger
Carl Wasinger and Joe Lynch discuss the Smart Warehousing story. Carl is the CEO and Founder at Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. About Carl Wasinger Carl Wasinger is the Founder and CEO of Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. Carl has led Smart Warehousing since 2001 and spent his entire career in the logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment space, from working the warehouse floor to CEO and Founder. He is a logistics management and operations veteran, actively leading the business to its next phase of growth. Carl graduated from Kansas State University with a business degree and a focus on Information Systems, as well as from Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute with a warehouse operations focus. He’s also a long-time member of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). About Smart Warehousing Smart Warehousing is a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. With dedicated account managers, state-of-the-art technology, and highly automated processes, Smart’s model is built to be a fully autonomous, turnkey solution that satisfies the fulfillment needs of e-commerce and retail companies throughout the United States. Key Takeaways: The Smart Warehousing Story Carl Wasinger is the Founder and CEO of Smart Warehousing, a warehousing and fulfillment company that operates as a direct extension of its clients’ teams. In the podcast interview, Carl and Joe discussed the founding and spectacular growth of Smart Warehousing. Smart Warehousing has a nationwide footprint consisting of 38 warehouses, over 12 million square feet, and 12 geographies, Smart Warehousing offer 1-2 day shipping to 100% of the USA with a 99.8% inventory accuracy rate. In addition to their national service area, Carl and his team have developed a proprietary technology called Smart Warehousing Information Management System (SWIMS). SWIMS is a cloud-based technology that provides SW clients real-time visibility of their inventory, transaction level updates & a summary of all of their activity. Learn More About The Smart Warehousing Story Carl on LinkedIn Smart Warehousing on LinkedIn Smart Warehousing The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/22/2022 • 48 minutes, 8 seconds
The 8VC Story with Jake Medwell
Jake Medwell and Joe Lynch discuss the 8VC story. Jake is a Founding Partner at 8VC, an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston. About Jake Medwell Jake is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist who has spent his life building and scaling companies. He is a co-founder and partner at 8VC, a 6B AUM venture capital fund based in Austin, TX. 8VC is the leading logistics tech investing firm and has led deals in Project 44, Deliverr, Platform Science, FlexPort, FreightWaves, Motive, Trackonomy, The Boring Company, Outrider, and others. Prior to 8VC, he founded Humin (Acq. Tinder/IAC), a consumer mobile software company where he built the engineering team and led growth. Jake also co-founded The Kairos Society, where he sits on the Board of Directors. While in college, he founded Solé Bicycle Co. (Acq.) and grew it into an industry leader. Most recently he co-founded Operation Masks with partner Drew Oetting to help bring PPE to medical workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19. Jake serves as an advisor and board member to a wide range of companies and nonprofits. Jake graduated from the University of Southern California in 2011, where he has been lecturing on entrepreneurship and technology for the last decade. About 8VC 8VC is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston. 8VC partner with entrepreneurs to build technology platforms that create long-term economic and societal value. 8VC was built by a team of entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and philosophers who value operating experience and action, as well as new ideas and creative theories. The partners have a proven track-record as founders of successful companies including Palantir, Addepar, Affinity and OpenGov, among others. The firm invest primarily in smart enterprise platforms across industries including financial services, healthcare, logistics and others, and Bio-IT. For more information, please visit https://8vc.com Key Takeaways: The 8VC Story Jake Medwell is a Founding Partner at 8VC, a technology and life sciences investment firm that builds and invests in the world’s most ambitious companies. In the podcast interview, Joe and Jake discussed the state of the logistics industry and the founding of 8VC. 8VC is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston. Jake and 8VC team are knowledgeable and very active in the logistics space. 8VC has invested in platforms that help logistics companies become modern data enterprises. Key applications include streamlining resources, fleet operations, and finance; leveraging telematics for better performance, and, in special cases, building ambitious, next-generation forms of transportation. 8VC portfolio companies in the logistics space include: Deliverr, Flexport, Project44, Baton, HDVI, FreightWaves, Loop, Vector, The Boring Company, Platform Science and many more. Learn More Abou The 8VC Story Jake on LinkedIn 8VC on LinkedIn 8VC Interviews conductedwith 8VC: The HDVI Story with Chuck Wallace Ocean Freight Survival Guide with Nathan Strang Avoiding Port Congestion with Neel Jones Shah Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin Will Chu and the Vector Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/21/2022 • 49 minutes, 24 seconds
The Connected Ecosystem with Bill Vitti
Bill Vitti and Joe Lynch discuss the connected ecosystem, which is one of the best ways to describe Transflo. Bill is the President and CRO of Transflo, the trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and business process automation solutions to the transportation industry. About Bill Vitti Bill Vitti joined Transflo as President in early 2022, with more than 25 years’ experience in the transportation industry. Most notably, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Truckstop.com, where he helped drive the company to unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion. Bill was also President of Swift Logistics, a leading brokerage and 3PL provider, and head of marketing and strategy for Swift Transportation. Bill has experience working on the carrier, shipper, and broker side, as well as in 3PL and freight software, giving him 360-degrees of visibility of the marketplace. Bill received his MBA from the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University and his BBA from Saginaw Valley State University. About Transflo Transflo®, a Pegasus TransTech company, is a trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and business process automation solutions to the transportation industry in North America. Transflo’s customer-focused mobile and cloud-based technologies deliver real-time communications to fleets, brokers, factors, shippers, and commercial vehicle drivers, and digitize 800 million shipping documents a year, representing approximately $115 billion in freight bills and 3.2 million downloads of the Mobile+ app. Organizations throughout Transflo’s neutral ecosystem use the end-to-end solution suite and digital platform to increase efficiency, improve cash flow, and reduce costs. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, Transflo has set the pace for innovation in transportation software for over 30 years. For more information, visit www.transflo.com. Key Takeaways: The Connected Ecosystem Bill Vitti is the President and CRO of Transflo, a freight tech company that has developed an ecosystem that connects carriers, brokers, shippers, and factoring companies – and that ecosystem streamlines the freight procurement and payment processes. In the podcast interview, Bill and Joe discuss the connected ecosystem, which is how Transflo describes the connected supply chain that they enable with their technology and marketplace. Transflo links the entire supply chain together in one digital ecosystem, creating visibility, security, and customization for every freight professional. Transflo offer a suite of mobile, telematics, data, scanning, and document management all in one integrated experience. Transflo delivers real-time communications to thousands of fleets, brokers, and commercial vehicle drivers who represent over $100 billion in freight bills each year. The Transflo Mobile+ app has been built from the ground up to simplify the business of trucking. Mobile+ is an end-to-end, cloud-based platform designed around removing friction from the supply chain. Transflo technologies like Mobile+ capture and process over 800 million transportation documents every year, helping drivers get their jobs done — and get loads delivered — faster than ever. Learn More About The Connected Ecosystem Bill on LinkedIn Transflo on LinkedIn Transflo Transflo’s Intelligent Automation Transflo Mobile+ Transflo Synergize The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/19/2022 • 56 minutes, 7 seconds
The TruckSmarter Story with Daniel Kao
Daniel Kao and Joe Lynch discuss the TruckSmarter story. Daniel Kao is the co-Founder & CEO of TruckSmarter, a driver-first marketplace for the trucking industry, that improves the lives of truck drivers, and empowers them to get better quality loads and get paid faster. About Daniel Kao Daniel Kao is the co-Founder & CEO of TruckSmarter. After attending NYU's School of Business, he went on to hold leadership roles early on at Uber Freight and DoorDash. He previously co-founded Sharespace, a venture-backed company acquired by Stripe. About TruckSmarter TruckSmarter has built the driver-first marketplace for the trucking industry, improving the lives of truck drivers, and empowering them to run their own businesses on their terms. The marketplace serves as a one-stop-shop for drivers to access the information they need to find work, book work, and manage their businesses. Key Takeaways: The TruckSmarter Story Daniel Kao is the Co-founder and CEO of TruckSmarter, the driver-first marketplace that empowers truck drivers to run their own businesses on their terms. In the podcast interview, Daniel and Joe discuss Daniel’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of TruckSmarter, a driver-first marketplace for the trucking industry. With the mission of creating a one-stop solution for drivers, TruckSmarter delivers the following: Load Board – completely free, 100K+ high quality loads per day, In-app booking, built-in business management tools, and a one stop shop to find loads. Fuel Discounts – Zero fees, save an average of 50¢/gal, drivers lock in low rates on their route, pay automatically in the app, and an IFTA-ready receipt. Factoring – 1.5%, Same day payments, month-to-month contracts, no hidden fees, and no minimums. TruckSmarter provides drivers with a no-fee electronic load board, with loads from hundreds of brokers displayed in a simple mobile interface allowing drivers to quickly find the optimal load. Drivers who have signed up with TruckSmarter book most of their loads through the platform and for the brokers whose loads are being displayed, they get access to a larger pool of drivers. Access to more loads and better loads improve the quality of life of drivers by allowing them to manage their travel and optimize the amount they are getting paid. Learn More About The TruckSmarter Story Daniel on LinkedIn TruckSmarter on LinkedIn TruckSmarter TruckSmarter Blog TruckSmarter Named 2022 Top Tech Startup The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/16/2022 • 48 minutes, 7 seconds
Creating the Future of Logistics with Jeff Dangelo
Jeff Dangelo and Joe Lynch discuss creating the future of logistics. Jeff is the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Impact Officer of Fura, a technology company that is building the future of logistics. About Jeff Dangelo Jeff Dangelo is the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Impact Officer of Fura, a technology company that is building the future of logistics. Prior to joining Fura, Jeff co-founded Turvo, the world’s only collaborative logistics software platform. Earlier in his career Jeff was the VP of sales and first employee at MegaCorp Logistics, a billion-dollar freight brokerage. Prior to MegaCorp, Jeff was the 25th employee and served a variety of sales leadership roles at TQL, the second largest freight brokerage in the US. Jeff also advises for and invests in startups in the supply chain/logistics technology sector. Jeff is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH), with a degree in Marketing and Operations. About Fura Backed by next-generation technology and a dedicated team of industry experts, Fura is not just another logistics company. It’s a platform and service that empowers shippers and carriers of all sizes to take control of their freight and deliver on their goals. Fura is a logistics service provider that implements a fundamentally new vision of how freight is moved – empowered with digital technology. The Fura believe in creating seamless, flexible, and transparent supply chains as a result of combining technology, expertise, and a collaborative infrastructure. Key Takeaways: Creating the Future of Logistics Jeff Dangelo is the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Impact Officer of Fura, a technology company that is building the future of logistics. In the podcast interview Joe and Jeff discuss how Fura is creating the future of logistics by creating seamless, flexible, and transparent supply chains powered by technology, operational expertise, and a tech-centric perspective. Fura is seeking freight brokerage businesses that want to transform, scale faster, and go digital. Once acquired, growth is achieved by: Carrier consolidation Technology Superior processes Better service Fura is a team of talented and energetic professionals who are experts in data analytics, supply chain, software engineering, and finance. The Fura team has built leading players in the freight brokerage space and worked with top global companies like Amazon, Google, Uber, Ernst and Young, TQL, Turvo and Deloitte. They are well equipped to acquire and scale freight brokerage businesses. When sellers approach Fura, they mention various reasons for selling their business now. Some are looking to make a change in their life after spending so much time in freight, e.g. vacation, new venture, retirement. Other sellers exit because of limited growth potential of the current business – need to scale working capital, train new employees, or face increased competition. Some are looking to take advantage of the current high demand for acquisitions. Interest in freight brokerage M&A from Private Equity will not last forever as the economy is entering a new cycle. Carriers love working with Fura because they have upfront pricing, instant booking, fast payments, and concierge level support. In short, Fura helps them scale their business. Fura delivers next generation value to shippers using technology and expertise to provide full visibility, collaboration, transparent pricing, actionable insights, and optimization strategies. Learn More About Creating the Future Jeff on LinkedIn Fura on LinkedIn Fura Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/14/2022 • 46 minutes, 24 seconds
The Kargo Story with Sam Lurye
Sam Lurye and Joe Lynch discuss the Kargo story. Sam is the Founder and CEO of Kargo, a San Francisco tech firm that is on a mission to make factory operations as intuitive and responsive as reading Google Maps. About Sam Lurye Sam Lurye is Founder and CEO at Kargo, a logistics technology startup founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco. Lurye founded Kargo to create a connective layer between the physical realities and digital expectations of logistics. Kargo’s machine-vision system captures, verifies, and updates freight data automatically for more accurate, efficient shipping and receiving across supply chains.Prior to Kargo, Lurye worked as a researcher at the Neural Prosthetic Systems Lab at Stanford University, where he contributed to the development of brain-computer interfaces. About Kargo Kargo connects the physical and digital worlds of logistics for network effects across supply chains. Founded in 2019, Kargo uses computer vision technology to turn freight into real-time data. Kargo is headquartered in San Francisco and has raised more than $30M in funding for its integrated approach to solving the global challenges of supply chain infrastructure. For more, visit mykargo.com or email info@mykargo.com. Key Takeaways: The Kargo Story Sam Lurye is the Founder and CEO of Kargo, a San Francisco tech firm that is on a mission to make factory operations as intuitive and responsive as reading Google Maps. In the podcast interview, Joe and Sam discuss some of the problems inherent on the shipping dock and the founding of Kargo. As shipments pass through the dock door, Kargo Towers use computer vision to capture data on freight and facility operations. The Kargo Towers “see” all sides of the pallet and gather data on freight - pallet labels, condition, and dimensions. As freight is loaded and unloaded, Kargo Towers capture the action, translating any label or mark into data you can use on the Kargo Platform and your own ERP, WMS, TMS, and YMS. With Kargo’s machine vision system, companies can optimize shipping and receiving at every loading dock for network effects across supply chains. Kargo sees and validates multiple freight attributes as forklifts load and unload trucks. Integrations let you connect shipping and receiving end to end. As Kargo Towers capture data across facilities, companies gain new insights into supply chain operations and partnerships. The Kargo system uses computer vision to bridge the physical world of freight with digital tools. Learn More About The Kargo Story Sam on LinkedIn Kargo on LinkedIn Kargo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/12/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 5 seconds
Maersk Innovation with Erez Agmoni
Dr. Erez Agmoni and Joe Lynch discuss Maersk innovation. Dr. Erez Agmoni is the Senior VP of Innovation & Strategic Growth for Maersk, the largest shipping company in the world. About Erez Agmoni Dr. Erez Agmoni is the Senior VP of Innovation & Strategic Growth for Maersk in North America. After many years working in Israel, Asia, and Latin America, Erez is now based in New Jersey, USA. In his current role, Erez is managing few departments including industrial real-estate, product development, engineering design, maintenance, and the Maersk Innovation Center. The Innovation Center has 4 pillars: R&D, Digital Transformation, Product Innovation, and Data Science. Erez’s broad industry experience of more than 25 years in supply chain management, freight forwarding, logistics, engineering, and digital innovation which he utilizes to develop to improve end to end supply chains. Erez earned a computer engineering bachelor’s degree, telecommunication science master’s degree and a PhD in organization development. Erez is married with three children and enjoy travelling, hiking and mountain biking in his spare time. Erez enjoy meeting and learning new cultures and can speak Hebrew (native), English & Thai fluently and he is at a beginner level in Japanese. About A.P. Moller – Maersk A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in shipping services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs over 100,000 people worldwide. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels. Key Takeaways: Maersk Innovation Erez Agmoni is the Senior VP of Innovation & Strategic Growth for Maersk in North America. In the podcast interview, Joe and Erez discussed Maersk innovation - Maersk is on a mission to drive innovation across the logistics industry. Since Maersk is a huge company, they decided to create the Maersk Innovation Center to speed the creation and adoption of innovative new supply chain solutions. The Maersk Innovation Center is made up of 4 important functions: R&D – Maersk is combining their groundbreaking research & development initiatives – and forming strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across the Maersk ecosystem. Maersk’s collaboration with leading institutions, established companies, and early-stage startups to experiment with new approaches that will deliver better innovation and better supply chain solutions. Digital Transformation - A truly digital logistics industry means integrating sophisticated digital technologies into existing infrastructures, automating processes, and streamlining operations. Product Innovation – Maersk is developing future-focused products that can be easily integrated into as many different order fulfillment operations as possible. Education/Training – Maersk is investing in their people to ensure they stay on top of the latest developments and respond proactively to new challenges. Maersk has also made strategic acquisitions that enable the company to offer a true end-to-end supply chain solution to their customers. Learn More About Maersk Innovation Erez on LinkedIn Maersk on LinkedIn Maersk The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/9/2022 • 59 minutes, 23 seconds
The Talroo Story with Thad Price
Thad Price and Joe Lynch discuss the Talroo story. Thad is CEO at Austin-based Talroo, a data-driven job and hiring event advertising platform that helps businesses reach the candidates they need to build their essential workforce. About Thad Price Thad Price is CEO at Austin-based Talroo, the data-driven job and hiring event advertising platform that helps businesses reach the candidates they need to build their essential workforce. He provides leadership, strategy, and guidance to all departments. With more than 17 years of experience in online recruitment and the job search vertical, Thad is a recognized thought leader in the HR/TA space. He genuinely believes that there is no industry that plays a more integral role in the economy. Thad uses his cross-functional experience to turn client feedback into innovative products that help companies hire better. Under Thad’s leadership, Talroo continues its mission of disruption in the industry. Prior to joining Talroo, he was a VP of Business Development at Job.com. Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thad-price-2368b/ About Talroo Talroo is a data-driven job and hiring event advertising platform that helps businesses reach the candidates they need to build their essential workforce. Through AI, unique talent audiences, and a pay-for-performance model, Talroo enables companies to find their ideal candidates and reduce cost-per-hire. Talroo has earned a spot on the Inc. 500/5000 list of fastest-growing companies, as well as the Austin Business Journal’s Fast 50 list, for six consecutive years. Visit https://www.talroo.com/ to learn more. Key Takeaways: The Talroo Story Thad Price is CEO at Austin-based Talroo, the data-driven job and hiring event advertising platform that helps businesses reach the candidates they need to build their essential workforce. In the podcast interview, Joe and Thad discuss Thad's career path to CEO of Talroo along with the founding of Talroo. Talroo is a data-driven job advertising platform that reaches the candidates you need to build your essential workforce. Talroo specializes in the transportation and logistics sector and works with some of the industry leaders like UPS, FedEx, and McLane Trucking. Talroo uses a pay-for-performance job advertising Talroo is a data-driven job advertising solution that reaches the candidates businesses need to make hires. Unlike destination job sites, Talroo uses a consumer marketing approach to deliver job opportunities to candidates where they are already spending time online - like what Google and Facebook ad networks do for their advertisers, Talroo uncovers candidates that companies most want to hire. Learn More About The Talroo Story Thad on LinkedIn Talroo on LinkedIn Talroo on Facebook Talroo website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/7/2022 • 44 minutes, 59 seconds
The FreightTech Dilemma with Brad Wheeler
Brad Wheeler and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightTech dilemma. Brad serves as the Senior Director of Customer Strategy at Emerge, the leading freight procurement platform. About Brad Wheeler Brad Wheeler, one of the company's "starting lineup," has been with Emerge since its inception in 2017. In his current role as the Senior Director of Customer Strategy, Brad leads a team focusing on Solutions Architecture and Implementation Strategy whose mission is to work directly with shippers to bring efficiency to the capacity procurement process through technology. Through thousands of shipper and carrier interactions revolving around successful freight tech implementation, Brad brings an incredibly valuable perspective to any shipper looking to introduce technology into their supply chain. With additional experience as the Manager of Sales and later the Director of Business Operations, Brad has been a key contributor to successfully scaling Emerge from a workforce of 30 to over 300 employees. Brad brings it all to the table from characterizing Emerge's brand and culture, presenting Emerge's value proposition to the industry, and determining pivotal insights to enhance customer experience. Brad's higher education includes a B.S. in Exercise & Wellness from Arizona State University and M.S. in Sports & Business Leadership from the University of Kentucky About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: The FreightTech Dilemma Brad Wheeler is the Senior Director of Customer Strategy at Emerge, the leading freight procurement technology platform. In the podcast interview, Joe and Brad discussed the FreightTech dilemma that many shippers face when considering new technology. Most shippers recognize that FreightTech is one of the best ways to streamline their shipping function and potentially save money – however, the dilemma arises because FreightTech has traditionally come with some challenges. Some of the challenges that cause shippers to hesitate when it comes to freight technology are: Freight technology is daunting, difficult to understand, and there are so many choices – big project to take on Freight technology has often required a sizeable investment and the ROI is not guaranteed An organization is going to need specialized knowledge, which may include new hiring or paying for additional resources Freight technology implementations are time consuming and may disrupt and distract the team from their jobs During the interview, Brad explains that the newest generation of freight technologies are much easier on the budget, and implementations are much less time consuming. Emerge’s RFP technology platform is part of the new generation of freight technologies and Brad points out that shippers can use the system for free – and creating an RFP event takes hours, not weeks or months. Shippers using Emerge’s Freight Procurement Platform can spend less time on carrier RFPs and more time developing relationships with current and prospective carriers. The goal is to let the technology automate the process, while humans are building relationships with their fellow humans. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. Emerge is custom built for freight RFP events and as a result the process is streamlined, easy, and saves shippers time and money. The Emerge platform provides carriers access to more shippers and more opportunities. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they may have never had access to before. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing them more opportunities in the lanes that work for your company. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers and shippers) as it scales. Learn More About The FreightTech Dilemma Brad on LinkedIn Emerge on LinkedIn LinkedIn Emerge Awarded Podcast Awarded Podcast on Apple Awarded Podcast on Spotify Awarded Podcast on YouTube Modern RFP Processes Offer Multitude of Shipper Benefits Emerge launches Benchmarking Related The LoL episodes: The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox Is Your TMS Enough with Derek Doddridge The Secret Sauce with Mark McEntire Smart Freight Sourcing with Andy Semisch The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/5/2022 • 54 minutes, 39 seconds
REPOST: The OneRail Story with Bill Catania
Bill Catania and Joe Lynch discuss the OneRail story. Bill is the Founder & CEO of OneRail, a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. About Bill Catania Bill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a top-tier delivery fulfillment platform with an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 9 million drivers. Prior to OneRail, Catania was named CEO of CoinFlip Solutions, Inc., a cloud-based payment platform delivering real-time electronic payment solutions for health benefits, points, and promotional offers. Catania was also the founder and CEO of digital coupon pioneer M-Dot Network, the first-of-its-kind retail POS-to-cloud transaction engine, powering the real-time redemption of digital coupons at grocery checkouts throughout North America. After M-Dot was acquired in 2011 by retail transaction processing giant Inmar, Inc., Catania stayed on as VP of Digital Solutions, leading Inmar to a best-in-class position, with its installation network of over 20,000 retail locations across North America. A graduate of Cornell University, Catania studied Applied Economics and Political Science, and was a Cornell Tradition Fellow. While a student, he founded the motorsports/E-Commerce business RaceFan, Inc., which rapidly grew to become one of the nation's premier online motorsports informational sites. An avid racing fan, Catania has owned and driven stock cars since he was 17, and raced at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series. He can still be found competing today throughout the southeast. At RaceFan, Bill negotiated the purchase of several major dot-com properties, scaling network traffic to over 20 million page views per month, while syndicating its racing news and results to media giants such as Fox Sports, PRIMEDIA and NASCAR.com. About OneRail Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, OneRail was founded in 2018 by Bill Catania, a serial entrepreneur from the FinTech world, and his wife, Lisa Catania. OneRail is a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. OneRail’s cloud-based “delivery switch” simplifies same-day and on-demand delivery execution by connecting the demand signal (POS, eCommerce, ERP) with an ecosystem of delivery networks and internal fleets, in real-time. The result of OneRail’s centralized view of disparate final mile data enables data-driven optimization, positively impacting the dependability, speed, and cost of final mile fulfillment. Key Takeaways: The OneRail Story Bill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a final mile delivery fulfillment platform with an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 9 million drivers. In the podcast interview, Bill described how his difficulty getting his new refrigerator from the big box store to his home led to him found OneRail, a last mile delivery logistics solution built to remove the friction in fulfillment. OneRail’s comprehensive 4-in-1 delivery fulfillment solution combines leading technology with a coast-to-coast courier network, a skilled 24/7 Exceptions team and a micro fulfillment labor force to solve last mile logistics more comprehensively than any other solution in the space. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. OneRail has the largest integrated courier network in the last mile space - a managed marketplace with instant access to 9 million drivers, 292 courier entities and more than 65 logistics companies across 220 major U.S. cities. Learn More About The OneRail Story Bill's LinkedIn OneRail LinkedIn OneRail The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/2/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
REPOST: What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months with Channa Ranatunga
Channa Ranatunga and Joe Lynch discuss what Channna learned from working at 6 fulfillment companies in 3 months. Channa’s company, Rabot provides tools that enable improved worker efficiency in fulfillment warehouses, so he wanted to gain firsthand experience working in fulfillment. About Channa Ranatunga Channa Ranatunga is the Co-founder and CEO of Rabot, a technology company dedicated to building smart tools that reduce repetitive work and improve worker efficiency in warehouses. Channa is an experienced entrepreneur in the logistics and supply chain space. He enjoys learning about new technologies and current challenges faced within the warehousing and fulfillment space and is always looking to connect with logistics professionals. Prior to starting Rabot, Channa was a Senior Applications Specialist at a machine vision company. Earlier in his career, Channa owned a pack and ship store and also founded a wireless device company focused on smart farms. About Rabot Rabot builds smart tools to reduce repetitive work and improve worker efficiency in warehouses. Due to the growth of e-commerce in the global economy, e-commerce fulfillment and logistics companies are struggling to maintain profit margins as their customers expect shorter and error-free fulfillment cycles. This is prompting the need for smarter technology solutions to help with the rapid growth. At Rabot, we are building smart tools to reduce inefficient, inaccurate, and repetitive manual work and improve warehouse operations' traceability. Rabot is based in Arlington, Texas. Key Takeaways: What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months Channa learned the following from working at 6 fulfillment companies in 3 months: People The workers are generally very hard working. Diverse workforces, usually a family environment. Many workers are fearful of robotics because they see it as a potential threat to their jobs. Many workers are struggling financially, some sad stories, people living in cars. High turnover, repetitive work, demanding physically, no sick days. Workers often work in the gig economy, very interested in Uber, Lyft, etc. as alternative sources of income. Management was typically very kind, treated people well. Everybody, management, and workers are trying to do the right things. Process The work is repetitive, sometimes difficult to stay focused, which leads to quality issues. Some processes work well, easy to manage, and do a good job, other processes are very hard because there is no technology or the tech is mismatched or inadequate In general, too many manual processes, writing out barcode numbers on to paper, etc. Management often don’t have visibility into the process – only the output Management’s lack of visibility into the process, means there are errors, bad orders Process variability based on the operator (experience, effort, training, size/strength) Technology Many fulfillment companies are not using technology properly. Some warehousing and fulfillment company not utilizing any technology at all. WMS not used in two of the six fulfillment companies – manual processes, no scan guns. Learn More About What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months Channa Ranatunga Rabot Other Podcasts about Fulfillment Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/28/2022 • 36 minutes, 28 seconds
REPOST: Understanding How Your Customer Thinks with Ann Holm
Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss the way to understanding how your customer thinks. Ann is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, leadership, and personal development. [00:20] Opening / Introduction [02:50] What is the one thing your clients get that they did not expect? Understanding how your customer thinks. Knowing the varying temperaments will assist in understanding the differences between how people think. It’s easy to remember, and the tips are immediately helpful. All customers think differently; however, temperament is being able to take a calibrated guess on how they will feel. [05:20] How many different temperaments do you get to teach us about today? There are four; just like the directions on a compass. The Greeks came up with temperament; the modern-day version has its roots in the Myers-Briggs personality assessment. From the 16 personalities, you can group them into four temperament categories. [07:30] Tell us about the four types of temperaments. Traditionalist/Guardian: they make up forty percent of the population. Risk-averse and tend to like much structure. Experiencer/Artisans: they make up thirty percent of the population. They are looking for something efficient and straightforward. Theorist/Conceptualizer: they make up fifteen percent of the population. Silicon Valley mindset, often thinking of technological innovation. Idealist: they make up fifteen percent of the population. They are interested in personal development and may get jobs in human resources. [11:45] Take us through each one of these groups and how to identify them. [12:50] 1. Traditionalist: Someone like Warren Buffett, they tend to be very detailed and step-by-step. They look at the facts and past performances and are very time conscious. For instance, if a traditionalist says they have fifteen minutes to talk with you, that does not mean twenty minutes. Others may think of them as rigid because they are so time conscious. Generally, traditionalists are not about small talk; they want you to get to the point. Corporate America is absolutely a traditionalist structure; getting from one job to another is based on past performance. [16:40] 2. Experiencer: They are calibrated toward making things simple and efficient with a tangible payoff. For example, Richard Branson, the English business magnate behind the Virgin Group is an experiencer. Some adjectives to describe this group are fun and playful; Richard Branson seems like a fun person to work for. They are much more relaxed than the traditionalist, less time efficient, and more playful. Perhaps they go out for a couple of beers or go golfing to talk business. [20:50] 3. Theorist: These people tend to be long-term and strategic in their thinking. They are often looking at cutting-edge things; not something that has worked before, but something that will be the thing five years from now. For example, Flexport is a company with a theorist mindset. They are giving solutions that will take time to implement now, but long-term will work. Elon Musk is another example of a theorist. There is a lean toward wanting to debate, they will argue with many of your ideas in a meeting, but later could decide they want to implement those ideas. [25:40] 4. Idealist: Individuals are often in sales and tend to be authentic, collaborative, and are constantly learning. They are also relationship oriented and truly believe in the products they are selling. [28:30] Give us four quotes, and we will decide which temperament said it. “Complexity is your enemy.” -Experiencer (Richard Branson) “If the future doesn’t include being out there among the stars and being a multi-planet species, it’s incredibly depressing.” -Theorist (Elon Musk) “So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was.” -Idealist (J.K. Rowling) “I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” -Traditionalist (Warren Buffett) [32:15] How to recognize and best engage each temperament as it relates to our customers. Traditionalist: Time efficient and low-risk. Engage this customer by making sure you have facts about past performance. Experiencer: Playful but straightforward and efficient. Engage this customer by keeping it brief, but prove that you know the details. Theorist: Long-term thinkers and strategic. Keep it high-level and talk about the big picture, add as few details as possible; they want to connect the dots themselves. Idealist: They want to be collaborative and make sure everyone is on the same page. Engage this customer by speaking about future goals, the big picture, and try being more personable. Learn more: Ann’s Twitter profile: https://twitter.com/AnnholmNet Ann’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annholmnet/ Contact Ann: https://www.annholm.net/contact-me/ The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/25/2022 • 39 minutes, 16 seconds
The Chain.io Story with Brian Glick
Brian Glick and Joe Lynch discuss the Chain.io story. Brian is the Founder and CEO of Chain.io, a cloud-based integration platform that connects partners across the global supply chain. About Brian Glick As Founder and CEO of Chain.io, Brian Glick has made a career of simplifying complex supply chain and trade compliance IT challenges. Whether analyzing complex coding issues or rationalizing the compliance impacts of a vendor direct drop ship program, Brian brings a rare combination of executive perspective and deep technical knowledge to today’s supply chain challenges. From the early days of web-based visibility platforms and into today’s connected ecosystem, Brian has been an active leader in each phase of the connected supply chain evolution. With a focus on retail and apparel supply chains, Brian has brought his expertise to bear as an IT leader both within logistics service providers and through independent software companies. About Chain.io Chain.io is a cloud-based integration platform that connects partners across the global supply chain. Chain.io helps anyone involved in buying or moving products around the world work with supply chain vendors, customers, and software platforms more efficiently. With logistics expertise built into the heart of its software, Chain.io plugs into any ecosystem seamlessly and makes sure the right data is going to the right people at the right time. Customers leverage Chain.io’s network to optimize critical business processes. Chain.io shines when solving complex supply chain challenges and problems that require integrating multiple types of technologies. The Chain.io network includes shippers, logistics service providers, and the software packages that support them. For more information, please visit www.chain.io. Key Takeaways: The Chain.io Story Brian Glick is the Founder and CEO of Chain.io, a cloud-based integration platform that connects partners across the global supply chain. In the podcast interview, Brian and Joe discussed Brian’s career and the founding of Chain.io System integration is consistent problem for supply chain professionals. Chain.io has built a systems integration platform with supply chain best practices baked in. Chain.io connect partners across the global supply chain to increase revenue, cut costs, and elevate supply chain visibility. Logistics companies use Chain.io to create seamless integrations with customers, vendors, partners, and internal systems. The Chain.io team has built adapters that make connecting two or more software systems as simple as pointing and clicking, whether they’re separated by 6000 miles or three decades. Chain.io’s cloud-based platform solves one of the most challenging puzzles for logistics services providers: rapid integration with thousands of digital tools used by shippers, carriers, and software vendors. Learn More About The Chain.io Story Brian Glick on LinkedIn Chain.io Chain.io Case Studies Chain.io on LinkedIn Chain.io on Twitter
11/24/2022 • 57 minutes, 49 seconds
The Rose Rocket Story with Justin Bailie
Justin Bailie and Joe Lynch discuss the Rose Rocket story. Justin is he Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of leading TMS provider, Rose Rocket, a leading provider of transportation management software (TMS) for trucking companies and 3PLs. About Justin Bailie Justin Bailie is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of leading TMS provider, Rose Rocket. Bailie and his team build modern enterprise-grade software that helps transportation companies improve communications with systems, customers, partners, and teams. A life-long entrepreneur and Y-Combinator Alumni, Bailie is recognized as a subject matter expert in the logistics industry through his extensive experience building and successfully exiting businesses, including a brokerage and consultancy firm. Bailie is an advocate for knowledge sharing, having contributed to over 30 national and international publications, including: INC magazine, Huffington Post, and the Globe and Mail. Bailie spends his time building the next foundational elements of freight-technology, while working with Rose Rocket customers to future-proof their systems, and their marketing and sales strategies. Bailie is also a published author, keynote speaker, and father of four. About Rose Rocket Rose Rocket is a leading provider of transportation management software (TMS) for trucking companies and 3PLs. Its network driven TMS allows trucking companies to leverage their network of drivers, customers, and partners to unlock visibility and capacity. Additional product offerings include industry-leading driver mobile app, customer and partner portal technology, and an open architecture that allows for native integrations, EDIs, APIs, and more. With Rose Rocket, trucking companies and 3PLs add efficiency and automation at every step of the transport process, allowing for growth through network optimization. Rose Rocket operates in the United States and Canada, catering to carriers and brokerages that have LTL, FTL, hybrid, and multi-division service offerings. Rose Rocket is headquartered in Toronto. Key Takeaways: The Rose Rocket Story Justin Bailie is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Rose Rocket, a platform transportation management software (TMS) that help manage the unique needs of logistics and transportation companies. In the podcast interview, Justin and Joe discuss the Justin’s entrepreneurial experience and the founding of Rose Rocket. Rose Rocket is a Canadian company, however, their TMS is widely used in both Canada and USA. Rose Rocket makes a TMS tailored to the needs of trucking companies and freight brokers/3PLs. For trucking companies: Rose Rocket makes order entry easy and automated through Customer Portals, EDIs, APIs, and Google address auto-fill technology. Freight quoting made faster, easier, and better (more accurate). Seamless dispatching to drivers in just a few clicks and all the necessary order and manifest information is automatically passed on so they have the right information to do their jobs. Customers get real time visibility. For brokers/3PLs: Customers can create orders and send them directly to your TMS in less than 30 seconds without any manual entry from your team. Automatic quotes and rating that let customers choose from a list of rates automatically or create a spot quote for the order. Instant chat within the order that enables your team and customers communicate easily and effectively. Rose Rocket lets companies track and calculate the sales performance of their team by automating the process all the way through to accounting. Rose Rocket is ideal for carriers and brokerages that have LTL, FTL, hybrid, and multi-division service offerings. Learn More About The Rose Rocket Story Justin on LinkedIn Rose Rocket on LinkedIn Rose Rocket Rose Rocket: Freight Famous The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/23/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 7 seconds
REPOST: What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz
Andy Nitz and Joe Lynch discuss what big shippers need from their 3PL. As the Director of Logistics at a very big shipper, Andy has unique insights into the shipper-3PL relationship. About Andy Nitz Andy Nitz is the Director of Logistics at Daikin Applied Americas. Prior to joining Daikin, Andy was the Vice President of a management consulting firm. Earlier in his career, Andy was the Vice President of Distribution and Logistics for a privately held safety products company. Andy started his career in logistics and distribution leadership first at Macy's and then at Toys R Us. Andy attended Bowling Green State University and graduated with a double major in Marketing and International Business while playing on the football team. About Daikin Daikin Applied designs and manufactures technologically advanced commercial HVAC systems for customers around the world. Daikin Applied products, solutions, and services are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service, and part offices. Daikin Applied’s parent company, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Is a Fortune 1000 company with revenues in excess of $20 billion and more than 50,000 employees worldwide, making it the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world. Key Takeaways: What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL RFP stands for request for partnership, not just request for pricing. Big shippers are looking for a strategic partner – not a transactional relationship (married, not dating). Cultural fit Big shippers are looking for 3PLs that have the right culture. Having a culture of continuous improvement, hon – help us get better – our goal is to be world-class Services and scale Big shippers need 3PL partners who can provide the services required to properly service their account. If the 3PL needs to partner with other companies, they should be accountable for their performance. Big shippers also need their 3PL partner to be big enough to be a true partner, which means they can invest in the relationship and support the shipper's growth goals. Hiring a smaller 3PL is risky for a large shipper. Technology Big shippers require their 3PL partner to be able to provide world-class technology. The 3PL should be able to procure, customize, implement, and maintain systems that enable the shipper to be world-class. Since fright tech is always evolving, the 3PL must stay abreast of enhancements and innovations. Reporting For the Shipper-3PL relationship to strive, they must agree on key performance indicators and meeting cadence including quarterly business reviews. Additionally, the 3PL must be completely accountable for the issues driving the KPIs. Learn More About What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL Andy Nitz Daikin Applied The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/21/2022 • 41 minutes, 24 seconds
Validated, Real-Time Visibility for Pharma with Josh Allen
Josh Allen and Joe Lynch discuss Tive's validated, real-time visibility for pharma. Josh is CRO at Tive, a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. About Josh Allen Josh Allen joined Tive in April of 2022 as Chief Revenue Officer to build out the go-to-market team as the company continues to scale at a rapid pace. Allen's primary responsibilities include fortifying the long-term global sales strategy, hiring the required expertise across the team, driving aggressive revenue growth, and creating a culture of winning. He joined Tive after serving as CRO at two fast-growing Boston-based technology companies in Owl Labs and Drift (acquired by Vista Equity Partners). Prior to that, Allen served as SVP, North America Sales & Service at CarGurus (NASDAQ: CARG) where he led a team of more than 300 sales, service, and operations professionals during the company’s most expansive growth period. He also spent a decade at LogMeIn (NASDAQ: LOGM), where he held a number of leadership positions, including VP of Sales for two of the company’s three business units, and helped open and expand their international headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Josh attended Bowdoin College and now lives in Lynnfield, MA with his wife and two daughters and spends any extra time he has coaching, training, playing music, or sharing stories with friends and family. About Tive Tive is a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. With Tive, shippers and logistics service providers (LSP) eliminate preventable delays, damage, and shipment failures. Tive‘s solution provides data generated by its industry-leading trackers allowing clients to actively optimize their shipments, improve their customers’ experience, and unlock supply chain insights in an actionable real-time manner. Key Takeaways: Validated, Real-Time Visibility for Pharma Josh Allen is the Chief Revenue Officer of Tive, a tech firm that provides location and condition data of critical shipments in real time to ensure on time and in full delivery. In the podcast interview, Josh and Joe talked about Tive’s validated, real-time visibility solution for the pharmaceutical and biological industries. The pharma and biological industries require visibility solutions to comply with exacting regulations – and Tive meets those requirements. Tive’s pharma compliance is outlined below: FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 compliance: Ensures electronic records can be trusted in the same way as handwritten records. 3-Point NIST® traceable Certificate of Calibration included with every Tive tracker: Tive Solo 5G trackers and probes are fully calibrated by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. GxP-compliant: Tive’s solution follows the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). All the components (hardware and software) are developed and tested following the Good Automated Manufacturing Practice 5 (GAMP 5) model. The bar is higher for medical and pharmaceutical shipments because a shipment that is late or out of temperature range could cause loss of life. The Tive Tracker is about the size of a deck of cards, and it captures and transmits shipment data in real time with unprecedented accuracy. The Tracker provides real time alerts that enable shippers and their 3PL partners to respond and recover the shipment in the case of temperature breech, tampering, shock, damage, theft, and a variety of other factors. Tive enables shippers and their carrier partners to move from reactive to proactive, which is so important when transporting medical/pharma shipments. Tive provides flexible, scalable solutions bringing end-to-end visibility to supply chain professionals. In additional to medical and pharma, Tive provides solutions for the following supply chain problem areas: Location Tracking for High-Value Goods Chemicals Condition Monitoring Handling Damage Monitoring Damage Alerts for Electronics Shipments Port Delays Environmental Monitoring for Perishables Equipment Delivery Monitoring Automotive Supply Chain Optimization Learn More About Validated, Real-Time Visibility for Pharma Josh on LinkedIn Tive on LinkedIn Tive website Tive pharma solution page Biocair case study Optimize Courier case study Mercury case study Tracking Medical Shipments with Alex Guillen The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/18/2022 • 51 minutes, 52 seconds
Horseshoes and LTL with Scooter Sayers
Scooter Sayers and Joe Lynch discuss horseshoes and LTL. Scooter is the President at Sayers Logistics, a boutique LTL-based transportation consultancy that helps 3PLs, shippers, and technology providers to develop best practices, reduce costs, optimize solutions, seize opportunities, and penetrate new markets. About Scooter Sayers Scooter Sayers graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He and his wife currently reside in the Atlanta metro area. He began his career in transportation with ABF Freight in 1991 as a Pricing Analyst, progressing through several positions including Director – Rating & Traffic Services. In this latter role, he held responsibility for 100 employees in the corporate office as well as the Weighing & Research team spread across the ABF Freight network. He developed the LTL industry’s first density-based tariff in 1993. Scooter is a former member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) where he served as Chairman of the Weighing and Research Committee and Chairman of the Outreach Committee. He also served as a member of NMFTA’s Weighing & Research Association. He is a two-time winner of ABF Freight’s President’s Club. He is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers. Following a 25-plus year career at ABF Freight and ArcBest Corporation, Scooter spent 3 years in the 3PL and freight brokerage space with several companies. He is currently President at Sayers Logistics LLC, an LTL transportation consultancy, where he delivers LTL solutions. He can be reached at scooter@sayerslogistics.com or 479-461-1672 About Sayers Logistics Sayers Logistics LLC, founded in 2020 by LTL industry veteran Scooter Sayers, is a boutique LTL-based transportation consultancy that helps 3PLs, shippers, and technology providers to develop best practices, reduce costs, optimize solutions, seize opportunities, and penetrate new markets. Key Takeaways: Horseshoes and LTL Scooter Sayers is the CEO and Founder of Sayer Logistics, a boutique LTL-based transportation consultancy that helps 3PLs, shippers, and technology providers to develop best practices, reduce costs, optimize solutions, seize opportunities, and penetrate new markets. In the podcast interview, Joe and Scooter discussed horseshoes and LTL, which refers to an article that Scooter wrote about the changes to the LTL industry. Check out Scooter’s LinkedIn Post here: Horseshoes and LTL Scooter’s “horseshoe” reference is regarding LTL pricing, which is notoriously complex and difficult to understand. Scooter believes that LTL pricing is going to become easier – more like the game horseshoes, where “close enough” is good enough. Shippers, carriers, and 3PLs have all struggled with the current pricing, which is based on product classifications which are often interpreted incorrectly. The new pricing system will be based on density, in other words if you give the carrier the proper weights and dimensions, you will get a quote that matches the invoice. The pricing change is being driven by LTL industry leaders Old Dominion, FedEx along with The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA). The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA) is a nonprofit membership organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Its membership is comprised of motor carriers operating in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce. NMFTA publishes the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®), a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in commerce. Sayers Logistics was founded in 2020 by LTL industry veteran Scooter Sayers. With over 25 years in the industry, covering both the asset-based and non-asset side, Scooter’s expertise has a heavy focus on pricing, yield management, carrier relations, sales support, and costing. He is also well versed within administration, technology, customer service, and operations. Scooter and the Sayer’s team are passionate about the industry and understands the many challenges faced by LTL carriers, shippers, and logistics providers. Learn More About Horseshoes and LTL Scooter on LinkedIn Sayers Logistics on LinkedIn Sayers Logistics Horseshoes and LTL The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/16/2022 • 43 minutes, 39 seconds
REPOST: Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell
Steve Elwell and Joe Lynch discuss why avoiding fear, uncertainty, and doubt in the sales process will help you close more deals. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt in a buyer’s mind almost always kill the sale. About Steve Elwell Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 5 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and a MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About Steve Elwell’s Work Steve Elwell helps business owners with challenged businesses increase liquidity, improve sales, leadership, efficiency, and growth. Business situations include turnaround, sales stagnation, customer-market concentration, and rapid growth. Key Takeaways – Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt – Definitions and Causes Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) is the game behind the game. FUD emotions will not be openly discussed, but they may kill your sale. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. Uncertainty is the state of being uncertain. Also, unpredictability, unreliability, riskiness, chanciness, precariousness, unsureness. Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction – uncertainty. Also, lack of certainty, unsureness, indecision, hesitation, hesitancy, apprehension, suspicion, confusion, insecurity, inhibition, uneasiness. Typically, FUD is caused by the mistakes made by the salesperson. Inconsistences in the sales process like miscommunication, unanswered emails, bad grammar or language, poor presentation, inappropriate dress, late to meetings, outdated websites, lack of social proof online like no LinkedIn profile. Unforced errors cause FUD. Anything that might make the prospect uncomfortable, potentially causes FUD. FUD is hard to overcome once it has been introduced, so it must be avoided. To Avoid Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) in Sales, Demonstrate the 5 C’s Character – display integrity and high morals in business and personal life. Competence – show your clients and prospects that you can do your job effectively and efficiently. Become the expert professional that they want to work with. Care – pay attention to the project, show your customer that their project is important to you. Communication – Have your written and verbal correspondence on-point and on-time. Connection – build a relationship, a bond with your prospective client. Get on their wavelength and empathize with your prospect. Learn More: Steve Elwell Related Topics: The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/14/2022 • 27 minutes, 45 seconds
REPOST: What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier
Dawn Salvucci-Favier and Joe Lynch answer the question what is dynamic pricing. Dawn is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai, a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. About Dawn Salvucci-Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai. She has spent the past 20 years leading Global Product Strategy & Management at major Transportation Management System (TMS) providers. In addition, Dawn was President & Chief Operation Officer at Shippers Commonwealth where she had full P&L management responsibilities for the $6 million, value-added service provider of logistics solutions. In each of these roles, Dawn was able to develop and execute a vision and strategy for delivering industry-leading technology solutions to the Logistics market. She also brings extensive 3PL & Shipper Logistics operations experience having spent time as Director of Logistics Services for NFI Interactive Logistics and starting her career in the inbound transportation management function at Staples, Inc and The TJX Companies. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. The company combines the power of aggregated market data and historical data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term, predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buying and selling behavior. Greenscreens.ai’s mission is to be the industry-leading neutral platform for market data aggregation, market intelligence, and dynamic pricing. Greenscreen’s Provide customers with high confidence, predictive buy rate guidance, and differentiated pricing strategies that are powered by the industry’s most up-to-date and contextually relevant dataset. Greenscreens.ai is fueled by transactional data from shippers, carriers, brokers, leading market data sources within the Greenscreens network and executed within the context of their existing technology ecosystem and workflow. Key Takeaways: What is Dynamic Pricing Dawn Salvucci-Favier is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai. Dynamic pricing, also referred to as surge pricing, demand pricing, or time-based pricing is a pricing strategy in which businesses set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands. Businesses are able to change prices based on algorithms that take into account competitor pricing, supply and demand, and other external factors in the market. In the podcast interview, Dawn explained how freight brokers and 3PLs that use dynamic pricing are more competitive for the following reasons: Dynamic pricing developed by artificial intelligence is much faster than prices developed by people. Dynamic pricing is more accurate, meaning that price is more likely to win profitable business. Dynamic pricing is based on an algorithm that gets better every day, unlike human reasoning which typically has biases and blind spots. Greenscreens.ai was started in 2020 by a team of veterans who have collectively spent over 100 years in the supply chain industry who remember what it was like to operate with limited technology and market intelligence. That is why we named our company Greenscreens.ai. Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help brokers and 3PLs grow and protect their margins Learn More About What is Dynamic Pricing Dawn Salvucci-Favier Greenscreens.ai Machine Learning for Predictive Spot Market Pricing Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/11/2022 • 44 minutes, 40 seconds
More VUCA Ahead with Oren Zaslansky
Oren Zaslansky and Joe Lynch discuss more VUCA ahead. Oren is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. About Oren Zaslansky Raised by parents who worked for a van line and later started their own freight forwarders, Oren has deep-seated roots in logistics and entrepreneurship. At 21, he founded a 125-truck fleet that provided white-glove freight service throughout the U.S. and Canada. His subsequent venture, SolSource Logistics, continues to operate today, with Oren serving as chairman. SolSource Logistics opened Oren’s eyes to how wasteful traditional freight shipping is. He became determined to find a new approach by building a technology-driven solution. Flock Freight (formerly AuptiX) opened its doors in 2015, driven by Oren’s vision of using technology to combine multiple shipments into one multi-stop shared truckload. Under Oren’s leadership, Flock Freight continu es to rapidly grow while creating a new standard of service for shippers, increasing revenue for carriers, and eliminating the impact of carbon emissions through the patented shared truckload solution, FlockDirect™. About Flock Freight Flock Freight is a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. Flock Freight leverages its advanced, first-to-market algorithms that pool shipments and fill trucks at scale to create a new standard of service for shippers and increase revenue for carriers. Flock Freight's shared truckload solution eliminates the need for terminals and is the only carbon-neutral shipping option with all emissions accounted for through carbon offsets supporting freight-related efficiency projects. Flock Freight is headquartered in Encinitas, CA with an additional office in Chicago, IL. Key Takeaways: More VUCA Ahead Oren Zaslansky is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, where he and his team are driving industry change and powering shared truckload service with top-tier talent and advanced algorithms. In the podcast interview, Oren and Joe discuss more VUCA ahead. VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. The more VUCA ahead refers to continued supply chain disruptions caused by: Diesel fuel shortages Potential railroad strike Potential strike or labor slowdown for West coast ports Holiday season Uncertain economic conditions - recession Issues with China supply chain Ukraine/Russia supply chain problem (grain, fuel, etc..) Flock Freight provides an alternative to less-than-truckload shipping, which has traditionally been expensive, slow, and more likely to damage freight compared to truckload shipping. Shippers and 3PLs have always converted some number of LTL shipments to multi-stop or shared truckload shipments, but the approach was scattershot, and process was very manual. As investments in freight tech grew, the number of multi-stop shipments increased, however there were no purpose-built tech or companies dedicated to multi-stop truckload shipments until Flock Freight. For Shippers: Flock Freight moves shipper freight via shared truckload, combining it with other freight into one multi-stop truckload. Flock Freight gives midsize freight shippers an efficient, cost-effective way to move their goods. For Carriers: Flock Freight helps carriers maximize their revenue by booking high-paying shared truckloads online in seconds. Carriers earn higher profits for the same amount of work by combining multiple shipments moving in the same direction to minimize half-empty trucks and deadhead miles. Most trucks are moving with trailers that are only partially full – Flock Freight can help them earn more revenue by filling up their truck with good paying freight. For the Environment: Flock Freight shipments move via shared truckload, skipping the inefficient LTL hub and spoke system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. Flock takes the remaining 60% and offset it by supporting projects with Carbonfund.org, making Flock Freight the only carbon neutral shipping option available to shippers at no extra cost. Flock Freight is a B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of verified levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Learn More About More VUCA Ahead Oren on LinkedIn Flock Freight on LinkedIn Flock Freight The Flock Freight Story with Oren Zaslansky TED Talk: The next wave of innovation in freight The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/9/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 29 seconds
Becoming a World Class Shipper with Robert DeBellefeuille
Robert DeBellefeuille and Joe Lynch discuss his company's journey to becoming a world class shipper. Robert is the Manager of Global Logistics at Jamieson Wellness, Canada’s leading branded manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of high-quality natural health products. About Robert DeBellefeuille Robert DeBellefeuille is the Manager of Global Logistics at Jamieson Wellness, Canada’s leading branded manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of high-quality natural health products. Robert and his team are responsible for the movement of goods globally and successfully executes freight movements in all modes, in more than 50 countries. Robert previously was the head of Logistics for Tilray, a leading Cannabis producer. With Tilray, Robert led the relationships with 3PLs, carriers and other stakeholders to manage movement of highly regulated cannabis products throughout Canada & into Europe, South America & Australia. Prior to the cannabis industry, Robert spent time in the produce & transportation industries. Robert earned a CLTD designation from APICS and a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University. About Jamieson Wellness Jamieson Wellness is Canada’s leading branded manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of high-quality natural health products. In a rapidly growing marketplace, Jamieson Wellness has set itself apart with its industry-leading commitment to superior quality by providing consumers in more than 45 countries around the world with the purest, safest, and most effective natural health solutions available. The Jamieson Wellness family of brands and product portfolio is specifically curated to help maintain overall health with daily multivitamins for all age groups, letter vitamins, digestive, heart health and immune support formulas. The Company offers a variety of products to support women’s hormone health and beauty from within, and proteins and other sports nutrition products for those with active lifestyles. The Company also believes that taking your vitamins can be fun and delicious and provides a variety of ways to make that happen through gummies, chewable tablets, powders, sprays and more. In addition to its Branded Business, the Company offers comprehensive manufacturing and product development services on a contract manufacturing basis to select blue-chip consumer health companies and retailers worldwide. Key Takeaways: Becoming a World Class Shipper Robert DeBellefeuille is the Manager of Global Logistics at Jamieson Wellness, Canada’s leading branded manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of high-quality natural health products. In the podcast interview, Robert and Joe discussed Robert’s career path and his company's journey to becoming a world class a world class shipper. With the mission of becoming a world class shipper, Robert and his team are focusing their improvement activities on the 4 following areas: Customer experience (internal and external customers) Internal team members skills and knowledge Digital ecosystem Transportation and logistics partners The Jamieson brand is consistently recognized as the most trusted vitamin brand in Canada. This trust is built on a nearly 100-year history of producing high-quality natural health products for consumers around the world. To demonstrate their dedication to quality, all Jamieson Wellness products are manufactured according to 360-Pure, their industry leading quality control program which guarantees that their products are the safest, purest, and most effective on the market. Learn More About Becoming a World Class Shipper Robert on LinkedIn Jamieson Wellness on LinkedIn Jamieson Wellness The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/7/2022 • 53 minutes, 15 seconds
The Newtrul Story with Ed Stockman
Ed Stockman and Joe Lynch discuss the newtrul story. Ed is Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. About Ed Stockman Ed Stockman is the Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. Ed is a logistics industry veteran with over a decade of experience from Echo, Redwood Logistics and Transfix. Ed’s expertise is rooted in sales and growth, and he has served as the Director of Sales at two enterprise transportation brokerages. Ed founded Newtrul on his first-born’s birth date in 2018 after realizing the need for digitization and aggregation in the increasingly fragmented transportation space. Ed describes himself as a servant leader who would is passionate, competitive, and sympathetic. He thrives in nuanced, fast-paced environments and is known for bringing clarity and conciseness to complicated scenarios. Ed earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Statistics & Law Enforcement from Western Illinois University. Outside of his work, you’ll find Ed spending time with his wife and two children in Dallas, TX. About Newtrul Based in Chicago, Newtrul is a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. Newtrul’s proprietary, digital freight matching platform integrates with freight brokers to seamlessly share available loads with carriers digitally in real-time. The carrier platform allows trucking companies to enter Newtrul’s user interface to search for the best shipment across multiple customers for each truck. Instead of carriers and brokers spending time and resources contacting each other individually, Newtrul’s digital aggregation platform provides an easier, simpler, and more cost-effective way to connect everyone and book more loads faster. For more information visit www.Newtrul.com. Key Takeaways: The Newtrul Story Ed Stockman is the Co-founder & CEO at Newtrul, a technology company helping increase efficiencies in the trucking industry with a digital freight-aggregation platform. In the podcast interview, Joe and Ed discuss Ed’s career and the founding of Newtrul. Newtrul connects shippers, brokers, and carriers through a centralized portal – similar to traditional load boards, but with more integration. Newtrul technology is easy to use and will seamlessly integrate into your current systems (TMS, WMS, Fleet Management System, etc.) Newtrul is a digital freight aggregator that operates with the primary goal of providing the most cost-effective and efficient options for shippers and providing an easily accessible portal for carriers. Carriers and shippers can seamlessly conduct business without the need to go through a traditional load board. Learn More About The Newtrul Story Ed on LinedIn Newtrul on LinkedIn Newtrul Case Studies Demo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/4/2022 • 54 minutes, 47 seconds
Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time with Ann Holm
Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss how to reclaim your energy, passion, and time. Ann is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, leadership, and personal development. About Ann Holm Ann Holm is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, leadership, and personal development. She is an MBTI Master Practitioner and is known as a thought leader in integrating psychological type theory with other coaching models. These include Emotional Intelligence, Positive Intelligence, and Polarity Thinking where she holds certifications in these disciplines. In addition, Holm has 25 years of experience in applied brain science as a speech-language pathologist specializing in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. She has written the book Educator Bandwidth: How to Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time. She is also a frequent podcast guest and is the author of numerous articles and blogs. Ann holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Speech and Hearing, and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Michigan, along with a certificate in Organizational Development from the University of Minnesota. She received coach training from the Coaches Training Institute and is certified by the International Coaching Federation. Past clients include schools ranging from Pre-K to post-secondary, small business owners, and teams in the logistics industry. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Keay Takeaways: Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time Ann Holm is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, leadership, and personal development. Ann is the Co-author of the book, Educator Bandwidth: How to Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time – don’t worry the lessons also apply to logistics and supply chain folks. In the podcast interview, Ann shared 3 strategies that people can use to be more productive, happier, and healthier, in other words reclaiming your energy, passion, and time. Strategy 1 – Be present! Mobile technology and remote work have enabled us to take our job anywhere. The problem is that we are often disengaged from the present while we worry about our latest work email or text. Stop trying to be in two places at once – it makes you way less productive. Focus on one task at a time. Stop multi-tasking, which is difficult on the brain and makes us less effective and efficient. Strategy 2 – Use cognitive steps to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. Example 1: Make it easier to go to the gym by packing your gym bag and putting it by the door – increasing the chances you hit the gym. Example 2: To discourage yourself from playing with your phone while you are working, put the phone in the other room. Strategy 3 – Get organizational support that encourages and enables optimum productivity along with work life balance. Joe Lynch is one of Ann’s coaching clients and he wrote the review below: “When I first engaged with Ann a decade ago, I was going through a really tough time, both professionally and personally. I felt like I had lost my way and developed some bad habits. I wanted more, but I didn’t know how to get it. Working with Ann helped me recognize both my strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, we together developed a path to my goals that enabled me to leverage my strengths while avoiding the pitfalls that had tripped me up so many times in the past. Ann helped me to see my potential to influence others and encouraged me to start a blog that eventually became my business. Today, The Logistics of Logistics podcast is one of the leading business news podcasts and I would have never started it had I not met Ann – she even came up with the name!” — Joe Lynch, Podcast Host, The Logistics of Logistics Learn More About Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time Ann on LinkedIn AnnHolm.net Educator Bandwidth: How to Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time (Barnes and Noble) Educator Bandwidth: How to Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, and Time (Amazon) Related Episodes: Uncover Your Potential With Ann Holm The Psychology of Solving Big Problems with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Developing Grit with Ann Holm Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm Becoming More Influential with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm The Secret to Improved Sales with Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/2/2022 • 55 minutes, 32 seconds
The Altana Story with Evan Smith
Evan Smith and Joe Lynch discuss the Altana Story. Evan is the CEO and Co-founder of Altana, a technology company that transforms the world’s public and non-public data into an intelligent, shared model of the global supply chain. About Evan Smith Evan Smith is CEO and co-founder of Altana. He founded Altana in 2018, along with co-founders CTO Peter Swartz and COO Raphael Tehranian, after identifying a need for access to a trusted source of real time supply chain information. The three founded Altana while working at Panijiva, a trade data science company. Evan led enterprise solutions and strategic partnerships for Panjiva and also previously served as the CEO of IMBU Technologies, a company providing textile supply chain automation software. Evan graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. About Altana Altana Technologies transforms the world’s public and non-public data into an intelligent, shared model of the global supply chain. Enterprises, governments, and logistics providers connect to Altana’s Trusted Network Platform to illuminate, collaborate, and build trust across their global business networks. Through Altana, organizations across the public and private sectors are building a more resilient, secure, inclusive, and sustainable globalization. Key Takeaways: The Altana Story Evan Smith is the CEO and Co-founder of Altana, a platform for building trusted networks on a shared source of truth for the global supply chain. In the podcast interview, Evan and Joe discussed Evan’s career, the founding of Altana, and why private and public sector organizations need a technology platform that will enable them to build a more resilient, secure, and sustainable globalization. Altana’s visions for Globalization 2.0: a globalization defined by Trusted Networks, which span and connect nation states, businesses, and civil society in resilient, secure, sustainable, and inclusive global business networks. The Altana Atlas is powered by a dynamic AI model of the supply chain, which learns from billions of data points describing businesses, facilities, supply chain flows, and ownership relationships worldwide. The Altana Atlas learns from both public and non-public data that cannot be directly pooled. This creates unprecedented visibility across the supply chain that was previously impossible because of data sovereignty, privacy, and intellectual property protections. The Altana Atlas integrates all internal data, external data, and analytics to create a dynamic view of a company’s multi-tier value chains and extended business network — enabling companies to make informed decisions on how the materials actually move from facility to facility across the supply chain network. Learn More About The Altana Story Evan on LinkedIn Altana on LinkedIn Altana Globalization 2.0 Manifesto The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/31/2022 • 55 minutes, 46 seconds
The JW Surety Bonds Story with JD Weisbrot
JD Weisbrot and Joe Lynch discuss the JW Surety Bonds Story. JW Surety Bonds is the largest writer of the BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety bonds and the largest privately owned surety agency in the country with over 70+ employees and 50,000 customers nationwide. About JD Weisbrot JD Weisbrot is the Founder, President and Chief Underwriting Officer of JW Surety Bonds and has been in the surety industry for 22 years. In his role, JD focuses on the creation and implementation of in-house surety underwriting standards within the Underwriting Department, managing surety partner relationship, overseeing and managing surety loss trends and long term strategy relating to surety markets. During his tenure as President and CUO, JW has been instrumental in developing JW Surety into a leading player in the surety bond market. JW Surety Bonds is the largest writer of small commercial surety bonds in the United States and is the largest writer of the BMC-84 Freight Broker bond in the Country. About JW Surety Bonds Founded in 2003 by JD Weisbrot, JW Surety Bonds is a national surety bond provider that specialized in freight broker, construction, and numerous other types of surety bonds. Headquartered in Pipersville, PA JW Surety bonds is licensed on all 50 States able to offer surety and insurance products across the United States. JW Surety Bond is the largest writer of the BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety bond and is the largest privately owned surety agency in the country with over 70+ employees and 50,000 customers nationwide. Key Takeaways: The JW Surety Bonds Story JD Weisbrot is the Founder, President, and Chief Underwriting Officer of JW Surety Bonds, the largest writer of the BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety bonds and the largest privately owned surety agency in the country with over 70+ employees and 50,000 customers nationwide. In the podcast interview, JD and Joe discuss surety bonds basics along with how JD founded JW Surety Bonds. The BMC-84, also known as a freight broker surety bond, is a specific type of surety bond that protects shippers/motor carriers, which is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Association (FMCSA) to obtain a brokerage authority. To meet the requirements of becoming a licensed freight broker, you have two options: obtaining a freight broker bond (BMC-84) or a trust fund (BMC-85). They both offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the needs of you and your brokerage. Read our detailed article to determine whether you should get a BMC-84 or BMC-85. As of October 1st, 2013, freight brokers and forwarders are required to secure a $75,000 freight broker bond. However, highly qualified freight brokers may also opt for an additional $25,000 in bond coverage to provide extra protection for their shippers and motor carriers. Learn more about how you can stand out from the freight broker crowd with an excess bond. Learn More About the JW Surety Bonds Story JD Weisbrot LinkedIn JW Surety Bonds on LinkedIn Freight Broker E-book Guides About JW Surety Bonds Freight Broker Bond Guide Freight Broker Salary Guide The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/28/2022 • 51 minutes, 53 seconds
A Modern Approach to EDI with Jonathan Kish
Jonathan Kish and Joe Lynch discuss a modern approach to EDI. Jonathan is the Vice President Of Business Development at Orderful, a complete cloud EDI platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies. About Jonathan Kish Jonathan Kish is the Vice President of Business Development at Orderful, a San Francisco based technology company that is reimagining EDI integrations and helping their customers build better supply chain business networks. Jonathan is a seasoned supply chain executive who has worked at industry leaders like Shippo, Pitney Bowes, Auctane, and UPS. Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science & Government at SUNY Geneseo. You can reach Jonathan at jonathan@orderful.com or connect with him on Linkedin. About Orderful Orderful is a complete cloud EDI platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies. Forward-thinking companies are using Orderful to replace their existing EDI infrastructure. Our product is an API that enables companies to connect once and trade EDI data with their supply chain. Our customers get to consolidate their EDI integration complexity, quickly enable trading partners as self-service and reduce costs. Key Takeaways: A Modern Approach to EDI Jonathan Kish is the Vice President of Business Development at Orderful, a SaaS EDI platform that makes EDI trading simpler, cheaper, and better. In the podcast interview, Joe and Jonathan discuss EDI, EDI integration challenges, and how Orderful has eliminated the need for companies to build point-to-point EDI integrations. EDI stands for electronic data interchange, which is a standard for exchanging information between computer systems. Traditionally, when trading partners like manufacturers, retailers, logistics companies, want to connect via EDI they relied on custom-made integration environments with a heavy reliance on consultants and managed service providers. This approach was difficult, time consuming, and very expensive. Orderful’s API challenges the traditional integration infrastructure and eliminates the need for companies to build point-to-point EDI integrations. Orderful is solving the EDI integration problem in an automated, transparent, and scalable way. Orderful is a new kind of EDI provider, the focus of the platform is to improve the global supply chain by enabling suppliers to immediately trade data with buyers. They are helping the small guys get to market and they want to create a world where data trading is not a barrier. Learn More About A Modern Approach to EDI Jonathan on LinkedIn Orderful on LinkedIn Orderful The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/26/2022 • 42 minutes, 10 seconds
Big Changes at the Port with Lauren Beagen
Lauren M. Beagen and Joe Lynch discuss big changes at the port brought on by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022). Lauren is maritime industry expert & lawyer who specializes in translating FMC regulations and breaking down supply chain silos. About Lauren Beagen Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, LLC and The Maritime Professor™. Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by notable trade networks, including features on CNBC and FreightWaves. Ms. Beagen has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce and maritime law, with specific emphasis on maritime transportation, Shipping Act issues, supply chain management, international antitrust law, and port and terminal operations. Notable appointments include work in the federal government as Attorney-Advisor (International Affairs) in the Office of the General Counsel at the Federal Maritime Commission and work at a public port authority as Maritime Project Manager for the Port of Boston at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Ms. Beagen received a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Science and International Studies from Hope College, a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is an avid sailor and recreational fisherman and holds a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (50 ton) for Great Lakes and Inland Waters. About Squall Strategies Squall Strategies is a maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. Whether you’re a small, local business or a multinational corporation, we can help you reach new levels of success. Squall Strategies is available for advice and consultation on Federal Maritime Commission related matters, advice and consultation on supply chain and ocean freight movement, potential federal regulatory impacts on your business, federal regulatory review and analysis, general Federal Maritime Commission related inquiries, advice and consultation on demurrage, tariff/schedule reviews, and supply chain industry insight. About The Maritime Professor The Maritime Professorᵀᴹ is an e-learning/educational based company on all things maritime and supply chain - we provide non-legal business coaching, e-content, trainings/webinars, participation in advisory boards, leadership recruitment, and company speaking/education engagements. Interested in learning more about the ocean side of things? Follow The Maritime Professorᵀᴹ and sign up for email alerts to be alerted when new courses are released. Or follow along with weekly supply chain industry explanations by subscribing to their podcast, By Land and By Sea - an attorney breaking down the week in supply chain, presented by the Maritime Professorᵀᴹ (https://themaritimeprofessor.buzzsprout.com). Key Takeaways: Big Changes at the Port Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, LLC and The Maritime Professor™. In the podcast interview, Lauren and Joe discuss the big changes at the port – changes brought on by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022). OSRA 22 was signed into law by President Biden on June 16, 2022. Lauren and Joe discussed the following 3 provisions of OSRA 2022: Unreasonable Refusal to Deal – A provision that requires that an ocean common carrier shall not unreasonably refuse to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodation. Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements – A new rule that seeks to provide more clarity, consistency, structure and punctuality to the demurrage and detention billing practices used by vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs), non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and marine terminal operators (MTOs). Unfair or Unjust Discriminatory Methods - The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will define what is unfair or unjust discriminatory methods used by carriers regarding concerns and complaints by exporters and small shippers. Squall Strategies is a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. Squall Strategies provide a broad range of services and solutions to help organizations facilitate change, achieve their vision, and optimize performance and productivity. Not all problems they encounter are legal, but their legal experience gives them a deeper understanding of the industry. Learn More About Big Changes at the Port Lauren on LinkedIn Squall Strategies on LinkedIn Squall Strategies The Maritime Professor on LinkedIn The Maritime Professor Solving the Port Problem with Lauren Beagen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/24/2022 • 41 minutes, 17 seconds
Retail Delivery Trends with Matt Schultz
Matt Schultz and Joe Lynch discuss retail delivery trends. Matt is Vice President of Logistics Partnerships at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. About Matt Schultz Matt Schultz is Vice President of Logistic Partnerships at OneRail. OneRail is an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. With a real-time connected network of drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for suitable delivery, so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Matt has played an instrumental role in growing OneRail’s logistic partnership network to more than 10 million drivers, from national delivery companies to small local couriers. His expertise includes start-ups, franchising, business planning & development, operations management, and talent acquisition. About OneRail OneRail is an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. With a real-time connected network of 10 million drivers, OneRail finds the right vehicle for the right delivery so shippers gain low prices and greater capacity to rapidly scale their businesses. Across retail, CPG, distribution, construction, healthcare and more, OneRail offers an exceptional last mile delivery experience with an on-time delivery rate of 98.6%, while keeping brands front and center. To learn more, visit OneRail.com. Key Takeaways: Retail Delivery Trends Matt Schultz is Vice President of Logistic Partnerships at OneRail, an Orlando-based last mile transportation visibility solution providing shippers with Amazon-level dependability and speed. In the podcast interview, Joe and Matt discuss retail delivery trends and OneRail’s delivery fulfillment platform that has an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 10 million drivers. 3 retail delivery trends discussed: The marketplace problem – the marketplaces that specialize in retail delivery and pick-up service (usually groceries) are not good for retailers because they: Define and own the customer relationship and all the data, instead of the retailer. Compete directly with the retailers and may entice customers to try other retailers. Charge fees that may cause the retailer to lose money on the transaction. Ownership of the customer, customer data, and the customer experience is increasingly important and retailers need a delivery partner that will consistently execute the retailers vision, while respecting the retailer’s relationship with their customers. To provide the customer experience for both the shipper (retailer) and the customer, a technology orchestration platform is a must have. OneRail’s orchestration platform connect shippers to vetted couriers in real time. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. The OneRail logistics platform is modular, with the flexibility to serve as a standalone platform or integrate with an existing TMS. Learn More About Retail Delivery Trends Matt on LinkedIn OneRail on LinkedIn OneRail The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania Inventory is Everything with Jeff Flowers OneRail Ranks in the Top 50 of the 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List OneRail Named to the FreightTech 100 for the Second Straight Year Recent interview with FreightWaves for ModernShipper Premier Pet Case Study Team OneRail Delivers: OneRail’s Ongoing Corporate Responsibility Initiatives The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/21/2022 • 38 minutes, 54 seconds
The Fishtail Story with Marc Held
Marc Held and Joe Lynch discuss the Fishtail story. Marc is the Co-founder and CEO of Fishtail, a Boston based fintech company that empowers freight forwarders to finance the movement and procurement of goods – for small and medium businesses (SMBs) around the world. About Marc Held Marc is a serial entrepreneur, specializing in applying advanced artificial intelligence and IoT to the supply chain industry. Prior to Fishtail, he started, funded, and sold multiple companies – creating real value for Fortune 500 customers, investors, and his acquirers. Most recently, his company ODYN (inventory optimization platform for large CPG companies) was acquired by Turvo and his company before that (Weft, maritime intelligence platform – funded by a16z, social + capital, SV Angel, and other tier-1 VCs) was acquired by DMGT-owned Genscape. Prior to his experience in supply chain, Marc was also a product development consultant, specializing in mobile applications and content consumption, and had done early work in the smart personal assistant space. About Fishtail Fishtail is a trade finance automation platform empowering freight forwarders to finance the movement and procurement of goods – for small and medium businesses (SMBs) around the world - either by arranging extended payment terms through the financing of freight or by financing the goods themselves. Specializing in financing Purchase Orders for small businesses in emerging markets, Fishtail solves the $2tn working capital gap in trade finance. Key Takeaways: The Fishtail Story Marc Held is the Co-founder and CEO of Fishtail, a Boston based fintech company that empowers freight forwarders to finance the movement and procurement of goods – for small and medium businesses (SMBs) around the world. In the podcast interview, Joe and Marc discussed Marc’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Fishtail. Fishtail is venture backed and already servicing and partnering with some of the biggest names in the industry. Complexity behind global supply chains has made it incredibly challenging for financial institutions to fund purchase orders and invoices, internationally, for SMBs on a meaningful scale. The trade finance gap got even wider as a result of COVID and the supply chain disruptions that it caused. Fishtail's data-driven, scalable solution allows for freight forwarders to provide financing to their customers within minutes – either by arranging extended payment terms through the financing of freight, or by financing the goods themselves that these logistics companies are transporting. Incorporating cutting-edge machine learning research, Fishtail's trade finance automation platform turns global supply chain complexities from weakness into strength, extracting meaningful risk signals from the noise in messy supply chain and financial data. Learn More About The Fishtail Story Marc on LinkedIn Fishtail on LinkedIn Fishtail Funding press The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/19/2022 • 55 minutes, 24 seconds
REPOST: The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni
Krenar Komoni and Joe Lynch discuss the Tive story. Krenar is the CEO and founder of Tive, a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. About Krenar Komoni Krenar Komoni has developed breakthrough ideas in data analytics, logistics, and electronics design for nearly 20 years. As an innovator and market leader, he has successfully developed and led cross-functional teams while enhancing business performance in sales, finance, supply chain logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. Most recently, Krenar founded the Global Supply Chain Visibility company Tive and serves in the CEO role. Tive is a cloud-based platform that uses IoT sensors to capture critical real-time shipment sensor data as products are shipped worldwide. Krenar embodies the leadership, management, and vision necessary to deliver market innovation, drive growth, and unlock hidden potential. Previously, Krenar worked at BitWave Semiconductor, developing the world’s first software-defined radio (SDR), Eta Devices, an MIT-based startup developing highly efficient cellular base stations, and has provided consulting services for various Fortune 500 companies on chip and system-level wireless design. About Tive Tive is a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. With Tive, shippers and logistics service providers (LSP) eliminate preventable delays, damage, and shipment failures. Tive‘s solution provides data generated by its industry-leading trackers allowing clients to actively optimize their shipments, improve their customers’ experience, and unlock supply chain insights in an actionable real-time manner. Key Takeaways: The Tive Story Krenar Komoni is the Founder and CEO of Tive, a company that is re-imagining supply chain visibility with sensor-driven awareness and analysis tools of in-transit goods, from start to finish. In the podcast interview, Krenar and Joe discuss Krenar’s life, career, and his entrepreneurial journey at Tive. Tive in-transit visibility solutions help shipping and logistics professionals manage their shipments and eliminate preventable delays and damage. Tive’s sensors provide the next level in visibility including: Real-Time Data. Tive has developed a proprietary sensor + software solution enabling supply chain managers to get real-time insight into the location and condition of their shipments. Complete Sensing Solution. A multi-sensor tracker sends location and condition data to the cloud, where it can be accessed from the Tive software platform in real time. Configurable Location Alerts. Managers can configure customizable alerts to trigger notifications based on geofences or other significant events. The Problem: When it comes to shipping critical materials or equipment, timing is everything. An early arrival may mean no one is available to receive the shipment, while a late arrival can result in field installation personnel billing for a wasted trip. Lack of coordination between the shipping and receiving teams leads to excessive cost, waste, and delay. The Solution: Tive helps ensure that equipment arrives before the installer with real-time asset location tracking. With precise insight into the location and expected arrival of critical goods, including notifications if the shipment is not proceeding according to schedule, managers can cut waste and improve efficiency along complex, interdependent supply chains. Tive provides Flexible, scalable solutions bringing end-to-end visibility to your supply chain. Tive provides solutions for the following supply chain problem areas: Location Tracking for High-Value Goods Chemicals Condition Monitoring Handling Damage Monitoring Damage Alerts for Electronics Shipments Port Delays Pharmaceutical Temperature Monitoring Environmental Monitoring for Perishables Equipment Delivery Monitoring Automotive Supply Chain Optimization Learn More About The Tive Story Krenar Komoni LinkedIn Tive website Tive LinkedIn Tracking Medical Shipments with Alex Guillen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/17/2022 • 53 minutes, 53 seconds
The Truck N’ Hustle Story with Rahmel Wattley
Rahmel Wattley and Joe Lynch discuss the Truck N' Hustle story. Rahmel is a transportation entrepreneur and host of the popular trucking podcast, Truck N’ Hustle. About Rahmel Wattley Rahmel Wattley is a transportation entrepreneur and host of the popular trucking podcast, Truck N’ Hustle. Rahmel got his start in the trucking business in the early 2000’s. After getting his CDL, Rahmel quickly learned that driving was not for him, so he transitioned to a dispatcher role at a small mom and pop trucking company. From there he held a series of leadership roles with increasing responsibilities at several carriers. In 2015, after seeing an opportunity in driver turnover, he started a CDL driver staffing company with a partner. In 2019, Rahmel successfully exited the business and began the Truck N ‘Hustle podcast, which seeks to provide valuable information and resources to the business owners and entrepreneurs of the trucking community. Rahmel is also the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Mega Driver Solutions, a CDL driver staffing company based in the Philadelphia metro area. Rahmel and his team are excited to bring the “Truck N’ Hustle” experience to the world stage with the commencement of FreightFest 2022 in Houston, TX. About Truck N’ Hustle Truck N’ Hustle is the #1 trucking and logistics community in the world. Truck N' Hustle is a community and platform specializing in educating and inspiring trucking and logistics entrepreneurs and their teams. Truck N’ Hustle provides the news, stories, resources, and tools for transportation and logistics professionals to be successful in the trucking business. About FreightFest On November 4th-6th, 2022 the Truck N’ Hustle team will be hosting their inaugural conference, which will be a one-of-a-kind curation of some of the most talented, forward-thinking, and innovative minds in the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain. This three-day event will host many speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and highly motivated transportation professionals looking to start and/or grow their existing transportation, logistics and/or supply chain businesses. About Mega Driver Solutions Mega Driver Solutions is a leading transportation staffing and solutions provider that helps both job seekers and employers achieve their goals. The professional team of qualified consultants have more than 30 years of experience working in the trucking and transportation industry. The Mega team is committed to providing highly qualified commercial drivers, that includes direct placements, temp-to-hire, temporary placements, and long-term driver leasing for all temporary and long-term assignments. Key Takeaways: The Truck N' Hustle Story Rahmel Wattley is the host of the popular trucking podcast, Truck N’ Hustle, which seeks to provide valuable information and resources to the business owners and entrepreneurs of the trucking community. Rahmel is also the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Mega Driver Solutions, a CDL driver staffing company based in the Philadelphia metro area. Rahmel and his team are excited to bring the “Truck N’ Hustle” experience to the world stage with the commencement of FreightFest 2022 in Houston, TX. In the podcast interview, Joe and Rahmel discuss Rahmel’s career, entrepreneurial ventures and the upcoming FreightFest conference. Learn More About The Truck N’ Hustle Story Rahmel on LinkedIn Truck N' Hustle on LinkedIn Truck N' Hustle Podcast on Apple Truck N' Hustle Podcast on Spotify Truck N' Hustle Website FreightFest Conference Site Nov 4-6 Mega Driver Solutions The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/14/2022 • 39 minutes, 13 seconds
Understanding Freightonomics with Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith and Joe Lynch discuss understanding Freightonomics. Anthony is the Chief Economist for FreightWaves, the leader in global supply chain market intelligence. About Anthony Smith Anthony Smith is the Chief Economist for FreightWaves, the leader in providing global supply chain market intelligence. Before FreightWaves, Anthony received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics from New Mexico State University. Anthony started his career in tech as a Commercialization Associate, where he identified and evaluated emerging technologies and innovations. Anthony transitioned to a Corporate Economist & Consultant, advising CXO leaders and Fortune 500 companies on economic analysis, industry trends, and internal strategy. Anthony's clients varied from construction, trucking, industrial, software, manufacturing, and retail industries. Anthony most recently worked in-house as a Corporate Economist for a building products company. He led analysis around M&A, pricing sensitivity, competitive intelligence, and annual sales forecast for the executive team. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: Understanding Freightonomics Anthony Smith is the Chief Economist for FreightWaves, the leader in global supply chain market intelligence. In the podcast interview, Anthony and Joe discuss understanding Freightonomics. Anthony is also the host of the popular Freightonomics podcast on the FreightWaves platform. Freightonomics is at the crossroads of economics and freight. The show is hosted by Anthony and his co-host market expert Zach Strickland. FreightWaves provides shippers, carriers, and brokers with freight data, technology, and forecasts that enable them to make better decisions about their transportation. Wall Street analysts also used FreightWaves data because there is no lag to freight data – most data consumed by Wall Street is 30 days or more out of date. To create the data insights and forecasts that so many companies depend on, Anthony and the team at FreightWaves analyze data from a variety of sources including, but not limited to: industrial output, housing & construction starts, consumer indicators, warehousing capacity, and unemployment statistics. FreightWaves provides current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves provides current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves is made up of three interconnected pillars: FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the space, serving up over 2.5M pageviews a month and over 1.5B monthly impressions. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. FreightWaves TVand audio podcasts provide up-to-the-minute freight industry news provided by hosts who understand the freight business. FreightWaves TV and podcasts are informed by FreightWaves’ freight data analytics and presented in interesting and engaging shows. Learn More About Understanding Freightonomics Anthony on LinkedIn Anthony on Twitter FreightWaves on LinkedIn FreightWaves Freightonomics F3: Future os Freight Festival The Air Freight Market with Eric Kulisch The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/12/2022 • 57 minutes, 8 seconds
The Port of Virginia with Stephen Edwards
Stephen Edwards and Joe Lynch discuss the port of Virginia. Stephen is is the CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). In 2019, CNBC ranked Virginia as the #1 state for business, and The Port of Virginia plays a key role in Virginia’s ability to serve those businesses. About Stephen Edwards Stephen A. Edwards is the CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). He is responsible for the broad programmatic areas of business and relationship development, infrastructure development, strategic marketing, economic development, finance, security and safety. He directs and manages the operations of Virginia’s marine and inland terminal facilities through Virginia International Terminals, LLC, the port’s private terminal operating company, including Virginia International Gateway, Newport News Marine Terminal, Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Richmond Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port. He is a globally experienced leader in the maritime industry with extensive operational experience and a proven track record of growing businesses and creating long-term value for customers and stakeholders. Before joining the VPA in January 2021, Stephen served as President and Chief Executive Officer for TraPac, LLC.and was responsible for the overall performance of the company with focus on safety, service and sustainability. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Global Container Terminals. Previous industry experience includes president and CEO of Port America Group and president and CEO of P&O Ports North America. In his capacity as CEO and Executive Director of the VPA, Stephen will serve as an ex-officio member of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) board of directors. Stephen holds a BS degree in Transport Management from Aston University in England. About Port of Virginia The Virginia Port Authority’s operations are provided by Virginia International Terminals, LLC (VIT), a single-member limited liability company wholly owned by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). In addition, Hampton Roads Chassis Pool, LLC (HRCP II), on behalf of and wholly owned by VIT, operates and manages the intermodal chassis and empty container yards. In 2019, CNBC ranked Virginia as the #1 state for business, and The Port of Virginia plays a key role in Virginia’s ability to serve those businesses. In a larger sense, The Port of Virginia is doing everything necessary to become the U.S. East Coast’s leading gateway for global trade for the next several decades, and to make Virginia the #1 place for businesses in the country. According to an economic impact study conducted by the Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary, 437,000 Virginia jobs – nearly ten percent of the state’s resident workforce – are linked to port activity across our six terminals. The port helps generate more than $1 billion in total economic impact throughout Virginia. Between 2015 and 2025, the port will have invested more than $2.2 billion in its infrastructure – modernizing its network of six terminals that are capable of handling almost any type of cargo. Dredges hit the port’s waters in late 2019 and the deepening and widening efforts are in full swing. By 2024, The Port of Virginia will once again be the deepest port on the US East Coast with 55’ channels and two-way traffic for the largest vessels calling our coast. Key Takeaways: The Port of Virginia Stephen Edwards is the CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). In the podcast interview, Stephen and Joe discussed the role of ports in global trade, the strategic importance of Port of Virginia and the investments that will make the port and Virginia even more competitive. Click the link to learn more about the $1.3 billion investment in the Port of Virginia: Port of Virginia in midst of major upgrades The 6 terminals that comprise The Port of Virginia operate on a combined 1,864 acres, with 19,885 LF of berth going to 50’ in some locations, and utilizing 30 miles of on-dock rail to transport cargo to and from markets around the globe. Together, the Port of Virginia network of terminals can process 4,000,000 containers on an annual basis. From ultra large container vessels arriving from across the Atlantic, inland barge service traveling up the James River, to the #1 position in rail volume on the East Coast, the Port of Virginia has what it takes to serve their customers and stakeholders. The Port of Virginia will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Key objectives to achieve net-zero carbon include: Electrification of assets Zero-emission technology Purchase of clean energy to power our operations The Port of Virginia delivers opportunity by driving business to, and through, the Commonwealth. The Port of Virginia’s diverse talent, agile use of technology, and command of our ever-changing industry sets the pace for the supply chain of today, while plotting the course for its tomorrow. Learn More About The Port of Virginia Stephen's LinkedIn Port of Virginia LinkedIn Port of Virginia Port of Virginia in midst of major upgrades The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/10/2022 • 43 minutes, 15 seconds
REPOST: Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon
Pam Simon and Joe Lynch discuss key takeaways from Manifest. Pam is the Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. About Pam Simon Pam Simon is a successful entrepreneur and business connector with more than 15 years of experience in event production, content creation, experiential marketing and angel investing. In 2019 Connectiv acquired her Future of Event series from Lab Ventures. She is the Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. While a Partner at Lab Ventures Pam produced three major vertical technology summits ~ Future of Travel Tech, Future of Real Estate Tech and Future of Logistics Tech that bring new and emerging business to Miami. With her vast executive network and her ability to span many different worlds, she specializes in linking finance professionals with entrepreneurs to create lucrative new business opportunities. While living in Brazil she founded LATAM Founders Network (LFN), the largest private network of CEO’s, Founders and Investors focused on the technology sector in Latin America. In 2014, Pam launched the LATAM Founders Awards, now known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America’ an event that recognizes the most disruptive and innovative companies in the region. Pam is a George Washington University Graduate and an angel investor. She and her husband, Daniel Simon, have an 4 year old son, Hayden Storm Simon. About Manifest: The Future of Logistics The world of logistics is changing faster than ever. Technology advances plus rapidly changing consumer behavior has already dramatically changed how business gets done. Manifest will provide a focused look at what’s to come across the spectrum of LogisticsTech and which companies and technologies are transforming the way goods circumnavigate the globe. Manifest will help you forge new relationships, new alliances, and foster new strategies that help move your business forward and avoid falling into the traditional mindset. About Connectiv Connectiv is a live events studio that for the past decade has dedicated itself to creating industry leading gatherings. Our passion and our expertise is owning and operating at scale, vertical-specific conferences. The events we have created attract more than 15,000 people each year and touch on global industries impacting people's daily lives. Key Takeaways: Key Takeaways from Manifest Pam Simon is the EVP Programming & Content at Manifest, a conference designed for those at the forefront of the changing logistics landscape including industry executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. Manifest: The Future of Logistics was held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 25 to January 27, 2022. The following are Pam’s key takeaways from the event: Convergence of logistics, technology and investment professionals coming together to discuss the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. Sustainability is gaining momentum in the logistics space. Senior executives from the logistics industry presented their sustainability goals and investments, while innovative players from the industry showcased their product offerings that will enable a carbon neutral future. Really cool trucks were in attendance at Manifest including autonomous and electric vehicles. Attendees didn’t just get brochures and video demos about the future of trucking, they got to climb in the trucks and participate in ride-alongs. The Women’s Luncheon was a big hit at Manifest and not just with the ladies. Over 40% of the attendees were men which reflects the industry’s growing demand for female talent. Top logistics companies want to better recruit, develop, and retain women executives – and Manifest is a great place to connect with those talented ladies. Warehousing is increasingly a high tech business with the top companies investing in WMS, scanning technologies, robotics and automation. At the Manifest, top technology companies showed off their latest and great innovations. Logistics is global and so was the Manifest conference, which attracted people from over 27 countries. Many innovative companies from outside the USA were delighted to connect directly with American logistics professionals. Conversely, logistics professionals were thrilled to be exposed to technologies and service offerings that have not yet reached the US market. Ludacris was at Manifest Learn More About Key Takeaways from Manifest Pam Simon's LinkedIn Connectiv's LinkedIn Connectiv Manifest POD trucks that are EV and AV Forbes article The List of Sponsors and the Size of Expo Continue To Expand at Manifest Vegas 2023 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/7/2022 • 39 minutes, 32 seconds
The LogRock Story with Hunter Yaw
Hunter Yaw and Joe Lynch discuss the LogRock story. The LogRock team are experts in trucking compliance and their solution frees up trucking companies to stay focused on moving freight because they know LogRock has their backs when the DoT or bloodthirsty trial lawyers come knocking. About Hunter Yaw Hunter Yaw is the Co-founder and CEO of LogRock, a startup which provides trucking companies best-in-class digital tools to ensure they are compliant with DoT and State regulations. He served as Chief Product Officer at Rokt, a $2bn NYC based pre-IPO startup, before leaving to co-found LogRock. Hunter was previously the VP of Product Management and Partnerships at Loadsmart, a digital freight broker recently valued at over $1bn. Hunter earned a B.A. from the University of Oxford in German and Russian. About LogRock LogRock offers compliance solutions for trucking companies to help them manage regulatory and legal risks by staying compliant with DoT and State regulations. Great risk management is essential for trucking companies to keep costs low and revenue high. Key Takeaways: The LogRock Story Hunter Yaw is the Co-founder and CEO of LogRock, the only digital tool built exclusively to help America's trucking companies stay compliant and safe. In the podcast interview, Hunter and Joe discuss Hunter’s unique background, his early career, and the founding of LogRock. The LogRock team are experts in trucking compliance and their solution frees up trucking companies to stay focused on moving freight because they know LogRock has their backs when the DoT or bloodthirsty trial lawyers come knocking. LogRock’s broader mission is to make America’s roads safer. Maintaining a compliant operation is tough and LogRock’s technology automates as much as possible to keep costs low and minimize errors. LogRock’s solution reduces time spent Out of Service, cuts the risk of nuclear verdicts, drives down insurance rates and opens doors to freight from premium shippers. In the interview, this excellent article from Ryan Schreiber was referenced: Viewpoint: How the Supreme Court’s decision on C.H. Robinson could upend trucking Learn More About the LogRock Story ROI Model - Saving Real Dollars Through Better Compliance LogRock Intro Video LogRock Hunter Yaw on LinkedIn LogRock on LinkedIn Podcast – Safe as Truck The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/1/2022 • 57 minutes, 5 seconds
The Dynamo Story with Santosh Sankar
Santosh Sankar and Joe Lynch discuss the Dynamo story. Santosh is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures, a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise (B2B and on occasion, B2B2C) business models. About Santosh Sankar Santosh Sankar is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures. Prior to Dynamo, Santosh spent time on Wall Street both in investment banking and equity research. Santosh started his first company, Razor Studios when he 13 years old that provided IT support to small business in his hometown in Maryland. His most recent business was a bootstrapped financial media publication that he co-founded and sold while in college. He got his first taste of fund management when he oversaw approximately $1M of technology investments through the Great Recession for the Nittany Lion Fund, outperforming his benchmark by 6.37%. Santosh is a lover of the outdoors and serves as Trustee at Reflection Riding Nature Center. He’s also an active Board Member at The Company Lab that promotes entrepreneurship in the greater Chattanooga region. Santosh calls the hills of Chattanooga home along with his wife, two children, and rambunctious golden retrievers, Barley and Rye. About Dynamo Dynamo Ventures is an industry-focused fund based on our experience, expertise, and network. The team is made up of Ted Alling and Barry Large who previously built Access America Transport, a logistics business that subsequently merged with Coyote Logistics and sold to UPS for $1.8B. Alongside, Jon Bradford and Santosh Sankar who have made 120+ early stage investments over the last decade. Dynamo Ventures is an industry-focused fund specializing in startups in one of two broad areas: supply chain (the movement of goods) or mobility (the movement of people). If a business does not check one of these boxes they are not the right investors for you. Given the background of the fund’s founders, the company will always be slightly more biased towards the supply chain. Key Takeaways: The Dynamo Story with Santosh Sankar Santosh Sankar is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures, a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise (B2B and on occasion, B2B2C) business models. In the podcast interview, Santosh and Joe discuss the Dynamo story, venture capital, and some of Dynamo’s successful investments. Dynamo has invested in companies around the world that have the potential to transform supply chain and mobility. Click to view the Dynamo Ventures portfolio In the podcast interview, Santosh discussed 3 portfolio companies that have become very successful: Stord: fulfillment, warehousing, and freight, with the integrated software needed to orchestrate and optimize your entire supply chain. LogRock: compliance for trucking companies Sennder: Europe's leading digital road freight forwarder offering shippers access to our connected fleet of thousands of trucks. Learn More about the Dynamo Story Dynamo Ventures Santosh Sankar Dynamo’s LinkedIn The STORD Story with Sean Henry Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller
9/30/2022 • 40 minutes, 28 seconds
Smart Freight Sourcing with Andy Semisch
Andrew Semisch and Joe Lynch discuss smart freight sourcing, which starts with an RFP tool purpose built for freight sourcing. Andrew is Vice President of Commercial Development for Emerge, the leading freight procurement platform. About Andy Smisch Andrew Semisch is Vice President of Commercial Development for Emerge, the leading freight procurement platform. In this role, he leads the company’s acquisition and growth of strategic accounts. Prior to Emerge, Semisch worked for UPS for 36 years, holding titles of increasing responsibility including Regional Vice President for UPS Freight, and ultimately being promoted to the position of Vice President of Transportation, UPS. A Pennsylvania native, Semisch earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Temple University. About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Smart Freight Sourcing Andrew Semisch is Vice President of Commercial Development for Emerge, a freight procurement platform that provides access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. In the podcast interview, Andrew and Joe discuss smart freight sourcing – which starts with an RFP tool purpose built for freight sourcing. The Emerge RFP solution provides additional visibility and flexibility into the freight procurement process. It also provide shippers and carriers an opportunity to connect with new companies, which is great for both carriers and shippers. Shippers using Emerge’s Freight Procurement Platform are able to spend less time on carrier RFPs and more time developing relationships with current and prospective carriers. The goal is to let the technology automate the process, while humans are building relationships with their fellow humans. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. Emerge is custom built for freight RFP events and as a result the process is streamlined, easy, and saves shippers time and money. The Emerge platform provides carriers access to more shippers and more opportunities. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they may have never had access to before. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing them more opportunities in the lanes that work for your company. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers and shippers) as it scales. Learn More About Smart Freight Sourcing Andy Semisch Emerge's LinkedIn Emerge Awarded Podcast Awarded Podcast on Apple Awarded Podcast on Spotify Awarded Podcast on YouTube Modern RFP Processes Offer Multitude of Shipper Benefits Emerge launches Benchmarking Related The LoL episodes: The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox Is Your TMS Enough with Derek Doddridge The Secret Sauce with Mark McEntire The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/29/2022 • 42 minutes, 31 seconds
The VC Perspective with Burak Cendek
Burak Cendek and Joe Lynch discuss the VC perspective - in other words, how venture capitalists view opportunities in the transportation and logistics industry. Burak Cendek is a Partner at Autotech Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm with more than $400M under management. About Burak Cendek Burak Cendek is a Partner at Autotech Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm on a mission to solve the world’s ground transport challenges with technology, realizing the next frontier in mobility. Burak has worked with more than 200 entrepreneurs over the course of his career. His broad business and technical experience position him as an expert on growth strategies, financial/business modeling, and fundraising. As a partner at Autotech Venture, Burak oversees investments relating to fintech, SaaS, and supply chain/logistics. Most recently, prior to joining Autotech Ventures, Burak was a junior partner at Revo Capital, investing in B2B SaaS businesses in Europe. Burak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a Master of Business Administration at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. About Autotech Ventures Autotech Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm with more than $400M under management to date and a mission to solve the world’s ground transport challenges with technology, realizing the next frontier in mobility. Autotech is a team of experienced entrepreneurs, operators and technologists; investors with a world-class transport community and decades of ground transport experience. With its our founder-first philosophy, Autotech invests globally in seed through series C startups solving ground transport challenges related to connectivity, autonomy, shared-use, electrification, and digitization of enterprise. The team is excited about deep-tech, Autonomous, AI, and semiconductors, and business model innovations in marketplaces, fintech and SaaS, among other things. When Autotech finds the right opportunity, they’re willing to make an initial investment of $1M-$8M as a lead or follow-on investor. Key Takeaways: The VC Perspective Burak Cendek is a Partner at Autotech Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm with more than $400M under management. In the podcast interview, Joe and Burak discuss the VC perspective – in other words, how venture capitalists view investment opportunities in the transportation and logistics industry. Burak discussed some of the areas that interest Autotech Ventures and some of their recent investments which include: Newtrul has created a digitally connected experience for shippers, brokers, and carriers. BasicBlock’s industry-leading software and financial services allow independent truck drivers to spend less time worrying about cashflow and more time focused on the road. KlearNow has simplified global customs clearance and drayage functions. High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI) created Shift, the first dynamically priced insurance product that enables fleets to reduce the cost of their monthly premiums within their policy term. Learn More About The VC Perspective Burak’s LinkedIn Burak’s Twitter Autotech LinkedIn Autotech website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
The BasicBlock Story with Taylor Monks
Taylor Monks and Joe Lynch discuss the BasicBlock story. Taylor is the Co-founder and CEO of BasicBlock, a software and financial services company that enables independent truck drivers to spend less time worrying about cashflow and more time focused on the road. About Taylor Monks Taylor Monks is the Co-founder and CEO of BasicBlock, which is a complete payment platform for carriers that makes getting paid faster, easier, and better. As honorary visionary of BasicBlock, Taylor has a demonstrated history of identifying trends and accurately predicting market strategies in both payments and transportation. With a strong background in tech and marketing, he leads the company’s product team and overarching R&D and customer acquisition initiatives. He’s the catalyst behind the BasicBlock team and is constantly pushing for velocity and growth. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University before dropping out 6 credits shy of a degree to start BasicBlock and radically upturn an industry. He splits time between the company’s Lincoln, Nebraska, and Chicago offices. About BasicBlock BasicBlock is a financial technology company founded in 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska, that builds financial products to help independent carriers grow their fleets. BasicBlock has quickly become a leader in freight factoring, and its tools provide streamlined, efficient and cost-effective financial services for fleets and carriers worldwide. The company's mission is to help fleets get paid more quickly and increase access to affordable working capital. Key Takeaways: The BasicBlock Story Taylor Monks is the Co-founder and CEO of BasicBlock, a software and financial services company that enables independent truck drivers to spend less time worrying about cashflow and more time focused on the road. In the podcast interview, Joe and Taylor discussed Taylor’s impressive background and the founding of BasicBlock. BasicBlock is a freight factoring team with a big mission: Getting Money in Your Pocket Faster BasicBlock is the home for streamlined, efficient and cost effective financial services for fleets and carriers. BasicBlock’s industry-leading software and financial services allow independent truck drivers to spend less time worrying about cashflow and more time focused on the road. BasicBlock started as a simple trucking freight factoring app that allowed drivers to scan and send load documents at low rates. Now BasicBlock is a complete payment platform for carriers that makes getting paid quicker than ever. Learn More About The BasicBlock Story Taylor's LinkedIn BasicBlock LinkedIn BasicBlock BasicBlock Blog BasicBlock raises $78 million to reshape trucking finance Manifest - The Future of Logistics Is Here The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/26/2022 • 46 minutes, 41 seconds
Breakbulk Americas with Jeff Tucker
Jeff Tucker and Joe Lynch discuss the Breakbulk Americas conference. Jeff is the CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, the oldest privately-held freight brokerage in North America, specializing in notoriously complicated freight, like temperature-controlled, oversized, and high-value, high-security shipments. About Jeff Tucker As third-generation CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, Jeff oversees sales, marketing, and the company’s industry presence. He is the former chairman of the board of directors for the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). He also chairs the committee for and has co-authored each edition of, TIA’s “Carrier Selection Framework” which provides guidance on the selection of safe motor carriers. Jeff has testified before Congress on truck safety matters and was named by a USDOT Administrator to a special committee to advise USDOT on highway safety. He is on the board of directors for the National Industrial Transportation League and chairs its Highway Transportation Committee. Jeff was recently appointed chairman of the Transportation & Logistics Steering Committee for BSMA. Jeff's commentaries have appeared on CNBC and in The Wall Street Journal, Journal of Commerce, Logistics Management, Transport Topics, Defense Transportation Journal, and many others. About Tucker Company Worldwide Tucker Company Worldwide is one of the oldest privately-held freight brokerage in North America, specializing in notoriously complicated freight, like temperature-controlled, oversized, and high-value, high-security shipments.Tucker Worldwide helps transportation professionals for some of the world’s top brands ensure the safe, on-time delivery of their freight using carefully designed procedures, cutting-edge technologies, and award-winning service. Whether your shipment is oversized, delicate, high-value, or hazardous, we’re prepared to manage it with the utmost care. About Breakbulk Americas Breakbulk Americas, is the region’s largest trade event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry. As a global conference, exhibition and networking experience, we attract some of the biggest oil and gas companies and top-performing engineering, procurement and construction firms, all groups who are eager to capitalize on the benefits of Breakbulk Americas and connect with new supply chain partners. Each year, our attendees include leading energy companies, global and regional specialized service providers and other key-decision makers. This event will feature over 200 exhibitors, showcasing innovative solutions to aid industry progress globally and foster high-value deals among ocean carriers, ports, logistics providers, road transportation, export packers and many more. This year, we are welcoming back global sector leaders in-person to discover trends shaping project opportunities and engage in a variety of networking activities. The three-day event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Thursday, Sept. 29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, the world’s hub for oil and gas. John D. Ratzenberger, widely known as Cliff Calvin from the longest-running comedy series “Cheers,” will provide the keynote address for all attendees. Ratzenberger has become Hollywood’s most outspoken advocate for manufacturing, skilled labor and the companies that are the foundation of our great country. Key Takeaways: Breakbulk Americas Jeff Tucker is the CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, the oldest privately-held freight brokerage in North America, specializing in notoriously complicated freight, like temperature-controlled, oversized, and high-value, high-security shipments. In the podcast interview, Joe and Jeff discuss Tucker Company Worldwide and the Breakbulk Americas conference, the region’s largest trade event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry professionals. Breakbulk Americas will be held September 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. According to the FreightWaves, The basic definition of breakbulk is any individual piece of cargo that does not fit into a container and is not carried in bulk. Breakbulk refers to cargoes that can be “unitized,” such as metal ingots or bales of pulp, as opposed to those that cannot, such as ore. A breakbulk cargo can be anything from forest products to paper rolls to steel girders, metal drums and much larger items. Project cargo is a type of cargo that is oversized, typically high value and requiring special equipment such as cranes, forklifts, trucks or tools to move. This type of cargo is transported by utilizing specialized vessels, train wagons, trucks or aircrafts. The carriers and brokers that move project cargo and breakbulk require specialized knowledge and expertise. Project cargo is common in the following industries: oil & gas, wind, solar, construction, infrastructure, industrial, mining, aerospace, military – any industry that has high value, oversized cargo that has to be transported. Learn More About Breakbulk Americas and Tucker Company Worldwide Jeff's LinkedIn Tucker Company Worldwide LinkedIn Tucker Company Worldwide Website Breakbulk Americas Website Event Program Conference Registration Breakbulk Event News Breakbulk 2021 Event Stats Breakbulk Speaker List - Jeffrey will not be speaking at the event. However, he is a long-time exhibitor and sponsor of Breakbulk Studio. Breakbulk Exhibitor List Breakbulk Americas 2022 Event Profile Leslie Merideth, Marketing and Media Director for Breakbulk Americas The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/23/2022 • 34 minutes, 36 seconds
The KlearNow Story with Rick Tellez
Rick Tellez and Joe Lynch discuss the KlearNow story. Rick is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a tech firm dedicated to simplifying global customs clearance and drayage functions. About Rick Tellez Rick Tellez is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a technology start-up positioned as the go-to digital supply chain solution for businesses that trade across borders. His business acumen was built from a 20-year successful track record of managing operations, engineering and sales positions at DHL. Prior to starting KlearNow, Rick was on an executive career development track at DHL where he experienced multiple aspects of the business, including operations, process improvement, hub and gateway management, labor negotiations, special project management, and sales. Rick saw the frustrations faced by today’s supply chain operators, and those observations sparked his desire to start KlearNow. Now, Rick uses his first-hand experience to inform the strategy behind KlearNow’s logistics technology and services. Rick received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. About KlearNow KlearNow is transforming supply chains with its smart Logistics as a Service (LaaS) platform that connects data, people, processes, and organizations to enable new levels of visibility and productivity that reduce logistics costs and create better customer experiences. KlearNow’s customs clearance and drayage marketplaces on its AI-powered platform ease supply chain bottlenecks by digitizing paper-based transactions and enabling customs brokers and transporters to deliver superior real-time visibility needs of importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. Key Takeaways: The KlearNow Story Rick Tellez is the Co-founder of KlearNow, a tech firm dedicated to simplifying global customs clearance and drayage functions. In the podcast interview, Joe and Rick discussed Rick’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of KlearNow. The global supply chain logistics market is highly fragmented with documentation processes that are complex, labor-intensive, error-prone, and time-consuming. KlearNow’s goal is to simplify and automate those processes. KlearNow custom clearance Digital customs clearance with end-to-end shipment and transportation visibility Consolidated view of customs activities and multi-leg shipments on one platform Clear customs exceptions quickly KlearNow drayage Connecting truckers to shipments just at the right time with KlearNow Trucker Mobile App Last mile visibility for efficient warehouse planning and increased customer satisfaction Real-time demurrage clock to avoid unnecessary fees Learn More About The KlearNow Story Rick's LinkedIn KlearNow LinkedIn KlearNow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/21/2022 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
The HDVI Story with Chuck Wallace
Chuck Wallace and Joe Lynch discuss the HDVI story. Chuck is the CEO and Co-founder of High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI), where he leads an experienced team of insurance, technology, and trucking industry experts who deeply understand the challenges of today’s fleets. About Chuck Wallace Chuck Wallace is the CEO and Co-founder of HDVI. He has decades of experience in the insurtech, mobility, and freight and logistics markets -- and the intersection between these three industries. Prior to founding HDVI, Chuck held senior operating roles in leading consumer financial services and technology companies, including Co-founder of Esurance (acquired by Allstate in 2011); Head of Operations at Automatic Labs (connected car and connected insurance platform company acquired by SiriusXM in 2017); President at uSell.com (eCommerce platform company for sale of used mobile consumer electronics), and was the CEO at Ustream.TV (live video broadcast platform company acquired by IBM in 2016). Chuck started his career as a United States Air Force instructor pilot, first teaching young men and women to fly at undergraduate pilot training in Lubbock Texas, and then flying the C-130 Hercules in Frankfurt, Germany and Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Chuck is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy. He earned an MBA from the Wharton School, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. About HDVI HDVI delivers modern insurance driven by safety, service and savings to small and mid-size trucking fleet operators. It aims to become a partner to fleet business owners by providing next-generation insurance integrated with best-in-class telematics hardware, advanced software and services to help them manage their vehicles and business each day. By incorporating telematics and dash cam data from its customers into its integrated risk management model, HDVI is able to select, price, manage, and retain risk more accurately and efficiently than incumbent commercial auto insurance providers. HDVI is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina; Austin, Texas; and San Francisco, California. High Definition Vehicle Insurance, Inc. is a licensed property casualty insurance agent with products underwritten by various insurance companies. HDVI Newsroom with all recent news, including most recent press release: https://hdvi.com/newsroom/ Key Takeaways: The HDVI Story Chuck Wallace is the CEO and Co-founder of High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI), where he leads an experienced team of insurance, technology, and trucking industry experts who deeply understand the challenges of today’s fleets. In the podcast interview, Joe and Chuck discuss Chuck’s impressive background and the founding of HDVI. Chuck is one of the Co-founders of Esurance, which was eventually acquired by Allstate. Chuck and the team at Esurance were one of the first insurance companies to sell policies directly to consumers over the internet, instead of using in-person meetings or phone calls. Chuck has also successfully lead a number of companies that have one characteristic in common – disruptive brands that transformed markets by leveraging technology and data. Chuck and his team at HDVI are using the same playbook, using tech to lower costs and deliver a better customer experience. HDVI created Shift – the first dynamically priced insurance product that enables fleets to reduce the cost of their monthly premiums within their policy term. HDVI’s Shift tool uses a fleet’s own real-time telematics data to charge a fleet the cost of their actual risk. Because HDVI has more precise information, they are able to deliver savings that traditional insurers can’t match. They are also able to provide specific insights that can make a fleet safer – thus reducing their insurance costs. HDVI’s fleet portal and dashboards help fleets understand how to improve safety and decrease insurance premiums. Learn More About The HDVI Story Chuck's LinkedIn HDVI LinkedIn HDVI HDVI Blog Customer testimonials The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/19/2022 • 52 minutes, 34 seconds
3 Freight Trends to Watch with Ryan Schreiber
Ryan Schreiber and Joe Lynch discuss 3 freight trends to watch. Ryan is the Vice President, Industry and Growth at Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, which is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. About Ryan Schreiber Ryan Schreiber is the Vice President, Industry and Growth, at Metafora. Ryan was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Ryan earned a degree in History from the University of South Florida and then a Law degree from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Metafora, Ryan worked at a variety of logistics companies and even started and exited a few tech-enabled freight brokerage start-ups. Ryan is a skilled technologist and strategist who has helped transform many leading transportation and logistics companies. In Ryan’s experience, great technology is important, but finding and keeping the right people is the key to success in the 3PL business. About Metafora Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. They partner with carriers, shippers, and freight tech vendors to help them optimize their business and build software to fuel their growth. Welcome to the new way forward. Welcome to Metafora. Key Takeaways: 3 Freight Trends to Watch Ryan Schreiber is the Vice President, Industry and Growth at Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, which is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. In the podcast interview, Ryan and Joe discuss the following 3 freight trends to watch. Successful freight-tech selection, implementation, and deployment is one of the keys to competing and winning in the logistics space. Companies would be wise to get outside help from experts like Metafora – the cost of failure is too high. The best logistics and transportation companies are investing in their people, technology, and better understanding their customers. Partnering with other companies to increase capacity, capability, and competitiveness is the new norm among logistics leaders. Companies like Lean Solutions Group (staffing partner) and Metafora (consulting/technology) are enabling their customers to grow faster and more profitably. Metafora has a deep knowledge of the components that contribute to growth and profitability for transportation and logistics companies at all stages of your journey. Metafora is a trusted partner who will jump at the chance to help carriers, freight brokers, shippers, and tech vendors do great things. At Metafora, they are experts in all things transportation, logistics and supply chain strategy and technology. Their mission is to help your business overcome roadblocks toward progress and growth, so we can contribute to a more efficient world together. For the carriers, 3PLs, and brokers who are ready to go the extra mile towards growth, profitability, and overall improvement: it’s time to consider Metafora. Learn More About 3 Freight Trends to Watch Metafora LinkedIn Metafora website Metafora Services Explore Metafora’s library of ebooks, guides, white papers for all things designed for freight brokers, trucking companies, 3PLs, and shippers here Comments or questions for Ryan or Metafora? You can get in touch with them here The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/16/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 41 seconds
The TraylorTranspo Story with Brittany Traylor
Brittany Traylor and Joe Lynch discuss the TraylorTranspo story. Brittany is the CEO of TraylorTranspo LLC, an asset light brokerage that specializes in power-only moves, which typically means the carrier provides the tractor and the shipper provides the trailer. About Brittany Traylor Brittany Traylor is the Founder and CEO of TraylorTranspo, an asset-based freight brokerage that streamlines the logistics function and delivers a superior customer experience using consumer-grade freight tech (Turvo). Prior to launching her own company in 2021, Brittany was an owner-operator for over 5 years. During that time, Brittany drove dry van, flat bed, and over-dimensional loads all over the lower 48 states. As a driver, she gained first-hand insights into the challenges facing both truck drivers and shippers. When she founded her own company, Brittany committed to building a better brokerage, with a real connection to both drivers and shippers. Brittany was raised in the foster care system in Germany and moved to the USA as an adult so her success hasn’t come easily. With the goal of paying it forward, Traylor Transpo partners with the Texas Workforce Commission to help people get their start in logistics and supply chain. About TraylorTranspo TraylorTranspo is an asset-based freight brokerage based in Dallas, Texas. Traylor was founded by an owner-operator, Brittany Traylor who wanted to create a tech-centric brokerage that puts people first – so employees, drivers, carriers, and shippers are all family at Traylor. The company specializes in drop and hook shipments (power-only) and open-deck transportation. The company also moves a lot of scrap, which is a notoriously difficult type of freight to haul. Traylor’s technology streamlines the shipping process, reduces cost, and facilitates collaboration. TraylorTranspo also has a social mission of helping people typically under-represented in logistics - get their start. About Turvo Turvo provides the world’s leading collaboration application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo connects people and organizations allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to unite their supply chains, deliver outstanding customer experiences, collaborate in real-time, and accelerate growth. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end solution to execute all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo customers include some of the world’s largest, Fortune 500 logistics service providers, shippers and freight brokers. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: The TraylorTranspo Story Brittany Traylor is the Founder and CEO of TraylorTranspo, an asset light brokerage that specializes in power-only moves, which typically means the carrier provides the tractor and the shipper provides the trailer. In the podcast interview, Joe and Brittany discuss Brittany’s difficult childhood, moving to America as a young adult, and the founding of TraylorTranspo. Power only trucking is a full truckload move that occurs when a carrier provides only a driver and a tractor or “power unit.” With power only moves, the driver does not bring a trailer, but instead hooks up to and hauls a trailer that is either leased or owned by a 3PL or shipper. Drop and hook shipments became more popular after the hours of service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) mandate took effect in 2019. With drop and hook shipments, drivers are able to spend more time driving because they are not involved in live loads / uploads. Drivers simply drop the trailer and the shipper unloads the trailer when they have time. For pickups, drivers hook up the trailer and get back to driving. Because of her difficult upbringing, Brittany makes a point of giving people an opportunity to succeed. TraylorTranspo works closely with the Texas Work Force Commission to hire and train people who often are not given a chance – this has lead to a very loyal team and family-like culture at the company. Traylor is a small, but fast growing brokerage that is uses freight tech (Turvo) to streamline the shipping process, reduce costs per load, and deliver a superior customer experience for both carriers and shippers. Learn More About The TraylorTranspo Story Brittany's LinkedIn TraylorTranspo LinkedIn TraylorTranspo Turvo's LinkedIn Turvo Turvo Academy Makes Supply Chain Collaboration Easier Than Ever The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/14/2022 • 43 minutes, 57 seconds
Ocean Freight Survival Guide with Nathan Strang
Nathan Strang and Joe Lynch discuss the challenging shipping environment and why shippers need an ocean freight survival guide. Nathan is the Director of Ocean Trade Lane Management at Flexport, the operating system for global trade. About Nathan Strang Nathan Strang is the Director of Ocean Trade Lane Management at Flexport where he actively fights global logistics chaos. In his role Nathan utilizes Flexport’s global logistics performance data to define short and long term ocean operations strategies that optimize carrier and port performance. This enables Flexport to reduce customer frustration and stress by providing greater certainty in a challenged market. Nathan also serves as Flexport’s ocean and intermodal operations expert, distilling complex market trends into actionable insights for Flexport’s internal teams and clients. Prior to Flexport Nathan served in the United States Navy as an operation and tactics expert and strategic planner. He holds an MS in Business Leadership from the University of San Diego and a BA in International Relations from Manhattan College (NY). About Flexport Flexport is the platform for global logistics. Companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to optimize their supply chains, and deliver for customers anywhere in the world. Flexport connects the entire ecosystem of global trade on the Flexport Platform, empowering buyers, sellers and logistics providers with the services and technology to grow and innovate. Key Takeaways: Ocean Freight Survival Guide Nathan Strang is the Director of Ocean Trade Lane Management at Flexport, the operating system for global trade. In the podcast interview, Joe and Nathan discuss the challenging shipping environment and why shippers need an ocean freight survival guide. The ocean freight market has unprecedented challenges caused by Covid, increased consumer spending (more imports), supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, war in Europe, fuel costs, - and seemingly a new problem every week. Nathan recommends that every shipper should do the following: Continuously assess your supply chain plan to understand volumes, transit times, assumptions, carriers, ports, and risks. Work with an NVO like Flexport to understand potential options that will reduce costs, transit times, and mitigate risks. Leverage technology and data insights from your NVO. If your NVO doesn’t provide that edge, perhaps you should call Flexport. Flexport is an NVO or (Non-Vessel Owning Common Carrier). An NVO buys space or “slots” from a containership operator and sells them often to shippers whose freight is less than a full container load ( LCL ). Flexport provides customers a strategic operating model that powers more transparent, more agile, more efficient, and more profitable global supply chains. Flexport enables their clients and partners to simplify their supply chains by putting everything into one system. Flexport enables shippers to automate orders, onboard suppliers, book logistics, track cargo—even if other partners handle it. Flexport’s single dashboard speeds workflows, enables collaboration, and provides shippers and carriers valuable insights. Learn More About Ocean Freight Survival Guide Nathan's LinkedIn Flexport LinkedIn Flexport The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/12/2022 • 52 minutes, 22 seconds
The Haul Story with Tim Henry
Tim Henry and Joe Lynch discuss the Haul story. Tim is the Co-founder and CEO of Haul, a digital platform that connects certified and vetted commercial truck drivers with trucking companies looking for qualified drivers. About Tim Henry Tim Henry is the CEO and Co-founder of Haul, a Bay Area and Denver based digital platform that connects certified and vetted commercial truck drivers with trucking companies to operate their trucks on assignments of various lengths. Prior to Haul, Tim advised some of the fastest venture backed startups in logistics and freight tech tackling fleet management system, the transportation management system and freight brokerage model in the US, EU and India. Prior to that, Tim was an early member of the team behind Uber Freight, a leading technology-first top 10 freight brokerage in the US. About Haul Haul is a digital platform that connects certified and vetted commercial truck drivers with trucking companies to operate their trucks on assignments of various lengths. Haul provides drivers the freedom to choose assignment type and schedule, while offering pay visibility and immediate access to earned wages. Simultaneously, Haul meets the needs of third-party logistics, private fleets, and trucking companies to provide drivers in a way that best meets their business needs, from temporary flex workers to full-time hires. Created by Uber Freight alumni, Haul is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Denver. Key Takeaways: The Haul Story with Tim Henry Tim Henry is the Co-founder and CEO of Haul, a digital platform that connects certified and vetted commercial truck drivers with trucking companies looking for qualified drivers. In the podcast interview, Joe and Tim discussed Tim’s career and his co-founding of Haul. Haul provides drivers the freedom to choose assignment type and schedule, while offering pay visibility and immediate access to earned wages. Simultaneously, Haul meets the needs of fleet operators who rely on skilled drivers to keep the U.S. supply chain flowing. Drivers are flocking to Haul for the following reasons: Digital first so drivers can apply, check in, and get paid on the same digital app – no more antiquated paperwork. Generous payments and benefits, including instant pay. Scheduling flexibility - assignments that fits the drivers’ schedule and preferences. Fleet operators like working with Haul because: Access to a large pool of vetted CDL drivers – today Drivers are pre-vetted, compliant, on-demand and managed. Flexibility to ramp up or ramp down depending on the fleet’s needs. Haul handles all of the payroll costs of W2 employees: Taxes, Payroll and Benefits. Haul is becoming the gig economy’s payment solution. With features like InstantPay, Haul is rethinking how the new generation of truck drivers want to drive, work and get paid. Learn More About The Haul Story Tim's LinkedIn Haul LinkedIn Haul Facebook Haul Twitter Haul Instagram Haul Tik Tok Haul website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/9/2022 • 52 minutes, 57 seconds
The Symtrain Story with Dan McCann
Dan McCann and Joe Lynch discuss the Symtrain story. Dan is the CEO & Chief Learning Officer at Symtrain, an advanced AI-based training platform that is unlike any other. About Dan McCann Dan McCann is the Founder and CEO of Symtrain, the maker of immersive learning technology that gives employees real job experience by engaging them in authentic work simulations. Dan is an experienced and dynamic leader. His passion for lifetime learning, growth, and innovation has led him to build symtrain, an SaaS platform which automates the process of role-play and coaching. Symtraining allows employees to apply knowledge, build confidence, and develop skills quickly. About Symtrain Symtrain is an advanced AI-based training platform that is unlike any other. It simulates real-world coaching scenarios to prepare front-line agents for interactions with customers. Much more than a simulation, the platform is an immersive CX training experience that combines audio and visual elements for an all-encompassing approach to training which helps agents to better understand and retain the information. Benefits include improved quality, reduced training time and training resource costs, increased speed to efficiency, and an overall improvement in the key metrics that matter most to clients. Symtrain is emerging as an innovator in AI coaching and virtual training, and was recently awarded two International Stevie Awards for innovation in workforce readiness and corporate learning. Follow our journey at www.symtrain.com. Key Takeaways: The Symtrain Story Dan McCann is the Founder and CEO of Symtrain, a firm that is revolutionizing the way frontline teams are trained and coach. In the podcast interview, Dan and Joe discussed Dan’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Symtrain. Symtrain is an immersive learning technology platform that gives employees real job experience by engaging them in authentic work simulations. Lean Solutions Group and Symtrain have formed a partnership that enables transportation and logistics companies to use industry specific simulation training modules that were developed by the Lean Solutions Group. Symtrain engages employees in simulated work experiences that feel “real” – working at their own pace, anywhere, anytime, on any device. Employees are empowered to take charge of their own learning and success. As a result, they learn faster, retain more, build confidence, and master the skills they need to deliver the best customer interactions every time. Symtrain is a simulated training solution that creates a hands-on experience for sales, services, and support employees within a safe space By digitalizing the manual training and coaching processes, Symtrain enables companies to build employee attitudes, skills, and knowledge – faster, better, and cheaper. Learn More About The Symtrain Story Dan's LinkedIn Symtraim LinkedIn Symtrain Symtrain Demo with Melanie Flores Selling in Tough Times with Nick Strober and Melanie Flores The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/7/2022 • 48 minutes, 56 seconds
REPOST: The ROAR Logistics Story with Robert Rich
Bob Rich and Joe Lynch discuss the ROAR Logistics story. Bob is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a based logistics company that delivers world-class service by rail, ocean, air or road. About Bob Rich Bob Rich is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a Buffalo based logistics company that lives up to its name by delivering world-class service by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road (ROAR). Prior to founding ROAR with 3 associates in 2003, Bob held a series of positions with increasing responsibilities at both Rich’s (his family’s business) and other logistics companies. ROAR has enjoyed rapid growth and now has 8 locations within the USA. Bob gives all the credit to the ROAR team and the culture they have created. Bob earned a BS in Environmental Psychology from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from the Richard J. Wehle School of Business, Canisius College. When he is not busy leading the charge at ROAR, Bob is a family man who has diverse interests including acting, music, and volunteering in the Buffalo community. About ROAR Logistics Founded in 2003, ROAR Logistics entered the transportation industry as an upstart Intermodal Marketing Company (IMC), approaching an old industry with a fresh, innovative attitude. Pioneering a much-needed transformation in transportation services, Founder & President, Bob Rich III, set out with two associates and a vision to change the logistics landscape – placing shippers at the forefront of its mission to build a “World Class” logistics company. October 2018 marked the beginning of ROAR’s 15th year in business and, today, the company continues to be recognized as a world-class industry leader in domestic truckload & LTL freight brokerage, intermodal marketing services, international freight forwarding, NVOCC and US-licensed customs brokerage services. Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, ROAR continues to grow successfully, with ten operations throughout the United States and a global network of agents providing comprehensive transportation services in over 150 countries worldwide. ROAR prides itself on delivering an extensive portfolio of award-winning transportation and logistics solutions – whether by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road – to a diverse clientele across a broad spectrum of industries. Key Takeaways: The ROAR Logistics Story Bob Rich is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a Buffalo based logistics company that lives up to its name by delivering world-class service by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road (ROAR). In the podcast interview, Bob and Joe discuss Bob’s life, career, and his role as the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics. Bob comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs and Bob grew up working in the family business. Bob started ROAR Logistics in 2003 with Tony Barnes, Beth Grieshober, and Guy Gessner. ROAR’s first load booked was a rail shipment and was handled by Tony Barnes. Today ROAR has sales in excess of $315M and 180 associates in 10 offices nationwide. Bob believes that ROAR Logistics success is because of the people and the culture. Click here to see ROAR’s Philosophy. Learn More Bob Rich on LinkedIn ROAR Logistics Rich’s (Bob’s family business) Robert Rich III IMDb (Bob is a musician, actor and film producer on the side) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/5/2022 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 1 second
The Ruan Story with Ben McLean
Ben McLean and Joe Lynch discuss the Ruan story. Ben serves as CEO for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the largest privately-held logistics firms in the U.S. About Ben McLean Benjamin McLean serves as CEO for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the largest privately-held logistics firms in the United States. Ben joined Ruan in 2007 and served in a number of corporate and operational roles, including COO and CIO, before assuming his current role in 2015. Prior to joining Ruan, Ben assisted companies with mergers, acquisitions, and equity offerings at William Blair & Company in Chicago and the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York. He was also a systems developer and architect at Deloitte Consulting, where his team developed and implemented enterprise software for multiple clients. Ben was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management and a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Northwestern. Ben serves as a board member for UFP Industries and the American Transportation Research Institute, and he is a member of the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Committee. Ben is also a member of the Iowa Business Council and served as chair of the organization from 2016 to 2018. Previous board and philanthropic affiliations include United Way of Central Iowa, Orchard Place, and Reaching Higher Iowa. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 90 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 5,000 team members. Key Takeaways: The Ruan Story Ben McLean is the CEO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of country’s top 10 privately owned transportation companies. In the podcast interview, Ben shared the Ruan story – a story that started 90 years ago. Ben explains how Ruan’s founder, John Ruan created a company and a culture that enabled it grow into one of country’s top transportation companies. Over the last 90 years, Ruan has thrived as an industry leader by staying true to their Guiding Principles of People First, Safety Focus, Exceptional Performance, Customer Satisfaction, and Continuous Improvement—all of which were foundational to the company as John Ruan built customer relationships and developed his team during Ruan’s early years of growth. The company founder, John Ruan moved his first load of gravel on July 4, 1932. See his story here: About John Ruan Ruan is a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. Their Integrated Supply Chain Solutions combine Ruan’s non-asset and asset-based capabilities with optimal technology. Ruan Transportation Management System includes: Dedicated Contract Transportation – With Ruan’s Dedicated Contract Transportation, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer’s company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer’s brand. Managed Transportation – Ruan’s provides a customized third-party logistics solutions that includes mode selection, carrier management, network optimization, certified brokerage services, and more. Value-Added Warehousing - Ruan offers dedicated, Value-Added Warehousing services that combines the best warehouse management system (WMS) and experienced professionals to create the best experience for their customers. Ruan offers the region’s most versatile warehouse space and customized solutions tailored to their customers’ requirements. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions – Ruan offers an integrated supply chain solution that is customized to the customer’s specific needs. The solution may include a combination of the following services: freight brokerage, dedicated fleets, warehousing services, and contract logistics agreements. Ruan Transportation Management Systems Facts 300+ operations nationwide On-site managers to direct fleets and drivers 5,000 team members, including 4,000 professional drivers Ongoing commitment to quality and process improvement 24/7 customer care from one full-service transportation company Asset- and non-asset-based solutions Proprietary Megasafe Safety Program More facts about Ruan, click here Learn More About The Ruan Story Ruan Transportation LinkedIn Ruan Transportation Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle The Driver’s Perspective with Dean Key The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/2/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 15 seconds
The Fulfillment IQ Story with Ninaad Acharya
Ninaad Acharya and Joe Lynch discuss the Fulfillment IQ story. Ninaad is the Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, a transformational supply chain solutions provider for companies that dare to disrupt. About Ninaad Acharya Ninaad Acharya is the Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, an ecommerce fulfillment product studio that supports brands, retailers, and 3PLs with bespoke solutions. He is passionate about building simple, elegant and highly effective product and commercial strategies. With over 20 years of experience in supply chain digital transformation and technology, Ninaad has successfully led and continues to lead the creation of disruptive technology solutions in Fortune 50 companies, retailers, 3PLs and ecommerce brands. About Fulfillment IQ Fulfillment IQ offers comprehensive ecommerce fulfillment-focused solutions that span strategy, platform build, optimization, scaling, and implementation. With a 100% success rate, Fulfillment IQ has enabled $10B in GMV and supported 50M+ SF of warehouse. The team combines a strong domain knowledge, disciplined engineering mindset, innovative data analytics, AI, and cloud ops with a keen focus on customer experience to build smarter processes, solutions and supply chains. After decades of experience, we’ve dug deep roots in the supply chain industry through positions in operations, technology, project and product management, solution design, customer support, customer onboarding, and business development. Key Takeaways: The Fulfillment IQ Story Ninaad Acharya is the Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, a transformational supply chain solutions provider for companies that dare to disrupt. In the podcast interview, Ninaad and Joe discussed the founding of Fulfillment IQ and Ninaad’s entrepreneurial journey. The quote below from Ninaad provides insight into the mission of Fulfillment IQ: “From day one, our goal has been to help businesses realize the full potential of their supply chain with the power of technology solutions that matter. We thrive on building customer-centric, revolutionary digital products - solutions that power more efficient and effective supply chains.” Fulfillment IQ provides the following services: FIQ Tech – Custom-built fulfillment platform (end-to-end product development) FIQ Implement – Implementations done right, the first time (consistent, proven results) FIQ Fractional Chief Supply Chain Officer - On-demand access to industry-leading supply chain expertise (World-class supply chain leadership when and where you need it) FIQ Consult - Expert audits, practical strategies, custom roadmaps, and more to find and fix the waste streams in your supply chain Fulfillment IQ serves the following customer segments: Ecommerce merchants Enterprise Customers 3PLs and 4PLs VCs & PEs Learn More About The Fulfillment IQ Story Ninaad’s LinkedIn FIQ LinkedIn Fulfillment IQ eCom Logistics Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/31/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 28 seconds
Connecting The Digital Dots with Blythe Brumleve
Blythe Brumleve and Joe Lynch discuss connecting the digital dots. Blythe is the Founder of Digital Dispatch and the Host of Cyberly, an influential podcast on the Freightwaves platform. About Blythe Brumleve In 2008, Blythe Brumleve was working as a waitress and a blogger with a dream of owning her own company when she received an opportunity to work in the world of logistics. As an executive assistant to the C-suite, she gained first-hand knowledge of the daily operations of a $140M asset-based logistics provider. Knowing about her blogging side hustle, the executive team allowed her to take on the additional responsibility of the company’s digital marketing initiatives where over the course of 5 years, orchestrated two website redesigns, implemented an inbound marketing initiative, and established a sales outreach plan. After 5 years and following the unexpected closure of the logistics company, Blythe chose to seek opportunities in traditional marketing and media. During this time she served as editor in chief of Void Magazine, B2B copywriter for an ad agency, and radio/TV broadcaster in the North Florida market. During this time, her team earned several awards including three ADDY’s plus earning runner-up as Jacksonville’s Best Radio Personality. Eventually, Blythe would use these skills to fulfill her entrepreneurial goal by founding Digital Dispatch in 2018. Present-day, Blythe and her team oversee the management of dozens of websites to help the one-person marketing team flourish. In addition to running her company, Blythe is also a co-founder of the Jacksonville Podcasters Unite community, hosts the tech/B2B marketing show Cyberly on Freightwaves, and serves on the board of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association. About Digital Dispatch Your website is the only thing that can sell for you 24/7. While managing it can feel like a part-time job, ignoring it can cost your business revenue. That’s why Digital Dispatch is on a mission to help every freight company build a better website that connects your digital sales dots. Using our website services, you’ll know your company is built on a stronger digital foundation to increase brand awareness, off-load those annoying website tasks, shorten sales cycles, and speak confidently about ROI. Trusted by 30 freight brands and growing, Digital Dispatch pricing starts as low as $90/month with solutions to connect all of your marketing and sales data to one place with bonus industry-specific marketing education for your whole team. Keay Takeaways: Connecting The Digital Dots Blythe Brumleve is Founder of Digital Dispatch and the Host of Cyberly, an influential podcast on the Freightwaves platform. At Digital Dispatch, Blythe and her team are on a mission to help every freight company build a better website that connects their digital sales dots. In the podcast interview, Blythe and Joe discuss connecting the digital dots – in other words, leveraging your website to get more leads, reduce the sales cycle, and increase sale revenue. Blythe shared a number of great insights including: The buying process almost always begins online so companies need a website that will attract and convert prospective customers. The “95-5 Rule” applies to website visitors – for every visitor, 95% are visiting to educate themselves, but are not serious buyers and 5% are serious buyers. We don’t control the sales process, the buyers do. The goal should be to build a relationship with prospects using engaging content. When Blythe works with customers, she does an audit on their customer’s buying journey with the goal of finding and fixing any gap that may prevent the company from making a prospect into a customer (connecting the digital dots). Digital Dispatch helps your freight companies get online and grow. Digital Dispatch provides website infrastructure and industry-leading creative plus marketing education that helps their customers stay competitive. Learn More About Connecting The Digital Dots Blythe on LinkedIn Digital Dispatch Digital Dispatch Podcast Digital Dispatch on Linkedin Digital Dispatch on YouTube Digital Dispatch on Instagram Disgital Dispatch on TikTok Everything is Logistics The Future of Inbound Lead Generation with Blythe Brumleve Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon The Future of Logistics with Courtney Muller Manifest - The Future of Logistics Is Here The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/29/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 47 seconds
REPOST: Understanding Uber Freight with Raj Subbiah
Raj Subbiah and Joe Lynch discuss understanding Uber Freight. Raj is Head of Product for Uber Freight, a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. About Raj Subbiah Raj Subbiah is Head of Product for Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business that seamlessly connects shippers and carriers across the US, Canada, and Europe. Raj comes to Uber from Yelp, where he led a range of product teams for over five years, most recently as VP of Marketplaces for the global review platform. Prior to Yelp, Raj served for nearly five years at Microsoft, improving the relevance, recall and user experience of the Bing search product. Raj holds a Master's degree in computer science from Texas A&M University, an MBA from the University of California Berkeley, and a computational mathematics and statistics degree from the University of Washington. About Uber Freight Uber Freight is a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. Since launching in 2017, Uber Freight has built one of the world’s largest digitally-enabled carrier networks and transformed entrenched practices around pricing and booking freight to reduce inefficiencies and increase opportunities for business growth and industry collaboration. Today, the business counts over 100,000 carriers in its network and thousands of shippers as customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, including AB Inbev, Nestle, LG, Land O’Lakes and many more. Key Takeaways: Understanding Uber Freight Raj Subbiah is Head of Product for Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business that seamlessly connects shippers and carriers across the US, Canada, and Europe. In the podcast interview, Raj Subbiah helps the audience gain a better understanding of Uber Freight. Problems in the transportation and logistics business: Logistics has traditionally been underserved by technology perhaps because of the decentralized nature of the industry – lots of different shippers, carriers, brokers, etc. Too many manual functions where decisions lead to “local optimum.” Local optimum is the best solution to a problem within a small neighborhood of possible solutions. This concept is in contrast to the global optimum, which is the optimal solution when every possible solution is considered. Lots of tribal knowledge, which by it’s nature is not distributed throughout the organization. Ideally, tribal knowledge is captured, verified, and codified so it can be used by the whole organization. Shipper expectations are rising. Shippers informed by consumer technology expect a superior customer experience enabled by intuitive technology. Shippers are also increasingly interested in sustainability. Supply chains are responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions – consumers and regulators want the freight industry to literally clean up their act. Freight’s fundamental matching problem: Only 79% of miles are loaded. Empty miles are about 1.5% of US greenhouse gas emissions. Supply chains have been volatile since the beginning of the pandemic, with elevated rates and fragile capacity highlighting the need for innovative procurement solutions. Raj and the Uber Freight team believe they can address and solve many of the problems listed above. Uber Freight is a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. Since launching in 2017, Uber Freight has built one of the world’s largest digitally enabled carrier networks and transformed entrenched practices around pricing and booking freight to reduce inefficiencies and increase opportunities for business growth and industry collaboration. Today, the business counts over 100,000 carriers in its network and thousands of shippers as customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, including AB InBev, Land O’Lakes, LG, Nestlé and many more. Learn More About Understanding Uber Freight Raj Subbiah Uber Freight Uber Freight's blog with latest news/developments Uber Freight Launches Market Access, a strategic procurement channel that enables shippers to meet evolving demands and reliably source capacity directly on the Uber Freight marketplace Uber Freight Expands into Less than Truckload (LTL) Uber Freight Launches Self-Service Shipper Platform in Canada Uber Freight Opens Chicago Office The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/26/2022 • 55 minutes, 24 seconds
Streamline Your Logistics Operations with Sreenivas Vemulapalli
Sreenivas Vemulapalli and Joe Lynch discuss how to streamline your logistics operations. Sreeni is Associate Vice President at Emtec Digital, a global technology services company that provides digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients across multiple industries. About Sreenivas (Sreeni) Vemulapalli Sreenivas (Sreeni) Vemulapalli is Associate Vice President at Emtec Digital, a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation services to some of the leading transportation and logistics companies across the world. Sreeni is a passionate Digital Practice lead with core competencies in Logistics & Supply Chain and Automotive industries, and 25+ years of experience across several industry verticals, delivering highly scalable enterprise applications using the latest digital technologies and handling pre-sales, solution architecture, project management, and delivery. Sreeni has been instrumental in establishing the RPA Center of Excellence (CoE) and growing the Intelligent Automation practice at Emtec Digital. Sreeni has a passion for helping customers across industries to realize their digital transformation vision using emerging tools/technologies. About Emtec Digital Emtec Digital is a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation services to some of the leading transportation and logistics companies across the world. We believe delivering superior solutions with agility and speed is critical to success in the logistics industry. Our expertise in technology modernization helps clients resolve critical operational challenges such as effective management of peak loads and seamless anytime, anywhere access to distributed freight data. We have helped clients address emerging threats and capitalize on new market opportunities by leveraging the power of advanced digital technologies. Our comprehensive services portfolio for the logistics industry spans Digital Strategy Consulting, Data Analytics & Engineering, Platform Development, and Intelligent Automation. We provide world-class modular services designed to help logistics companies build innovative solutions that create exceptional digital experiences. Clients trust our customer-centric services approach and agile software development practices to address critical business challenges and accelerate their digital maturity. Key Takeaways: Streamline Your Logistics Operations Sreenivas (Sreeni) Vemulapalli is Associate Vice President at Emtec Digital, a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation services to some of the leading transportation and logistics companies across the world. In the podcast interview, Sreeni and Joe discuss how to streamline your logistics operations. Sreeni and the Emtec Digital team work with dozens of top logistics, transportation, warehousing, supply chain, and freight tech companies on a variety of technology projects, but the interview was mostly focused on digital automation using robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent process automation (IPA). Artificial intelligence is a part of intelligent automation. Intelligent automation is the intersection between rule-based, relatively inflexible robotic process automation (RPA) with the adaptive learning and decision-making capabilities of artificial intelligence. While the technology is not easily understandable for non-techies, RPA and IPA are affordable, easily implemented and widely used by the top transportation and logistics companies. To stay competitive in the increasingly tech-centric logistics and transportation space, companies should consider investing in IPA and RPA – the return on investment is very attractive, which is why so many companies are taking the plunge. In the interview, Sreeni described how companies are using RPA and IPA to streamline the following logistics operations: Tracking and tracing Freight quotations Appointment scheduling Document management including proof of delivery, bill of lading, accessorial, etc. Once an operation is automated using RPA and IPA, the operation is performed faster, better, and less expensively - and it frees up your team to focus on higher value work. Emtec develops digital products or platforms that are customer facing – products that have the ability to delight customers and give your company a competitive advantage. Emtec is a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. Emtec also works some of the leading technology companies in the freight tech space. Learn More About Streamline Your Logistics Operations Sreeni's LinkedIn Emtec LinkedIn Emtec Reimagining Freight Forecasting Using Machine Learning Technology Load Board Integration - Creating a Profound Value Proposition for 3PL TMS Provider Achieves Scale and Faster Time-to-market with Comprehensive IT Services Top Asset-based Carrier Solves Quality Issues, Optimizes Costs, and Accelerates Release Cycles with a Robust Platform Engineering Strategy Why shippers and 3PLs should integrate Dynamic Freight Pricing in their TMS Some of the top KPIs 3PLs need to diligently track and monitor in real time Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/24/2022 • 48 minutes, 9 seconds
The Post-Pandemic Supply Chain with Peter Tirschwell
Peter Tirschwell and Joe Lynch discuss the post-pandemic supply chain. Peter is Vice President in the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global, a global data, analytics and business intelligence organization serving sectors including maritime, energy, automotive, petrochemical and financial. About Peter Tirschwell Peter Tirschwell is Vice President in the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global;, a global data, analytics and business intelligence organization serving sectors including maritime, energy, automotive, petrochemical and financial. In his role Peter leads The Journal of Commerce, the historic New York City maritime newspaper founded in 1827, today a team of specialized business journalists focused on the end-to-end international shipping supply chain including shipping, ports, airfreight, trucking, rail and home delivery, addressed to the needs of shippers. A career business journalist, Peter has served as a maritime reporter, West Coast Bureau Chief, Editor in Chief and Publisher of The Journal of Commerce, over the course of his 30-year career with the JOC beginning as a maritime beat reporter in the early 1990s. He is the founder and chairman of the annual JOC TPM conference in Long Beach, Calif., the world’s largest container shipping conference, now 23 years old. He writes a regular JOC column, speaks regularly at industry events and has been quoted in or written for mainstream business media including the The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and The Washington Post, CBS News, NPR, The Financial Times, The New York Times and others. He has degrees from the University of Maine and Fordham University. About Journal of Commerce Journal of Commerce is a team of specialized journalists covering international logistics and supply chains with a focus on containerized shipping, ports, trucking, railroads and airfreight. The JOC develops industry-leading events such as TPM, the world’s largest containerized shipping event. The Journal of Commerce is part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, whose team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. Key Takeaways: The Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Peter Tirschwell is Vice President in the Maritime, Trade & Supply Chain division of S&P Global. In the podcast interview, Peter and Joe discuss the post-pandemic supply chain. As the pandemic wanes, there are still significant supply chain challenges that must be addressed. Joe and Peter discussed the following: International Longshoremen & Warehousing Union (ILWU) on the West Coast are negotiating a new contract with the Pacific Maritime Association which represents 70 ocean carriers and terminal operators who operate at the 29 West Coast Ports. East Coast port congestion is a problem because many shippers and ocean carriers are diverting ships to the East Coast to avoid potential problems in the event there is a strike or work slowdown on the West Coast. High import volumes are straining supply chains and ports. Import volumes are 30% higher than pre-Covid levels and combined with worldwide labor shortages, disruptions to supply chains became inevitable. Changes like the turmoil in Asia (Taiwan & China) and in Europe (Ukraine & Russia) are currently impacting supply chains. Given the amount of trade between the USA and China, any changes to the relationship could have a major impact on supply chains. Now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence , the JOC Group is the world's authoritative provider of business intelligence, information and events for trade, transportation and logistics professionals. JOC Group provides import and export trade information to more than 1,600 companies, governments and associations in more than 50 countries. JOC products include PIERS, the world's most comprehensive database of U.S. waterborne activity; the TPM annual conference for the trans-Pacific and global container shipping community; JOC.com, an information portal for container shipping and international logistics; The Journal of Commerce publication for logistics executives; and RailResource, a collection of well-known brands that serve the North American freight railroad and rail-supply markets. Learn More About The Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Peter's LinkedIn S&P Global LinkedIn S&P Global S&P Global: Market Intelligence TPM JOC Subscriptions The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/22/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 41 seconds
Understanding WMS in the Cloud with Dan Gilmore
Dan Gilmore and Joe Lynch discuss understanding the WMS in the Cloud. Dan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. About Dan Gilmore Dan Gilmore is a recognized thought leader in WMS, with experience prior to his role at Softeon as the founder of Supply Chain Digest, CMO at RedPrairie (now BlueYonder) and as lead WMS analyst at META Group (later acquired by Gartner). Earlier in his career, he led the implementation of two major WMS projects for Forte Industries. About Softeon Softeon’s track record of 100% success spans 20+ years and proof points at more than 125 supply chain performance leaders, including USP Supply Chain Solution, Sears Home Services, Duluth Trading Co., ConMed, DoItBest, The Honest Company, Casey’s Stores, Sony, Lenovo, Saddlecreek Logistics, Peter Millar and many more. Our customer base ranges from Fortune 50 companies to medium sized businesses and logistics service providers. Our extremely broad suite of supply chain solutions – provided on a single, integrated services-based technology platform – has three anchors: the Softeon Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system Key Takeaways: Understanding WMS in the Cloud In the podcast interview, Joe and Dan discuss WMS in the cloud. Dan Gilmore is the CMO of Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. Gartner research has a very favorable opinion of Softeon’s WMS. Check out the research here: Gartner Critical Capabilities for Warehouse Management Systems 2022 WMS stands for warehouse management system, which is a set of policies and processes intended to organize the work of a warehouse or distribution center, and ensure that the facility can operate efficiently and effectively. Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. Cloud computing has many advantages and technology leaders like Softeon architect their solutions to work seamlessly with the cloud. The WMS market was slow to move to the cloud, but now that some of the original concerns are recognized as overblown, the industry is embracing cloud computing. Advantages of cloud computing: Lower Cost Implementations: More Rapid Time-to-Value: Lower Upfront Costs vs licence: Much Lower Internal IT Costs Over Time. Don’t want to be IT infrastructure business Portability Softeon’s broad suite of supply chain solutions improve customer’s operations and enhance their own customer’s satisfaction and experience. Softeon’s three flagship products are 1.) Warehouse Management System (WMS), 2.) Warehouse Execution System (WES) and 3.) Distributed Order Management (DOM) System – solutions increasingly deployed together. Many of the world’s best supply chains are powered by Softeon, including UPS Supply Chain Services, Sears Home Services, Duluth Trading Co., Saddlecreek Logistics, Lenovo, The Honest Company, Casey’s General Stores, Denso, Suncast, Sony, Universal Music Group, Optum Rx and many more. Learn More About Understanding WMS in the Cloud Dan's LinkedIn Softeon LinkedIn Softeon Clients Softeon DGilmore@TheSofteon.com Contact@Softeon.com The Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore Understanding WMS in the Cloud The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/19/2022 • 45 minutes, 38 seconds
Selling in Tough Times with Nick Strober and Melanie Flores
Nick Strober, Melanie Flores and Joe Lynch discuss selling in tough times. Nick is a Senior Account Executive and Team Leader at Lean Solutions Group, and Melanie is the Director of Solutions Consulting at Symtrain. About Nick Strober Nick Strober is a Senior Account Executive at Lean Solutions Group, where he is known as a jack of all trades. His contributions to marketing, HR administration, operations, and sales have helped Lean Solutions land on the INC. 500 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies for three consecutive years. His time abroad has given him the tools to understand not only the U.S. and Latin American markets but also given him a global business perspective. Nick’s passion for networking and eagerness to sell has connected him with incredible businessmen and women worldwide. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group (LSG) is a nearshore and offshore service provider that focuses on expanding and enhancing its client businesses. LSG’s broad offering ranges from staffing to technology, marketing, sales, and BPO services. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce, companies need an edge that will help them win; LSG is that edge. LSG helps its clients set up and establish satellite offices in beautiful countries like Colombia, Guatemala, and the Philippines. LSG’s team consists of qualified bilingual professionals eager to take on new challenges and become a part of your company. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 500 satisfied U.S.-based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office is staffed with highly educated, English-speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they handle the entire process with their account managers. About Melanie Flores Melanie Flores blends an engineer's mind with a teacher's heart and a gardener's hands. Her career path has been anything but linear, and every zigzag has blessed her with the chance to build a fun and bold idea from scratch. She graduated from MIT with a chemical engineering degree and a Theater Arts concentration. She started up Corning’s optical fiber factory in the Charlotte, NC area, founded a popular kindergarten engineering design workshop based on a famous MIT course, and led the STEM coaching team serving 48 Easter Seals teachers across metro Atlanta. In 2019, she and her teen son launched an e-commerce business, OctoGifts, that landed him customers in 25 states, two patents, and a spot on Atlanta Inno’s 25 Under 25 list. She joined symtrain in 2021 and is excited to help businesses grow their people, impact, and bottom line through digitized role-play training and coaching. A two-time TEDx speaker, Melanie lives with her husband and two sons in Alpharetta, GA. About Symtrain Symtrain is an advanced AI-based training platform that is unlike any other. It simulates real-world coaching scenarios to prepare front-line agents for interactions with customers. Much more than a simulation, the platform is an immersive CX training experience that combines audio and visual elements for an all-encompassing approach to training which helps agents to better understand and retain the information. Benefits include improved quality, reduced training time and training resource costs, increased speed to efficiency, and an overall improvement in the key metrics that matter most to clients. Symtrain is emerging as an innovator in AI coaching and virtual training, and was recently awarded two International Stevie Awards for innovation in workforce readiness and corporate learning. Follow our journey at www.symtrain.com. Key Takeaways: Selling in Tough Times In the podcast interview, Joe talks with Nick Strober and Melanie Flores about selling in tough times. Nick Strober is a Senior Account Executive at Lean Solutions Group, a nearshore service provider that delivers high-quality business solutions in staffing, tech, marketing, and sales for U.S.-based companies. Melanie Flores is the Director of Solutions Consulting at Symtrain, an Immersive learning technology platform that gives employees real job experience by engaging them in authentic work simulations. Lean Solutions Group and Symtrain have formed a partnership that enables transportation and logistics companies to use industry specific simulation training modules that were developed by the Lean Solutions Group. LSG uses Symtrain to train their 8,000 plus employees and they are big believers in the technology. Lean Solutions Group is a nearshore service provider that provide back-office, operations, customer support, and technology services to over 500 logistics companies – and they are experts in check calls. Symtrain engages employees in simulated work experiences that feel “real” – working at their own pace, anywhere, anytime, on any device. Employees are empowered to take charge of their own learning and success. As a result, they learn faster, retain more, build confidence, and master the skills they need to deliver the best customer interactions every time. Symtrain is a simulated training solution that creates a hands-on experience for sales, services, and support employees within a safe space By digitalizing the manual training and coaching processes, Symtrain enables companies to build employee attitudes, skills, and knowledge – faster, better, and cheaper. Learn More About Selling in Tough Times Nick's LinkedIn Lean Solutions Group LinkedIn Lean Solutions Group Melanie's LinkedIn Symtraim LinkedIn Symtrain Symtrain Demo The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena Digitizing Check Calls with Trey Griggs and Ryan Rogers The Competitive Advantage with David Bell and Peter Rentschler Does role playing work in freight? – WTT EV startup bets big on Tesla Semi – WTT The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/17/2022 • 35 minutes, 14 seconds
Why is XPO Spinning Off RXO with Drew Wilkerson
Drew Wilkerson and Joe Lynch discuss why XPO spinning off RXO. Drew is President of North American Transportation, XPO and CEO-elect of RXO. About Drew Wilkerson Drew Wilkerson is the President, North American Transportation, XPO and CEO-elect of RXO. Drew is a transportation industry veteran with 14 years of senior experience in brokerage operations. He has leadership and P&L responsibility for XPO's asset-light North American truck brokerage business and complementary brokered services of managed transportation, last mile logistics and global freight forwarding. Mr. Wilkerson joined XPO in 2012 to spearhead the growth of the company’s flagship truck brokerage hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was subsequently promoted to regional vice president and then president of XPO’s North American brokerage business, and in 2020, he was named president of North American Transportation. Prior to XPO, he held leadership positions in sales, operations, and customer and carrier relationship management with C.H. Robinson Worldwide. Mr. Wilkerson will become chief executive officer of XPO's planned spin-off of its tech-enabled brokered transportation platform when the new public company is created later this year. RXO Profile RXO will be a leading platform for tech-enabled truck brokerage services in North America, with a long track record of industry-best revenue and margin growth, a highly efficient digital freight marketplace and access to vast truckload capacity, with complementary, asset-light offerings for last mile logistics, managed transportation and global forwarding. The corporate headquarters will be in Charlotte, North Carolina. Key Takeaways: Why is XPO Spinning Off RXO Drew Wilkerson is the President, North American Transportation, XPO and CEO-elect of RXO. In the podcast interview, Drew and Joe discuss why XPO is spinning off RXO. On July 12, 2022, XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO), a leading provider of freight transportation services, announced that a new company identity has been created in connection with the planned spin-off of its tech-enabled brokerage platform. The spin-off is named RXO to reflect the company’s commitment to provide reliability multiplied by outperformance. RXO will go to market with the tagline “Massive capacity. Cutting-edge technology.” Brad Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of XPO Logistics, said, “Our spin-off now has a name — RXO — bringing it one step closer to becoming a standalone industry leader. Our best-in-class truck brokerage business will be the keystone of RXO’s asset-light platform, poised to continue to take share of a growing market.” After successfully spinning off GXO Logistics last year, XPO Logistics is on track to run the same playbook, splitting the truck brokerage business (RXO), from the core North American less-than-truckload (LTL) business. Once the RXO spin-off is complete, both XPO and RXO will be streamlined pure plays in their respective sectors. In addition to being more attractive stocks, Drew feels that the respective companies (XPO and RXO) will provide even better service to their customers. Over the last 11 years, XPO has grown rapidly organically and through acquisition. With the spin-off of GXO in August, 2021 and the upcoming spin-off of RXO, the 3 companies become leaders in their respective spaces with an even greater focus on their customers. XPO is a global leader in less-than-truckload transportation, and one of the largest LTL providers in North America. GXO is the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider. RXO will be a market leader in truck brokerage, with complementary brokered services for managed transportation, last mile logistics, and global forwarding. Learn More About Why is XPO Spinning Off RXO Drew's LinkedIn RXO XPO Logistics Unveils RXO as Company Name for Planned Spin-Off XPO Logistics Announces Yoav Amiel as Chief Information Officer for Spin-Off XPO Logistics Files Confidential Form 10 Registration Statement for Spin-Off XPO Logistics Announces Drew Wilkerson as Chief Executive Officer for Spin-Off XPO Logistics Announces Plan to Create Two Standalone, Publicly Traded Industry Leaders in Less-Than-Truckload and Tech-Enabled Brokered Transportation Why XPO is Spinning Off GXO with Mark Manduca GXO Logistics, Inc. Completes Spin-Off from XPO Logistics, Inc. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/15/2022 • 33 minutes, 51 seconds
The GoBolt Story with Mark Ang
Mark Ang and Joe Lynch discuss the GoBolt story. Mark is the Co-founder and CEO of GoBolt, a tech-enabled, sustainably-focused logistics provider for local ecommerce shops and national brands. About Mark Ang Mark Ang co-founded GoBolt (formerly Bolt Logistics) out of the University of Toronto, where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce. He was also selected to participate in the Creative Destruction Lab as part of the MBA program, an incubator/accelerator focused on scaling disruptive businesses. Prior to founding GoBolt, Mark worked in various roles spanning investment banking, assurance, and management consulting. About GoBolt Founded in 2017, GoBolt (formerly Bolt Logistics) is a technology company building the first sustainable and first-party supply chain network that partners with merchants to deliver a complete end-to-end customer experience. By operating as an extension of each merchant’s team, GoBolt provides reliable fulfillment, last mile delivery, and reverse logistics services. With a growing network of warehouses across North America and a suite of proprietary apps designed and supported by an in-house engineering team, GoBolt unlocks enhanced transparency and control for merchants. The company’s focus on customer-centricity is further driven by a deep commitment to sustainability. GoBolt’s investment in its electric vehicle fleet is a testament to the company’s mission to be carbon negative by the end of 2023. For more information, visit gobolt.com Key Takeaways: The GoBolt Story Mark Ang is the Co-founder and CEO of GoBolt, a tech-enabled, sustainably-focused logistics provider for local ecommerce shops and national brands. In the podcast interview, Joe and Mark discuss Mark’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of GoBolt. GoBolt (formerly Bolt Logistics) is a technology company building the first sustainable and first-party supply chain network that partners with merchants to deliver a complete end-to-end customer experience. GoBolt provide a technology-driven, customer-centric and sustainable approach to fulfillment, including reliable warehousing, pick and pack, shipping, and last-mile delivery. By operating as an extension of their customer's team, GoBolt deliver best-in-class services every step of the way, ensuring faster, more cost-effective, and complete customer deliveries. GoBolt currently has locations in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles. GoBolt will soon open locations in Dallas, Austin, and Atlanta. Sustainability is a core value at GoBolt and they will be carbon negative by December 2023. The GoBolt team is building a fully electric fleet, offsetting their carbon footprint, and optimizing operations for a circular supply chain. Learn More About The GoBolt Story Mark's LinkedIn GoBolt LinkedIn GoBolt The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/12/2022 • 43 minutes, 57 seconds
Tracking Medical Shipments with Alex Guillen
Alex Guillen and Joe Lynch discuss tracking medical shipments. Alex is the Director of Sales, Life Science and Pharma Europe at Tive, the leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. About Alex Guillen Alex Guillen is an established executive with a proven record in global business and market development, with well-rounded experience in multicultural sales management and brand building. Alex has extensive experience and expertise in cold chain; as Director of Sales, Life Science and Pharma at Tive, Alex leads sales and business development within the company's rapid-growth Life Science division. Previously, Guillen served as a Board Member and leader of Corporate Strategy at SWITRACE S.A, a developer of temperature and humidity data loggers compliant to the Pharma and Biotech industries. Alex's extensive experience also includes serving as Global Cold Chain Director of Fisher Clinical Services, CEO of Escort Cold Chain Solutions SA, and Director for Commercial Operations for Novartis Vaccines. About Tive Tive is a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments’ location and condition. With Tive, shippers and logistics service providers (LSP) eliminate preventable delays, damage, and shipment failures. Tive‘s solution provides data generated by its industry-leading trackers allowing clients to actively optimize their shipments, improve their customers’ experience, and unlock supply chain insights in an actionable real-time manner. Key Takeaways: Tracking Medical Shipments Alex Guillen is the Director of Sales, Life Science and Pharma Europe for Tive, which provides in-transit visibility solutions that help shipping and logistics professionals manage their shipments and eliminate preventable delays and damage. In the podcast interview, Joe and Alex discuss the critical importance of tracking medical shipments, including: Commercial pharmaceuticals Clinical pharmaceuticals Medical cold chain Cryogenic Organ transplants The bar is higher for medical and pharmaceutical shipments because a shipment that is late or out of temperature range could cause loss of life.The Tive Tracker is about the size of a deck of cards and it captures and transmits shipment data in real time with unprecedented accuracy. The Tracker provide real time alerts that enable shippers and their 3PL partners to respond and recover the shipment in the case of temperature breech, tampering, shock, damage, theft, and a variety of other factors. Tive enables shippers and their carrier partners to move from reactive to proactive, which is so important when transporting medical/pharma shipments. Tive provides flexible, scalable solutions bringing end-to-end visibility to supply chain professionals. In additional to medical and pharma, Tive provides solutions for the following supply chain problem areas: Location Tracking for High-Value Goods Chemicals Condition Monitoring Handling Damage Monitoring Damage Alerts for Electronics Shipments Port Delays Environmental Monitoring for Perishables Equipment Delivery Monitoring Automotive Supply Chain Optimization Learn More About Tracking Medical Shipments Alex's LinkedIn Tive LinkedIn Tive website The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni Every Shipment Matters with Jim Waters - YouTube Tive Solo 5G Pharma Tracker Tive Solo 5G Pharma Non-Lithium Tracker The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/10/2022 • 50 minutes, 45 seconds
Walmart Transportation with Doug Estrada
Doug Estrada and Joe Lynch discuss Walmart transportation. Doug is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart Stores Inc. About Doug Estrada Douglas Estrada is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart Stores Inc. A graduate of Doane University in Crete, NE. Doug Estrada has 30 plus years of experience in Supply Chain with the last 20 years of supporting Walmart Stores, Inc. Doug has held various supply chain roles with the Walmart Private Fleet as well as working Internationally for Walmart in Central America in setting up the Retail Transportation Supply Chain Network for Walmart in several Central American Countries. Doug currently leads the Great Lakes / Upper Midwest Transportation Region for Walmart overseeing 15 Transportation Distribution Centers with over 2000 Walmart Drivers that support Stores and Clubs in that part of the country. Doug has been a board member of the Washington DC Metro Police Foundation since 2016 and sits on the Advisory Board for Truckers Against Trafficking. Doug and his wife Lisa of 31 years reside in Bentonville, AR and have three adult children. About Walmart Sixty years ago, Sam Walton started a single mom-and-pop shop and transformed it into the world’s biggest retailer. Since those founding days, one thing has remained consistent: our commitment to helping our customers save money so they can live better. Today, we’re reinventing the shopping experience and our associates are at the heart of it. When you join our Walmart family of brands (Sam's Club, Bonobos, Moosejaw and many more!), you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of retail, improving millions of lives around the world. This is that place where your passions meet purpose. Join our family and build a career you’re proud of. Key Takeaways: Walmart Transportation Douglas Estrada is a Senior Director of Supply Chain at Walmart, the largest retailer in the world. In the podcast interview, Doug and Joe discuss Walmart transportation along with Walmart’s vast network of carriers and brokers. The Average Walmart Supercenter receives the following in 20-40 Walmart truckloads (private fleet) 200 shipment from UPS or other carrier Walmart private fleet consists of: 12K plus tractors 65-80K trailers 13K plus drivers Walmart is hiring for drivers, distribution, and fulfillment: www.drive4walmart.com Walmart is not only the largest retailer, they are also one of the largest shippers and their best practices often become industry best practices. Walmart pioneered the use of the OTIF metric, which stands for on-time and in-full – meaning the shipment arrived on-time and everything that was supposed to deliver was included with the shipment (in-full). Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. Walmart operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and various ecommerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. The company was formerly known as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and changed its name to Walmart Inc. in February 2018. The company was founded in 1945 and is based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Learn More About Walmart Transportation Doug's LinkedIn Walmart LinkedIn Walmart: Drivers & Transportation Truckers Against Trafficking Walmart: Sustainability Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas with Donnie Williams The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch Children's Miracle Network, Walmart Raise Awareness For Children's Hospitals with "Champions Across America" The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/8/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 2 seconds
The Zergratran Story with Bryon Bennett
Byron Bennett and Joe Lynch discuss the Zergratran story. Byron is the Founder and CEO of Zergratran, an innovative and sustainable high-capacity transportation company that is building the world’s first tunnel to expedite shipping goods between the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. In doing so it will offer faster, smarter, safer and cheaper solutions to existing alternatives. About Byron Bennett Byron Bennett is the Founder and CEO of Zergratran. Byron is a graduate of The Wharton School with a background in entrepreneurship, finance, capital raising and strategic planning and, most recently, a founder of multiple fintech companies. He built a network of early stage investors and six thousand LinkedIn followers through successful capital raising efforts and popular businesses like The Chocolate Library and Discovery Wines, both in the East Village of New York City. Prior to Zergratran, Byron was the CEO of Liquidity 10X (L10X)r, a fintech company that helped startups raise capital through Reg D and Reg A filings. Prior to L10X, Byron was the CEO of Collective Wisdom Technologies (CWT), a crowd-driven platform for funding seed stage companies (filed Reg A+ offering). Prior to CWT, Byron was CEO of Springtime Solutions, a lead generation platform for banks and marketplace lending companies; accepted into the INV Fintech accelerator run by Bank Innovation and Fiserv. Byron is passionate about entrepreneurship and teaches entrepreneurship classes on www.outschool.com. He regularly mentors entrepreneurs and maintains a 30+ year strong relationship with NFTE - Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship https://www.nfte.com/. Byron holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. About Zergratran Zergratran is an innovative and sustainable high-capacity transportation company that is building the world’s first tunnel to expedite shipping goods between the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. In doing so it will offer faster, smarter, safer and cheaper solutions to existing alternatives. Led by a visionary team of engineers and Wharton and Harvard scholars, Zergratran is an impact-driven company that uses emerging technologies to revolutionize the future of logistics as well as leverage its global economic and environmental impact. Our goal is to create a better, smarter, healthier and more efficient world, to build a legacy and a better future for humanity. Zergratran develop and manage ESG and technology focused infrastructure projects that will boost the efficiency of the global shipping and transportation system. It will start with Puerto Internacional Las Americas (PILA) in northern Colombia, a project which will use Maglev technology to transfer shipping containers between ports on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through an underground tunnel. Key Takeaways: The Zergratran Story Byron Bennett is the Founder and CEO of Zergratran, which develops and manages ESG and technology-focused infrastructure projects around the world that boost the efficiency of the global shipping and transportation system. In the podcast interview, Joe and Byron discuss Zergratran’s first project, a cheaper, faster, and cleaner alternative to the Panama Canal. Zergratran’s first project is Puerto Internacional Las Americas (PILA) in northern Colombia. The project will develop new ports on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and transfer shipping containers through an underground tunnel system. The Panama Canal is critically important to world trade and unfortunately container ships are currently waiting 12 days to cross the canal. The Panama Canal bottleneck is causing supply chain disruptions worldwide and constraining global trade. The Zergratran Vision for eliminating the Panama Canal bottleneck is below: “Imagine a 13,000+ TEU container ship that can’t pass through the Panama Canal unloads at our North Pacific port. We transfer the containers across to our North Atlantic port in 15 minutes using an underground tunnel. Waiting regional ships distribute the containers onward to the US, Gulf and Eastern ports and Europe. More containers would be better dispersed and distributed and reach their final destinations faster. And the 60% of ships that now return west to Asia mostly empty, can be filled with fresh loads from South America. This coordination creates higher profitability with long term sustainability.” Puerto Internacional Las Americas (PILA) aims to add a new container shipping route across the Central America region. This will be the focal point of a system wide efficiency upgrade driven by automation, containerization, digitization, technology and connections to neighboring port facilities. Learn More About The Zergratran Story Byron's LinkedIn Zergratran LinkedIn Zergratran ESG World Summit & GRIT Awards Winner Max Boegl floats 40ft container on maglev track The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/5/2022 • 43 minutes, 10 seconds
The Routeique Story with Mike Allan
Mike Allan and Joe Lynch discuss the Routeique story. Mike is the President and CEO at Routeique, a software as a service (SAAS) company that enable fast-moving consumer goods businesses to save time and money, innovate faster, be more competitive, avoid costly mistakes, de-risk decisions, and satisfy ever-growing customer expectations— by providing them with unprecedented supply chain insight, foresight, and oversight. About Mike Allan Mike Allan is the President and CEO at Routeique, a cloud-based software platform for managing the logistics and delivery operation - both in the office, and in the field. The Routeique platform offers complete management of customers, orders, invoices, vendors, products, routes and fleet. Routeique is offered as SAAS (Software As A Service) and requires no special hardware or software and no IT staff or technical resources. About Routique Routeique gives fast-moving consumer goods businesses unprecedented supply chain insight, foresight and oversight. Routique partners with them to using transparency to make their enterprises more efficient, competitive, sustainable, responsive, and profitable than ever before. Routeique was founded in 2016, with the core team working in the back office of a Western Canadian distribution centre. The two Routeique cofounders, Mike and Scott, met through an executive forum, where they discussed issues and challenges in the supply chain space. One of the topics that continued to come up was how limited data and visibility were impacting decision-making. Scott noted that many businesses in the space were facing, “death by a thousand cuts, without knowing where the cuts were.” After realizing the solutions on the market weren’t cutting it, our co-founders decided to design the supply chain technology they needed to run the operation effectively. With Scott’s expertise in the warehousing space and Mike’s expertise in technology, they first created an order portal and increased the number of tools from there. Since Day 1, the goal has been to enable fast-moving consumer goods businesses to save time and money, innovate faster, be more competitive, avoid costly mistakes, de-risk decisions, and satisfy ever-growing customer expectations. Key Takeaways: The Routique Story with Mike Allan Mike Allan is the President and CEO at Routeique, a software as a service (SAAS) company that enable fast-moving consumer goods businesses to save time and money, innovate faster, be more competitive, avoid costly mistakes, de-risk decisions, and satisfy ever-growing customer expectations— by providing them with unprecedented supply chain insight, foresight, and oversight. In the podcast interview, Joe and Mike discuss the founding of Routique along with Mike’s insights on the increasingly important omni-channel delivery market. Routique’s motto is “X-Ray vision for supply chain visionaries.” Routeique is more than just a a software company. They unravel complexity, iron out wrinkles, and find better ways to do business. They are supply chain experts with the mother of all digital platforms. Routeique serves shippers, carriers, 3PLs, and distributors. Routeique was founded within one of North America's largest fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) networks'. The Routique team understand how complex the relationships really are within these networks, and help our clients configure their technology to ensure compliance and service delivery. The Routique team is used to providing service directly to clients and their partners - to help them achieve digital transformation. Learn More About The Routique Story Mike's LinkedIn Routique LinkedIn Routeique The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/3/2022 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds
Logistics Buyers Survey with Jim Bierfeldt
Jim Bierfeldt and Joe Lynch dicuss logistics buyers survey. Jim is the Founder and President of Logistics Marketing Advisors, a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. About Jim Bierfeldt Jim Bierfeldt is the Founder and President of Logistics Marketing Advisors. Jim has had a 35-year career in marketing and communications, including 25+ within the logistics industry. He ran marketing for a large 3PL before launching his own marketing agency, Logistics Marketing Advisors, which focuses exclusively on providing marketing strategy and services to logistics businesses. His expertise includes strategic planning, brand positioning, advertising, public relations, website strategy and design, and development of white papers, case studies and other content. Jim has worked with both smaller, regional logistics companies and multi-billion dollar global firms, all of whom benefit from his unique combination of marketing expertise and logistics industry knowledge. Jim holds a Masters Degree in Communications from Fordham University and has been an active in CSCMP, WERC and the IWLA. His hobbies include running (including multiple marathons). About Logistics Marketing Advisors Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) is a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. Our niche focus gives us the industry understanding and contacts required to market effectively to logistics decision makers. We’re a HubSpot-certified, inbound marketing agency with the following specialties: branding and positioning strategy, lead generation, web design and development, content marketing, public relations, and creation of branded and educational content like videos, case studies, white papers and other sales support materials. LMA’s approach recognizes that logistics services today are BOUGHT, not sold. Marketing tactics that interrupt and annoy busy logistics executives get ignored. These buyers now have access to a wealth of information and do their own research on how to solve supply chain problems, and what providers can do to help. At LMA, we help logistics businesses get found by prospects during this research phase. Instead of building a marketing engine to solicit, we build an engine that naturally attracts the best prospects. The best way to do that is with helpful, provocative content that leads prospects to conclude, for themselves, that your company has the best solution for their specific challenge. Key Takeaways: Logistics Buyers Survey Jim Bierfeldt is the President of Logistics Marketing Advisors, a full-service marketing agency exclusively focused on helping logistics businesses drive profitable growth. In the podcast interview, Jim shared some of the findings from the logistics buyers survey that his firm publishes every other year since 2014. Jim and his team have done the research to really understand what shippers want from their 3PL. The survey results are available for free within the “Marketing Logistics Services” download on The LMA website. Below are a few of the survey questions that LMA asked people who buy 3PL services: When it comes to choosing a logistics product or service provider, which statement best describes your attitude and priority? Which sources of information do you rely on to stay current on logistics management strategies, service providers, and logistics industry news? Think about the last time you proactively reached out to a logistics business (that was not a current supplier) to learn more or to discuss a project. What led you to reach out? How do you prefer to be contacted by a logistics business? The survey results along with expert insights are contained in an easy to read 19 page PDF report available on LMA’s home page. The report is completely free, no obligation, they don’t even ask for your contact information. Logistics Marketing Advisors designs and executes strategic marketing programs that help logistics businesses drive revenue and profit. LMA is a specialty agency focused the logistics industry - this enable them to maintain the industry knowledge and contacts required to help their clients succeed. Learn More About Logistics Buyers Survey Jim's LinkedIn Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) LinkedIn Logistics Marketing Advisors (LMA) 2022 Logistics Buyer Research Report The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/1/2022 • 51 minutes, 42 seconds
Ecommerce's Dirty Little Secret with Aaron Schwartz
Aaron Schwartz and Joe Lynch discuss ecommerce's dirty little secret. Aaron is the President of Loop, a post-purchase platform that enables brands to transform returns into exchanges. About Aaron Schwartz Aaron Schwartz is the President of Loop with an extensive history working, advising, and investing in startups. With 10+ years in modern Commerce, Aaron’s focus tends to be on all things go to market, fundraising, strategy, and helping founders navigate emotionally through the early stages of company building. As a 3x founder himself, Aaron’s passion for Commerce has led him to his position at Loop today. Aaron received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, and his masters from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. He joined Loop in April of 2021. About Loop Loop is a post-purchase platform that enables Shopify's biggest brands, such as Allbirds, FIGS, Princess Polly and Chubbies, to transform returns into exchanges. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the company helps over 1,200 brands increase customer loyalty, retain more revenue, and lower reverse logistics costs. Through innovative features like Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, and Bonus Credit, Loop has helped merchants retain more than $400 million in revenue over the past five years. Key Takeaways: Ecommerce's Dirty Little Secret Aaron Schwartz is the President of Loop, a post-purchase platform that enables brands to transform returns into exchanges. In the podcast interview, Joe and Aaron discuss ecommerce’s dirty little secret, which is returns. Ecommerce buyers return up to 30% of online purchases – the number varies greatly by product and company, but it is a problem for everyone. Loop specializes in returns and they have made a science of it. Loop’s goal is to change returns into exchanges. Loop manages the pixels, not the parcels meaning they are a technology company and they utilize the 3PL specified by the brand. Most brands focus on sales, marketing, and fulfillment and the returns process and costs are overlooked. Loop’s platform completely integrates with their customer’s systems, which enables Loop to manage the return process. Loop’s technology integration and seamless handling of the return process has the following advantages: Enables brands to focus on growing their business. Loop’s online return process is a nice experience for consumers and they are often convinced to exchange the product rather than ask for a return. When a return is transformed into an exchange, customer satisfaction rises, and the brand makes more money. Learn More About Ecommerce's Dirty Little Secret Aaron’s LinkedIn Loop's LinkedIn Loop 2022 Ecommerce Returns Benchmark Report The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/29/2022 • 49 minutes, 55 seconds
The Secret Sauce with Mark McEntire
Mark McEntire and Joe Lynch discuss the secret sauce. Mark is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About Mark McEntire Mark McEntire is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Emerge, a freight technology firm that is reinventing freight procurement. Transforming the $800 billion trucking industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Mark joined Emerge in January 2022. Mark’s 34 years in transportation and logistics includes experience with Transplace, where he held the position of Sr. Vice President of Operations, as well as experience with J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. and Penske Logistics. In 2001, he completed a two-year Six Sigma certification program with General Electric and is a GE certified Black Belt. In June 2009, he became certified as an APICS CSCP. Mark earned a B.S. in Transportation and Logistics from Arkansas State University. About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: The Secret Sauce Mark McEntire is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Emerge, a freight technology firm that is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. In the podcast interview, Mark and Joe discuss the secret sauce that enables shippers, brokers, 3PLs, and carriers to become more effective, efficient, and profitable. The secret sauce is relationships with your supply chain partners. While the focus is on freight tech and supply chain software that is automating the industry, relationships are still the secret sauce that drives the best companies. Mark and his team work to become trusted partners with their shippers, carriers and technology partners – supplier, vendor, etc. is not good enough. Developing relationships is not only a normal human thing, it is also really good for business. Having good relationships leads to higher job satisfaction and better business results (faster, better, cheaper, and smarter). To ensure that the Emerge team develop fruitful relationships, Mark insists upon a communication strategy that includes quarterly business reviews (QBR), reporting key performance indicators, root cause analysis, lead-time analytics, cost-down goals, etc.. Shippers using Emerge’s Freight Procurement Platform are able to spend less time on carrier RFPs and more time developing relationships with current and prospective carriers. The goal is to let the technology automate the process, while humans are building relationships with their fellow humans. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. Emerge is custom built for freight RFP events and as a result the process is streamlined, easy, and saves shippers time and money. The Emerge platform provides carriers access to more shippers and more opportunities. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they may have never had access to before. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing them more opportunities in the lanes that work for your company. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers and shippers) as it scales. Emerge is hiring: Emerge Careers Learn More About The Secret Sauce Mark's LinkedIn Emerge's LinkedIn Emerge The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox Is Your TMS Enough with Derek Doddridge The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/27/2022 • 46 minutes, 50 seconds
Trucker Tools with Kary Jablonski
Kary Jablonski and Joe Lynch discuss Trucker Tools. Kary is the CEO of Trucker Tools, the leading carrier relationship management platform that helps brokers grow their carrier network, book loads digitally, track freight, and build enduring relationships with carriers to drive reuse. About Kary Jablonski Kary Jablonski is Trucker Tools’ CEO and is passionate about building great teams that underpin any successful business. Prior to Trucker Tools, she advanced through operations, logistics, and strategic planning roles with Uber in the U.S. and internationally and worked as a consultant with Deloitte. She currently lives in Chicago and enjoys anything active, especially running, pickleball, and basketball. She holds a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA from Northwestern University. About Trucker Tools Trucker Tools is the leading carrier relationship management platform that helps brokers grow their carrier network, book loads digitally, track freight, and build enduring relationships with carriers to drive reuse. Brokers access carriers through the Trucker Tools app, which has been downloaded 2 million times in North America and offers drivers tools for life on the road, including a fuel optimizer, document scanner, and leading digital marketplace. Brokerages using Trucker Tools digitize tribal knowledge and manual operations, build strong and lasting carrier relationships, and have industry leading visibility into active shipments. Key Takeaways: Trucker Tools Kary Jablonski is the CEO of Trucker Tools, a digital freight matching solution - and so much more. In the podcast interview, Kary explains the services that Trucker Tools provides to carriers, brokers, and shippers. Trucker Tools provides load visibility, predictive freight matching, and trip planning solutions for the transportation industry. Trucker Tools provides the following solutions for freight brokers/3PLs Load tracking tool that provides increased load visibility, fewer check calls, and increased operational efficiency. Book It Now, a fully automated tool that enables brokers to eliminate manual steps, improve tracking and move from manual to digital. Broker Advantage, a white label interface that provides brokers with visibility to a larger carrier network, a superior carrier experience, and a portal specifically branded to the broker’s individual specifications. Driver Loyalty Program that rewards drivers for performing specific actions within the Trucker Tools’ app (increasing visibility and operational efficiency). Trucker Tools provides the following solutions for owner operators/carriers Trucker Tools app that enables tracking/tracing along with tools and resources that make life on the road simpler and easier. Digital freight matching – easily find and book the right freight. Book It Now, which enables carriers to easily book freight with trusted brokers - less hassle, less haggling, and more driving. Tracking and tracing made easy using the Trucker Tools app or ELD integration Driver Loyalty Program that rewards drivers for performing specific actions within the Trucker Tools app. Learn More About Trucker Tools Kary's LinkedIn Trucker Tools on LinkedIn Trucker Tools Trucker Tools for Brokers Trucker Tools for Carriers Trucker Tools just made finding middle ground easier for brokers, carriers The #1 Capacity Tool for Freight Brokers Avoid Death by Excel: How Trucker Tools Can Automate Broker and 3PL Operations of All Sizes Driver Loyalty Program Announcement The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/25/2022 • 51 minutes, 51 seconds
The Micro-Fulfillment Opportunity with Julien Seret
Julien Seret and Joe Lynch discuss the micro-fulfillment opportunity. Julien is the Vice President of Network Supply Chain at Attabotics, the world’s first 3D robotics supply chain system for modern commerce. About Julien Seret Julien Seret is Attabotics’ Vice President of Network Supply Chain, where he oversees the fulfillment and delivery services business model. He is working with Microsoft, Accenture, and other partners to deliver a multi-tenant supply chain model that leverages data, the cloud, and shared pay-for-use robotics facilities, to allow consumer goods to reach customers next or same-day at the cost of standard delivery. The first fulfillment and delivery centers will start operations this year. Prior to Attabotics, Julien held multiple senior leadership roles at SoftBank, most recently serving as the Vice President of Global Product. With a focus on growth and scalability, he created and brought to market new robot-based products and services, in multiple markets including retail, hospitality, commercial cleaning, logistics and material handling. About Attabotics Attabotics is the world’s first 3D robotics supply chain system for modern commerce. Inspired by the framework of ant colonies, Attabotics replaces the rows and aisles of traditional fulfillment centers with a patented storage structure and robotics shuttles that utilize both horizontal and vertical space, reducing the company’s warehouse needs by 85 percent. By empowering retailers to place fulfillment centers near high-density urban areas, Attabotics helps create jobs and decrease carbon emissions by closing the last-mile delivery gap. Attabotics has been adopted by major brands including luxury department store Nordstrom and other retailers across apparel, food and beverage and home goods. Attabotics is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with fulfillment centers across the United States and Canada. Key Takeaways: The Micro-Fulfillment Opportunity Julien Seret is the Vice President of Network Supply Chain at Attabotics, the world’s first 3D robotics supply chain system for modern commerce. In the podcast interview, Joe and Julien discussed the micro-fulfillment opportunity – and some of the challenges that comes with it. Increasingly consumers expect same-day, and next-day delivery, which means inventory must be located close to consumers who typically live in urban and suburban neighborhoods. Since warehousing space in urban and suburban neighborhoods is expensive and hard to find, 3PLs who manage fulfillment for brands are buying/leasing smaller locations hence the term micro-fulfillment. Micro-fulfillment locations are by definition smaller so they must use their space more efficiently. Attabotics has developed a 3D robotics supply chain system that enables warehousing companies to save up to 85% of their space. Example: a micro-fulfillment company that is using 100,000 square feet can reduce the space used to 15,000 square feet. The Attabotics robotic warehousing sortation and fulfillment system interfaces with existing and future warehouse management systems. Attabotics’ unique structure configuration enables full sortation, sequencing and buffering capabilities within the existing footprint – stripping out the cost and space requirements for external sortation and providing this functionality within the existing footprint of the structure. The configurable geometry of the Attabotics system allows any robot to pick any bin. The system is extremely dense and is completely scalable. Robotic functions, including storage, retrieval, inventory, sortation, returns/replenishment, buffering capabilities, and workstations, etc. Learn More About The Micro-Fulfillment Opportunity Julien's LinkedIn Attabotics' LinkedIn Attabotics Home Delivery World 2022 CSCMP Edge 2022 Network Supply Chain Animation Video Attabotics Nest Agenda | PARCEL Forum '22 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/22/2022 • 57 minutes, 55 seconds
Truckload Pricing Dynamics with Jon Payne
Jon Payne and Joe Lynch discuss truckload pricing dynamics. Jon is the Director of Pricing Strategy & Analytics at Loadsmart, a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. About Jon Payne Jon Payne is the Director of Pricing Strategy & Analytics at Loadsmart, a leading digital freight technology company. Jon directs a team of Analysts & Data Scientists focused on optimizing algorithmic pricing and innovating business strategies by leveraging Loadsmart's supply and demand data. Under Jon's leadership, Loadsmart has developed and gone to market with several customized pricing solutions for shippers, including Reliable Contracts, a dynamic contract solution that guarantees 100% PTA and incentivizes Loadsmart to purchase below market. Prior to joining Loadsmart in 2019, Jon began his career as an Analyst in Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan. Jon holds a B.S. in Economics at Duke University where he also spent his 4 years in a leadership role as a Student Manager for the Men's Basketball Team. About Loadsmart Loadsmart is a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. By bringing shippers, carriers, and warehouses together on a connected platform, Loadsmart is helping to solve deep-rooted inefficiencies in transportation. Loadsmart’s Flatbed Messenger leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to bring the first supply-led marketplace. Flatbed Messenger eliminates empty miles by matching Home Depot’s dedicated capacity to Loadsmart shippers who need flatbed services. Enterprise brands looking to reduce empty miles from their dedicated/private flatbed capacity can reach out directly to flatbedmessenger@loadsmart.com for more information. Key Takeaways: Truckload Pricing Dynamics Jon Payne is the Director of Pricing Strategy & Analytics at Loadsmart, a leading digital freight technology company. In the podcast interview, Joe and Jon discussed truckload pricing dynamics including dynamic pricing engines, reliable contracts, and the network effect. Dynamic pricing enables shippers to get an instant freight quotes created by a dynamic pricing tool that delivers the right price with guaranteed capacity. No more back and forth emails and phone calls haggling over pricing. Dynamic pricing powered by artificial intelligence provides an instant rate that reflects the most updated market intelligence. Loadsmart also has the ability to quote multiple modes (LTL, Truckload, rail, etc.) Reliable contracts is Loadsmart’s antidote to the wild price swings that are common in the freight market. When a broker is unable to provide capacity for a given lane, the shipper sometimes finds themselves in the spot market, where they may pay dearly for a truck. Loadsmart’s reliable contracts solutions provides shippers with a target price and a “ceiling price” which is the not to exceed price. When a shipper working with Loadsmart pays above the target price, Loadsmart gets a reduced margin. With reliable contracts shippers are less likely to be forced in the spot rate market and Loadsmart has an incentive to meet the target price. Reliable contracts ensures that Loadsmart is aligned with the customer (shipper) which leads to better lane coverage, lower pricing, and a win-win relationship between Loadsmart and their customer. Loadsmart now benefits from the “network effect” which means they have sufficient scale (shipments moved) that they have more data, more insights, more capacity, and more capability to do help their customers and carrier partners. If you are a carrier looking for a back haul, Loadsmart is more likely to have a solution because they probably have freight in your vicinity. Loadsmart is a Chicago-based freight tech company founded in 2014. As the ‘nerds of logistics’, they seek intelligence in data to solve deep rooted inefficiencies in the industry. Pairing advanced technologies with deep-seated industry expertise, Loadsmart fuels growth, simplifies operational complexity and bolsters efficiency for carriers and shippers alike. Loadsmart gives their customers access to their data connections that link supply and demand in addition to a suite of award-winning solutions to strike the perfect balance of cost and service. Loadsmart has acquired or developed a full suite of freight tech solutions that enables them to better serve shippers and carriers: Kamion (truck management system), RFP Guide (RFP management), OpenDock (dock scheduling). Learn More About Truckload Pricing Dynamics Jon's LinkedIn Loadsmart LinkedIn Loadsmart Market Recap Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella What Will Tomorrow’s Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan Home Depot’s Empty Mile Solution with Eduardo Silva Redefining Freight Brokerage with Nick Jensen The Market Recap with Chloe Castillo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/20/2022 • 49 minutes, 9 seconds
REPOST: Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon
Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon Larry Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss owning the customer experience. Larry is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital, a global technology services company that provides digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients across multiple industries. About Larry Gordon Larry Gordon is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital. Prior to joining Emtec, Larry has held senior leadership positions at Cognizant and Capgemini and has founded and led IT services and software companies in the security, devops and digital transformation segments. He has also been a successful angel investor in the energy and cloud spaces. About Emtec Emtec is a global IT consultancy dedicated to helping world class organizations in the enterprise, education, and government markets drive transformation and growth by employing the latest enterprise technologies and innovative business processes. We empower our clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences to better compete and ultimately lead in their industry. Our “Client for Life” approach is built upon over 20 years of delivering rapid, meaningful, and lasting business value. Our offerings span the IT spectrum from Advisory, Applications (Enterprise, Custom, Mobile and Cloud) as well as Intelligent Automation, Analytic, Cyber Security and Infrastructure Services. Key Takeaways: Owning The Customer Experience Larry Gordon is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital, a firm that empowers their transportation and logistics clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences. In the podcast interview, Larry explains how the customer experience is increasingly enabled by technology. Consumer technology companies like Amazon have raised the bar on customer experience. Leading transportation, logistics, and warehousing companies are investing to deliver the best customer experience. The 3PL market is separating between the “haves” who have game-changing technology and the “have-nots” who are unable or unwilling to invest in technology. In the past, IT service companies developed systems that were focused on operational and financial functions that were not seen or use by the firm’s customers. Today, IT service companies are not just not just developing systems that streamline the process – they are delivering customer experiences. When the customer is regularly interacting with the technology, the bar is very high. IT services companies who are developing customer experiences, work closely with customers (end customers) to understand their unique preferences. Emtec develops digital products or platforms that are customer facing – products that have the ability to delight customers and give your company a competitive advantage. Emtec is a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. Emtec also works some of the leading technology companies in the freight tech space. Learn More About Owning The Customer Experience Larry Gordon LinkedIn Emtec Emtec Digital The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/18/2022 • 46 minutes, 42 seconds
An Alternative to LTL with David Lynch
David Lynch and Joe Lynch discuss alternatives to LTL. David is the VP of Growth at Warp, a tech-centric logistics company that connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. About David Lynch David Lynch is WARP's new VP of Growth tasked with telling the story of the new disruptive start up taking on the middle mile giants of today. Prior to WARP, David spent 5 years at LineTen Logistics, a last mile orchestration layer solving problems for the largest retailers in Europe, the US, Canada and Mexico. While at LineTen, David advised companies from the Medicinal Cannabis sector to Customer Engagement technologies startups supporting sales operations. David studied at the University College Cork, in Ireland and from there spent the last ten years between Spain, Canada, the US and England. David is excited to be on the show and thanks Joe for the amazing opportunity to chat all things Middle Mile! About Warp Warp connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. The first freight network of its kind, Warp weaves together digital pooling, back-hauls, and physical consolidation points (Warp Stations), to provide shippers with a cost structure for shippers previously unthinkable with old school trucking companies. Key Takeaways: An Alternative to LTL David Lynch is the VP of Growth at Warp, a tech-centric logistics company that connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. In the podcast interview, David and Joe discussed alternatives to LTL. LTL stands for less than truckload shipping. The LTL industry and carriers are critically important to the economy. However, there are issues with LTL that has some shippers looking for alternatives. Some of the issues are lack of capacity, complex billing, higher cost per unit, slower transit times, extra handling, loss, and damage as compared to truckload shipping. To serve the growing middle mile and final mile needs of shippers, companies like Warp have emerged as alternatives to LTL carriers. Warp uses an optimized network of cross docks and carriers connected through one tech platform to bring shippers the best rates, transparency and service quality in the transportation industry. Using proprietary technology, Warp connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to digitize the old school trucking model and create the most efficient routes for middle-mile freight. Warp weaves together digital pooling and physical consolidation points, to provide shippers a cost structure previously unthinkable with outdated trucking companies. Warp connects all parties together with their own TMS, WMS and driver app which allows Warp customers to have pallet-level tracking throughout a shipment’s journey. Learn Mora About An Alternative to LTL David's LinkedIn Warp’s LinkedIn Warp The Warp Story with Daniel Sokolovsky The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/15/2022 • 57 minutes, 48 seconds
Supply Chain Disruptions Are Here to Stay with Steve Elwell
Steve Elwell and Joe Lynch discuss why supply chain disruptions are here to stay. Steve is he Managing Director of Haxlar, an integrated manufacturing solutions provider, delivering design, manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain, and product management services for a wide range of industries. About Steve Elwell Steve Elwell is the Managing Director of Haxlar, a contract manufacturing company that offers custom-tailored, flexible, and highly competitive contract manufacturing solutions. Steve is also the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is an expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 6 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and an MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About Haxlar Haxlar is an integrated manufacturing solutions provider, delivering design, manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain, and product management services for a wide range of industries. Whether turn-key component sourcing, or joint development and manufacturing, Haxler is a partner you can count on. From industrial design and prototyping, to precision engineering, low to high volume mass production, advanced global sourcing, and complex supply chain management, Haxlar’s experienced global team provides premier services using state of the art technologies, that fit the needs of your business today and in to the future. Key Takeaways: Supply Chain Disruptions Are Here to Stay Steve Elwell is the Managing Director of Haxlar, a contract manufacturing company that offers custom-tailored, flexible, and highly competitive contract manufacturing solutions. In the podcast interview, Steve and Joe discuss why supply chain disruptions are here to stay. Short-term concerns that will cause supply chain disruptions. Economic including a potential recession and inflation Covid issues like inventory imbalances, and supply & demand signals hard to predict, shutdowns, transportation issues, etc. Political issues including fuel costs and California driver impact from AB5. Global order changes especially in China, Ukraine, and Russia China is no longer a low cost country and they are facing demographic and political issues. The Ukraine/Russia war is going to cause food shortages and possibly famines. Supply chain professionals must assess the risk to their supply chains. Understand current situation and minimize risk. Solutions like nearshoring are available, but necessarily fast or easy. Learn More About Supply Chain Disruptions Are Here to Stay Steve's LinkedIn Haxlar Zeihan on Politics China's Demographic Collapse and Geography - Peter Zeihan What Will The World Look Like in Five Years? Previous Podcasts with Steve Elwell: Make Heroes, Make Money with Steve Elwell Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends with Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/13/2022 • 48 minutes, 2 seconds
REPOST: The Transfix Story with Drew McElroy
Drew McElroy and Joe Lynch discuss the Transfix story. Drew is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. About Drew McElroy Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix. After seeding the idea of the first freight marketplace, Drew has helped Transfix mature from an industry upstart into Forbes’ “Next Billion Dollar company. Prior to founding Transfix in 2013, Drew was the President of Priority Distribution Inc. (PDI), a mid-market transportation management and third-party logistics provider (3PL). He officially joined the company as Director of Business Development in May 2004 but had been working with his parents at PDI over the summer since he was 12. He helped the company scale from three people to 20 people, grew revenue by 4x, and was one of the first 3PL to work with SaaS and TMS solutions. Drew also previously served as the President of the New Jersey Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and International Business from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He currently resides in Manhattan. About Transfix Transfix is a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. The company combines deep industry expertise and a world-class class carrier network with advanced technology. The result? Competitive pricing, superior service and reliability, and an intelligent platform designed to optimize the supply chain from start to finish. Today, some of the world's most recognized brands rely on Transfix's trusted carrier network. Transfix was named one of Forbes' "Next Billion-Dollar Startups" and is headquartered in the heart of New York City. Key Takeaways: The Transfix Story Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. In the podcast interview, Drew describes his personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges he and his Co-founder, Jonathan Salama have experienced since starting Transfix. Transfix is a leading freight marketplace connecting shippers to a national network of reliable carriers. Fortune 500 companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Unilever, and Target rely on Transfix to handle their most important FTL freight needs. With instant pricing tools, guaranteed capacity, data-driven insights, and reliable service, Transfix is changing the world of transportation one load at a time. Transfix’s technology can quote thousands of loads in under a minute and manage the entire process from beginning to delivery-- saving shippers hours each day. Transfix was named one of Forbes' "Next Billion-Dollar Company" in 2018. Learn More About The Transfix Story Drew McElroy LinkedIn Transfix LinkedIn Transfix website Transfix Market Updates The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/11/2022 • 59 minutes, 32 seconds
TMSA Key Takeaways with Jennifer Karpus-Romain
Jennifer Karpus-Romain and Joe Lynch discuss TMSA key takeaways. Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA), an association that enables sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections and resources for close to a century. About Jennifer Karpus-Romain Jennifer serves as the Executive Director at the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) and as an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College teaching social media. Previously, she was Director of Marketing for Faye, a software integration firm, and has also held roles in the publishing and marketing industries, and managed her own content and publishing firm. Karpus-Romain has her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and received her MBA from Capella University. About Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) Sales and marketing professionals in the logistics and transportation industry come to the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA)as the place to learn, to grow, to have fun together and to make lasting connections. Members enjoy access to live events, virtual forums and exclusive member-only benefits. The association was founded in 1924 and has gone through many names and iterations throughout the years, but it’s mission to be the resource for its members has never changed. Key Takeaways: TMSA Key Takeaways Jennifer Karpus-Romain is the Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA). TMSA has been enabling sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections and resources for close to a century. In the podcast interview, Jennifer shared the key takeaways from the TMSA conference held June 5-7 in Orlando, FL. The 5 key takeaways that Jennifer shared are: Just start – whatever ideas or strategies you have for improving sales and marketing, stop planning and begin. Just do it! Stay connected – To grow your sales and keep current, stay connected to our everchanging industry, customers, prospective customers, and your network. Create value – Most sales and marketing teams focus only on selling, while the best focus on educating and adding value for existing and prospective customers. Focused investments – There are dozens of ways to invest in improved sales and marketing, however the companies that are most successful research their options and make focused investments rather than making lots of small investments that are less likely to produce an ROI. Find inspiration – Sales and marketing is tough and keeping the faith is sometimes difficult. To keep energized, find ways to keep yourself and your team inspired. Learn More About TMSA Key Takeaways Jennifer's LinkedIn TMSA LinkedIn Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) 5 Takeaways from the 2022 TMSA Annual Conference The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/8/2022 • 54 minutes, 5 seconds
The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation with Lisa Morales Hellebo
Lisa Morales-Hellebo and Joe Lynch discuss The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation. Lisa is the Co-Founder and GP at REFASHIOND Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund manager that invests in early stage supply chain technology. About Lisa Morales-Hellebo Lisa Morales-Hellebo is a VC, seasoned entrepreneur, product strategist, and community builder. She has honed her skills for spotting and coaching winning teams over her 27+ years working with startups to F500s on strategy and execution across branding, product development, and innovation. She is passionate about helping fashion tech and supply chain startups achieve industry adoption, growth, and scale. Lisa is catalyzing the paradigm shift to localized fashion demand chains as CEO and Co-founder of REFASHIOND OS (rOS), a startup that is building an operating system that connects the global fashion value chain, from fibers to finished goods; starting with Made in the USA. She is also co-founder of The World Supply Chain Federation, an organization that is changing how supply chain professionals learn about, collaborate, and adopt supply chain innovation around the world. The New York Supply Chain Meetup is its founding chapter, attracting hundreds of attendees from around the globe to its monthly events. Lisa has co-founded and is general partner of REFASHIOND Ventures — an NYC-based, early-stage supply chain technology venture fund that invests in startups refashioning global supply chains. She’s a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, serves on select Advisory Boards, and has been featured in numerous publications. About REFASHIOND Ventures REFASHIOND Ventures is raising an early stage supply chain technology fund, sourcing deals from The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation’s network of 33,000+ innovators, whilst leveraging our operating experience, and strong engagements with corporate LPs as both investors and market-validating customers of our portfolio companies. About The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation The World Supply Chain Federation (TNYSC) will become the world’s foremost multi-disciplinary community of practice for individuals and organizations committed to investigating and developing solutions for problems in global supply chain networks at startups, large corporations, academic institutions, and everything in between. A particular area of interest is the use of distributed ledger technologies, and other cutting edge technologies, as a foundation for innovation in supply chain networks. Key Takeaways: The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation Lisa Morales-Hellebo is the Co-founder and General Partner at REFASHIOND Ventures. Lisa is also the Co-founder of the Worldwide Supply Chain Federation. Refashiond champions companies refashioning supply chains. Refashiond Ventures is raising an early stage supply chain technology fund, sourcing deals from The World Supply Chain Federation’s network of 33,000+ innovators, whilst leveraging their operating experience, and strong engagements with corporate limited partners as both investors and market-validating customers of their portfolio companies. The Refashioned team believes that supply chains are being refashioned for the following reasons: Unprecedented convergence is occurring due to digitization. Global trade and consumption are increasing. Sustainability The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation is the collaborative, and mutually supportive coalition of grassroots communities focused on technology and innovation in the global supply chain industry. The New York Supply Chain Meetup is its founding chapter of the Worldwide Supply Chain Federation. TWSCF Mission: To nurture and grow the world’s foremost open, global, multidisciplinary community of people devoted to building the supply chain networks of the future. TWSCF Vision: To create a global movement; the largest community on the planet of people obsessed with supply chain technology and innovation. Learn More About The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation Lisa's LinkedIn Lisa's Blog REFASHIOND Ventures LinkedIn REFASHIOND Ventures The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation Booklet – The World is a Supply Chain The REFASHIOND Ventures Story with Brian Aoaeh The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/6/2022 • 35 minutes, 35 seconds
The ShipX Story with Solomon Zakinov
Solomon Zakinov and Joe Lynch discuss the ShipX story. Solomon is the CEO and founder of ShipX, an innovative final-mile delivery service and software solution ensuring quality performance for an exceptional customer experience. About Solomon Zakinov Solomon Zakinov is the CEO and founder of ShipX, a technology enabled e-commerce delivery company that helps retailers, 3PLs and other shippers execute seamless first, middle, and final mile delivery. He has spent the last ten years building and working with companies in the ecommerce space. First at his own ecommerce company and then at Ruby Has Fulfillment where he served as the head of sales and business development. About ShipX ShipX is an innovative final-mile delivery service and software solution ensuring quality performance for an exceptional customer experience. Their mission is to deliver reliable, cost-effective end-to-end solutions to complex shipping challenges through streamlining processes and leveraging best-in-class technology. Their state-of-the-art infrastructure and industry-leading API, provide continuous parcel tracking, customized support, and greater efficiencies at every touchpoint. From dock to door, the ShipX system is engineered for superior speed and the careful handling required of final-mile delivery. Key Takeaways: The ShipX Story Solomon Zakinov is the Founder and CEO of ShipX, a tech-enabled delivery service provider that helps ecommerce, retail and 3PL shippers optimize and execute deliveries seamlessly, from first to middle to final mile. In the podcast interview, Joe and Solomon discussed Solomon’s career and the founding of ShipX. ShipX is a final mile parcel delivery service that helps ecommerce, retail, and 3PL shippers execute seamless, door-to-door, last mile delivery in the US market. ShipX provides an efficient, reliable affordable alternative to the handful of national delivery carriers that dominate — and restrict — the shipping marketplace. ShipX aims to be flexible partner providing ecommerce shippers with innovative shipping options. We'll tailor unified delivery solutions based on the parameters of your shipping volume and urgency. ShipX does the heavy lifting by identifying and unifying top performing carriers into one reliable shipping solution that can be monitored and managed on a single, fully transparent technology platform. The ShipX team is a group of problem-solvers whose goal is to accommodate the evolving needs of today today's shippers. Learn More About The ShipX Story Solomon's LinkedIn ShipX LinkedIn ShipX The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/1/2022 • 43 minutes, 3 seconds
Why Freight Tech Fails with Mike Wolf
Mike Wolf and Joe Lynch discuss why freight tech fails. Mike is a Client Engagement Director at JBF Consulting, a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. About Mike Wolf Mike Wolf is a Client Engagement Director at JBF Consulting. Mike has extensive experience in Transportation and Logistics from procurement through operations leadership spanning 25+ years. His experience is deep in transportation and the CPG / Beverage Industry with particular expertise in leveraging change management skills to ensure changes are adopted and maximize the intended value, including implementing new systems, modes, suppliers or shipping points and carriers. Mike earned his BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of Tennessee. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF’s background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: Why Freight Tech Fails Mike Wolf is a Client Engagement Director at JBF Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping shippers of all sizes and across many industries select, implement and squeeze as much value as possible out of their logistics systems. In the podcast interview, Mike describes why freight tech fails and what can be done to improve the situation. Mike and the JBF team have learned that freight tech failures can be separated into 3 categories: Strategic misalignment – selected the wrong technology to solve the problem, inadequate ROI, vague business goals, not knowledgeable of the freight tech marketplace which is complex and everchanging. Implementation issues – lack of freight tech project management expertise in-house, team members not experienced in freight tech implementations, lack of buy-in, poor planning, and host of other problems that ruin projects and careers. Lack of continuous improvement – once the technology is implemented companies want to disband the team and move on, which often leads to under-utilized technology, misguided work-arounds, and a poor ROI. JBF Consulting works with shippers to solve the problems described above. Since JBF only works on logistics and supply chain technology, they have the expertise and experience to solve even the most difficult challenges. JBF uses a proven framework for selecting, implementing, and maximizing the impact of freight technology. Learn More About Why Freight Tech Fails Mike's LinkedIn JBF Consulting LinkedIn JBF Consulting Shipper Pain Points with Brad Forester Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/29/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 1 second
REPOST: 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends with Steve Elwell
Joe Lynch and Steve Elwell discuss 3 emerging supply chain trends. Steve helps businesses manage challenges through improvements to leadership, liquidity, sales, and costs. About Steve Elwell Steve Elwell is the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is an expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 6 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and an MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About iDev Partners iDev Partners provides growth and turnaround services to owners and executives of small and medium-sized automotive, industrial, and technology businesses. Areas of focus include new market entry, new product development, sales effectiveness, partnerships and alliances, operational excellence, and financial management. Key Takeaways: 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends Steve Elwell is the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. In this podcast, Joe and Steve discuss 3 emerging supply chain trends. Trend #1: China represent a higher supply chain risk There is significant political risk with the current Chinese government leadership. An older, more expensive population means China is not a low-cost country for business. The housing/financial issues within China threaten the country’s financial stability. Ongoing infrastructure and water issues has the potential to disrupt supply chains. Trend #2: Near sourcing and shorter supply chains Many companies are moving to supply chain partners located in North America to reduce supply chain risk, transportation costs, transportation time, and environmental impact. The port congestion and challenges caused by the pandemic highlighted the problem with suppliers from Asia. Trend #3: Better decision making enabled by end-to-end connectivity, transparency, and visibility. Investment in technology is enabling companies to make better decisions because they have visibility into their supply chains. Soon, supply chains will be connected from order-to-cash or end-to-end, which that there will be a “digital twin” that represents the physical supply chain (reality). Top supply chains practitioners are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to run millions of possible SC scenarios with the goal of reducing risk, while increasing resiliency, and profits. Learn More About 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends Steve Elwell iDev Partners Previous Podcasts with Steve Elwell: Make Heroes, Make Money with Steve Elwell Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
The Axle Payments Story with Shawn Vo
Shawn Vo and Joe Lynch discuss the Axle Payments story. Shawn is Co-Founder & CTO at Axle, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. About Shawn Vo Shawn Vo is chief technology officer and co-founder of Axle, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Shawn spent seven years in financial technology, building software for fast-growing startups and consulting for the top 20 largest banks before starting Axle with his longtime business partner and friend, Bharath Krishnamoorthy. As CTO, Shawn leads Axle’s technology strategy, product development, data operations, and development of a technical framework to support the company’s rapid growth. His expertise and innovation have helped bring new levels of automation and modernization to a historically pen-and-paper industry. Shawn runs an ever-expanding group of engineers tasked with building new products at pace while fostering a culture of tenacity and transparency. Shawn is an angel investor in fintech and developer tools. He holds certifications for machine learning from the University of Washington and advanced cybersecurity from Stanford. About Axle Axle is a financial enablement platform that specializes in freight broker end-to-end automation and intelligent back-office tools that is rapidly disrupting the $2 trillion logistics sector. Its proprietary technology allows freight brokers to simplify their financing operations and easily access the working capital they need to grow in a competitive market. Axle automates invoicing, collections, and payments - ultimately reducing daily freight broker tasks by 75%. A remote-first company, Axle has been named a Best Place To Work by Built In. Key Takeaways: The Axle Payments Story Shawn Vo is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Axle, a payments automation and financing platform for freight and logistics. In the podcast interview, Joe and Shawn discuss Shawn’s personal and professional journey including the founding of Axle Payments. Axle’s proprietary technology allows freight brokers to simplify their financing operations and easily access the working capital they need to grow. Axle automates invoicing, collections, and payments – ultimately delivering a better customer experience. The most asked questions in the freight business are “where is my stuff” and “where is my money.” The visibility folks can answer the first question and Axle can help you with the money question. Shawn and the Axle team help brokers and carriers understand exactly where their money is – they are where freight-tech meets fin-tech. The Axle team are experts in logistics, finance, and tech. Axle is the all-in-one financial platform for freight brokers. Hundreds of freight brokers trust Axle to manage their working capital, carrier payments, and back office processes. Learn More About The Axle Payments Story Shawn's LinkedIn Axle LikedIn Axle The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/24/2022 • 45 minutes, 24 seconds
Yet Another Tech Company with Robert Goss
Robert Goss and Joe Lynch discuss Yet Another Tech Company. Robert is is Co-Founder and CEO at YAT which stands for “Yet Another Technology” Company, a cutting-edge Logistics Augmentation Engine. About Robert Goss Robert Goss is Co-Founder and CEO at YAT since its founding in 2020. Prior to YAT, he spent a short time building healthcare data solutions at Waystar. His logistics industry background was rooted in the Data Science team at YRC Worldwide, now Yellow, working on various data focused projects including sales focused analytics and a machine learning driven single view of customer platform. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he has a bachelor’s degree in finance. About YAT YAT (Yet Another Tech Company) is not just a clever name; it’s a cutting-edge Logistics Augmentation Engine. The platform empowers brokers with pricing and capacity management tools, each driven by algorithms based on a dual market approach that reduces the fragmentation and anxiety in a broker’s world and tech stack. With a focus on helping brokers simultaneously grow both margin and revenue, YAT's holistic approach provides brokerage leadership the technology tools needed to execute data driven strategies for their niche and customer base. Key Takeaways: Yet Another Tech Company YAT enables brokers to grow their business that fits their carrier network. YAT allows your company’s sales team to operate like seasoned veterans by providing them with the following: Advanced quoting algorithm provides pricing for full, partial and multi-stop loads across all equipment types Simple UI with extensive insight for advanced users Customer segmentation automates margin management by account and equipment type Exception management and flagging system centralizes and disseminates tribal knowledge in real time Data cleaning and validation ensures historical rate integrity YAT empowers employees to continuously improve their productivity by enabling them to become more efficient, more informed and more confident. Brokers leverage YAT Augmented Logistics technology to provide a single source of truth, remove efficiency barriers, reclaim Sales & Ops manager time, gain visibility into carrier & customer interactions and surface crucial insights in every-day workflows. Learn More About Yet Another Tech Company Robert's LinkedIn YAT LinkedIn YAT The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/22/2022 • 53 minutes, 22 seconds
The NYSHEX Story with Gordon Downes
Gordon Downes and Joe Lynch discuss the NYSHEX story. Gordon is the Co-founder and CEO at NYSHEX, a company that exists to help restore trust and reliability to global trade so everybody wins. About Gordon Downes Prior to starting NYSHEX with the mission to enable more reliable shipping, Gordon spent 12 years with a carrier at Maersk and 3 years with a shipper at SABMiller (now ABInbev). He holds an MBA from Cambridge University in the UK, and degrees in economics and law from the University of Natal in South Africa. About NYSHEX NYSHEX is the leader in two-way committed contracts. Our neutral exchange unites shippers and carriers with a predictable, efficient, and accountable system for global commerce. They are building a better tomorrow; they are a truly revolutionary company that’s transforming logistics for good. They are providing market infrastructure to help restore trust and reliability and make global trade work so everyone wins. Key Takeaways: The NYSHEX Story Gordon Downes is the Co-founder and CEO of NYSHEX, a company that exists to help restore trust and reliability to global trade so everybody wins. In the podcast interview, Gordon and Joe discussed Gordon’s personal and entrepreneurial story along with the story of how NYSHEX was founded. Founded in 2015, NYSHEX is a digital trading platform, which enables shippers and ocean carriers to enter into digital forward contracts. NYSHEX has developed a standardized contract template that can be used by both ocean shippers and ocean carriers. NYSHEX provides shippers and carriers with an independent monitoring service to ensure compliance with the terms of the transaction, issue determinations of fault, and facilitate collection of payment or liquidated damages when appropriate. NYSHEX ensures guaranteed rates and space allocation from six of the top ten global carriers, which drastically increases contract reliability between both parties. NYSHEX’s platform also offers real-time data analytics, allowing shippers to view and monitor all outstanding contracts from various carriers on a single platform. NYSHEX is the leader in two-way committed contracts and a neutral exchange that unites shippers and carriers with a predictable, efficient, and accountable system for global commerce. NYSHEX helps shippers improve supply chain reliability and landed cost certainty through committed ocean contracts. NYSHEX helps carriers maximize vessel utilization and provide a better experience to their customers. Learn More About The NYSHEX Story Gordon's LinkedIn NYSHEX LinkedIn NYSHEX The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/20/2022 • 41 minutes, 56 seconds
Inventory is Everything with Jeff Flowers
Jeff Flowers and Joe Lynch discuss why inventory is everything. Jeff Flowers is the Chief Operating Officer of OneRail, a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. About Jeff Flowers Jeff Flowers is the Chief Operating Officer for OneRail. Jeff’s professional career began in accounting and finance roles within the Cable Television, High Speed Data and IPTV industry. Quickly moving towards his true passion of operations, Jeff spent 2006-2016 in various roles with the nation’s largest building products Distributor, BlueLinx. In his last role at Bluelinx, Jeff was the General Manager of Metal Products Business Unit which generated $250M in revenue sourcing products from 17 different countries serving 18,000 SKUs to national, regional and local building products retailers. In 2016, Jeff partnered with Franklin Young to purchase PTI Security, a leader in Physical Access Control and with support from Source Capital, an Atlanta based Private Equity firm. While there, Jeff was the Chief Operating Officer of PTI where he served the teams that helped grow PTI to 72% market share and transform legacy diskette based software to a cloud based architecture with a leading electronic locking solution. When PTI was sold to HID Global in 2019, Jeff was fortunate to be offered the position of COO and CFO by Bill and Lisa Catania with OneRail where he serves the teams that work to implement, onboard service our customers as they leverage OneRail to productize end-to-end delivery fulfillment in order to create a leading competitive advantage. About OneRail Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, OneRail was founded in 2018 by Bill Catania, a serial entrepreneur from the FinTech world, and his wife, Lisa Catania. OneRail is a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. OneRail’s cloud-based “delivery switch” simplifies same-day and on-demand delivery execution by connecting the demand signal (POS, eCommerce, ERP) with an ecosystem of delivery networks and internal fleets, in real-time. The result of OneRail’s centralized view of disparate final mile data enables data-driven optimization, positively impacting the dependability, speed, and cost of final mile fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Inventory is Everything Jeff Flowers is the Chief Operating Officer of OneRail, a last mile delivery solution that reduces delivery times and costs, while providing 100% visibility and a responsive customer experience. In the podcast interview, Jeff explains the importance of effective inventory management to supply chains. Inventory is tricky – buy too little and miss out on potential sales, but buy too much and your carrying costs rise. Managing inventory is very difficult and even the best firms have stumbled recently and it impacted their quarterly earnings. Below are some threats to successful inventory management that Jeff and Joe discussed: The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract expires on July 1. The ILWU is a labor union which primarily represents dock workers on the West Coast of the United States, Hawaii, and in British Columbia, Canada. The ILWU represents more than 22,000 workers at 29 ports and a strike would be a huge disruption to already brittle supply chains. With supply and demand becoming very unpredictable during Covid, many companies, particularly retailers, found themselves with too much of the wrong inventory and not enough of the right inventory. Jeff and his team at OneRail partner with many brands and retailers to eliminate or greatly reduce these problems. Inventory placement and excess inventory are big problems that omni-channel retailers face. Companies can meet these challenges by partnering with OneRail. OneRail use technology, data, and a marketplace of transportation options to greatly reduce costs, while improving the delivery experience. OneRail’s comprehensive 4-in-1 delivery fulfillment solution combines leading technology with a coast-to-coast courier network, a skilled 24/7 Exceptions team and a micro fulfillment labor force to solve last mile logistics more comprehensively than any other solution in the space. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. OneRail has the largest integrated courier network in the last mile space – a managed marketplace with instant access to 9 million drivers, 292 courier entities and more than 65 logistics companies across 220 major U.S. cities. Learn More About Inventory is Everything Jeff's LinkedIn OneRail LinkedIn OneRail The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania Delivering The Brand Promise With Eric Green The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/17/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds
Thinking Like a CEO with Dan Slagen
Dan Slagen and Joe Lynch discuss thinking like a CEO and why it is so important these days for every employee regardless of their job function. Dan is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Tomorrow.io and the author of Understanding Start-Up CEOs: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One. About Dan Slagen Dan Slagen is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Tomorrow.io, and a 4-time start-up executive specializing in scaling global go-to-market functions from early stage to $100M+ in annual revenue. With experience in both private and public companies such as HubSpot and Wayfair, Dan has built teams across marketing, growth, sales, customer success, business development, and founded and sold a video technology startup of his own. A frequent speaker and advisor, Dan has spoken at more than 50 conferences and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, TechCrunch, and Bloomberg TV amongst others. Above all else, Dan believes in creativity, drive, and a people first mentality. Dan graduated from Endicott College with a degree in international business and marketing, and currently lives with his family in Boston, Massachusetts. About Understanding Start-Up CEOs: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One Do you ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a CEO? What are they thinking? What motivates them? How can I be successful working for one? These are all common questions that if go unanswered make it seem like CEOs are impossible to understand. To successfully work with the CEO at any organization, you need to perform at a level you might not be used to from past positions, company cultures, or expectations. In addition, expect your relationship with the CEO to present both unique career-building opportunities as well as daunting and over-whelming challenges at times. Above all else though, remember that one of your CEO’s core functions is to make sure the right people are in the right positions at all times, which means your boss will be looking at you more times than you might think and asking whether you’re still the right fit given the needs of the company. This book, purposefully conversational in tone, focuses on how you can do 10x better in your role by thinking like a CEO. About Tomorrow.io Tomorrow.io is The World’s Weather and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Fully customizable to any industry impacted by the weather, customers around the world including ITS ConGlobal, Uber, Delta, Ford, National Grid, and more use Tomorrow.io to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Tomorrow.io was built from the ground up to help teams prepare for the business impact of weather by automating decision-making and enabling climate adaptation at scale. Key Takeaways: Thinking Like a CEO Dan Slagen is the CMO of Tomorrow.io and the author of Understanding Start-Up CEOs: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One. Dan has led teams at both private and public companies, with significant experience reporting to the CEO. In the podcast interview, Dan shares the how to think like a CEO – see his insights below: The CEO Mindset They know it's broken/take it off their plate – bring solutions! CEO’s hear everything going on in the organization so conduct yourself properly especially when "nobody is watching." Predictive adaptation/phase planning/anticipate CEOs are successful because they don’t quit or accept no for an answer. Performance and Leadership Use story-telling to describe the problem and your recommended solution. Be a daily active user of the services or tech that your company sells. Raise the bar/hire owners. Managing Yourself CEOs generally take care of themselves and you should too. Manage your energy (energize, don't lose steam, mental challenges). Don't ignore your life (stay in shape, hobbies, family, friends...etc). Believe in the mission, show up and compete. Be grateful, positive, and expect good things to happen. Learn More About Thinking Like a CEO Dan's LinkedIn Tomorrow.io LinkedIn Tomorrow.io Understanding Start-Up CEOs: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One Why Your Shipment is Late with Ayala Rudoy The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/15/2022 • 44 minutes, 34 seconds
DTC Logistics Innovation with Rick Watson
Rick Watson and Joe Lynch discuss DTC Logistics innovation. Rick founded RMW Commerce Consulting, a boutique ecommerce consultancy that supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. About Rick Watson Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company’s flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company’s product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com. About RMW Commerce Consulting RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Key Takeaways: DTC Logistics Innovation Rick Watson is the Founder and CEO of RMW Commerce, a consulting company focused on helping investors and management teams grow their digital commerce initiatives. In the podcast interview, Rick and Joe discussed DTC logistics innovation and some of the recent moves by industry leaders in the retail and logistics verticals. DTC is an acronym for “direct to consumer.” Rick and Joe explored the topics below: The term dark store, dark shop, dark supermarket refers to a retail outlet or distribution center that exists exclusively for online shopping. A dark store is generally a large warehouse that can either be used to facilitate a "click-and-collect" service, where a customer collects an item they have ordered online, or as an order fulfillment platform for online sales. The dark store format was initiated in the United Kingdom and Europe during Covid times. It is not clear whether the trend will gain traction in the USA. American Eagle Outfitters acquired both Quiet Logistics and Airterra demonstrating their commitment to DTC business. Amazon partners with mom-and-pop stores to serve rural areas. This experimental program aims to speed up delivery times to sparsely-populated areas. Currently, Amazon partners with the USPS for final mile deliveries in rural areas. Some USPS shipments from Amazon have to be picked up at the local post office. The new service further enhances Amazon’s reputation as the best delivery provider. Learn More About DTC Logistics Innovation Rick Watson’s LinkedIn RMW Commerce Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Amazon’s Retail Strategy with Rick Watson Watson Weekly Podcast Fanatics Adopts American Eagle Quiet Platforms for Same-day/Next-Day The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/13/2022 • 53 minutes, 55 seconds
The Competitive Advantage with David Bell and Peter Rentschler
In this episode, Joe Lynch interviews David Bell and Peter Rentschler about the new partnership between their companies along with building a competitive advantage in the transportation and logistics space. About David Bell David Bell has been a leader in the transportation industry for over 25 years, beginning his industry career in 1993. In his early career, he started as a dispatcher at Precise Transportation and then joined Gateway Transportation Services as the Operations Manager. In 2001, Mr. Bell joined Cargo Transportation Services, Inc., where he served as CEO until 2011 when Cargo was bought by Smith Transportation Services, Inc. David was an equity holder and the COO of Smith Transportation until 2018 when it was sold to a Private Equity firm. About Peter Rentschler Peter Rentschler is the CEO of Metafora, an industry-leading management consulting and software development firm. Peter leads client service and engagement delivery. He has advised carriers and 3PLs to create and implement long-term strategies enabled through organizational change and operational efficiency. Having worked for enterprise and boutique consulting firms, Peter has worked with clients across multiple industries including transportation, retail, technology, insurance, and finance. Passionate about the future of freight, Peter and Metafora are moved by the impact people and technology have on businesses, and the ability each have to make substantial impacts tomorrow. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group (LSG) is a nearshore and offshore service provider that focuses on expanding and enhancing its client businesses. LSG’s broad offering ranges from staffing to technology, marketing, sales, and BPO services. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce, companies need an edge that will help them win; LSG is that edge. LSG helps its clients set up and establish satellite offices in beautiful countries like Colombia, Guatemala, and the Philippines. LSG’s team consists of qualified bilingual professionals eager to take on new challenges and become a part of your company. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 500 satisfied U.S.-based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office is staffed with highly educated, English-speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they handle the entire process with their account managers. About Metafora Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. They partner with carriers, shippers, and freight tech vendors to help them optimize their business and build software to fuel their growth. Welcome to the new way forward. Welcome to Metafora. Key Takeaways: The Competitive Advantage David Bell is a Co-founder of Lean Solutions Group, a nearshore service provider that delivers high-quality business solutions in staffing, tech, marketing, and sales for U.S.-based companies. Peter Rentschler is CEO of Metafora, a management consulting and technology delivery firm focused on transportation, logistics, and supply chain. In the podcast interview, David and Peter discuss the new partnership between their companies along with the competitive advantage in the transportation and logistics space. Metafora and Lean Solutions Group are partnering to provide IT consulting and tech development services to companies in the transportation, logistics and supply chain sectors. Metafora, formerly CarrierDirect, is a management consulting and tech development firm. Lean Solutions Group will work with Metafora to provide recruitment, staffing, and team spin-up services delivered from the Lean’s nearshore satellite locations in Latin America. To compete and win the transportation and logistics space, David and Peter believe that firms must excel in the following 3 areas: A company vision that informs everything the company does – the why, what, and how they do business. Technology and operational excellence that enables the company to serve their current clients and grow, while making a healthy profit. A talent and recruiting strategy that includes a nearshoring partner like Lean Solutions Group. LSG is a nearshore service provider that delivers high-quality business solutions in staffing, tech, marketing, and sales for U.S.-based companies. This strategic partnership between LSG and Metafora is designed to directly address the labor shortage in the logistics industry by improving processes and getting reliable nearshore talent. Learn More About The Competitive Advantage David's LinkedIn Lean Solutions Group LinkedIn Lean Solutions Group Peter's LinkedIn Metafora LinkedIn Metafora website The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena Digitizing Check Calls with Trey Griggs and Ryan Rogers The Metafora Story with Peter Rentschler Metafora and Lean Solutions Group Partner to further the Transportation & Logistics Industry through Technology, Staffing, and Organizational Improvement Big News x 3! And! Special Guest: David Bell, Co-Founder of Lean Solutions Group Metafora Discovery Session – Free The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/10/2022 • 40 minutes, 48 seconds
Is Your TMS Enough with Derek Doddridge
Derek Doddridge and Joe Lynch discuss is your TMS enough. Derek is the Vice President of Enterprise Sales for Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About Derek Doddridge Derek Doddridge is Vice President of Enterprise Sales for Emerge. He has been with the company for three years. Prior to joining Emerge, he was Vice President of Sales for Freight Rover. His industry background also includes 10 years with Celadon Trucking, where he worked in various sales and operations positions. A graduate of Indiana Tech, he has an MBA in business. He earned his undergraduate degree in fine arts from Franklin College. About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Is Your TMS Enough Derek Doddridge is Vice President of Enterprise Sales for Emerge, a flexible, efficiency-driven RFP platform for freight. In the podcast interview, Derek and Joe answer the question is your TMS enough and the short answer is no. Shippers absolutely positively need a good transportation management system (TMS) to manage their freight, but it not the only tool needed to successful. Transportation management systems are increasingly developed with the ability to integrate with other applications that shippers need to successful. Applications that may be integrated into a TMS include apps for visibility, dynamic pricing, capacity management, carrier licensing/insurance, etc.. Emerge is freight procurement platform that many shippers are connecting to their TMS because most transportation management systems are not built to manage RFP events. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. Emerge is custom built for freight RFP events and as a result the process is streamlined, easy, and saves shippers time and money. The Emerge platform provides carriers access to more shippers and more opportunities. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they may have never had access to before. The Emerge network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing them more opportunities in the lanes that work for your company. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers and shippers) as it scales. Emerge is FREE for shippers Learn More About Is Your TMS Enough Derek's LinkedIn Emerge's LinkedIn Emerge The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/8/2022 • 46 minutes, 24 seconds
The ShipBob Story with Dhruv Saxena
Dhruv Saxena and Joe Lynch discuss the ShipBob story. Dhruv is the CEO and Co-Founder of ShipBob, the leading global omni fulfillment platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses to provide them access to best-in-class supply chain and fulfillment capabilities. About Dhruv Saxena Dhruv Saxena is the CEO and Co-Founder of ShipBob, the leading global Omni fulfillment platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses to provide them access to best-in-class supply chain and fulfillment capabilities. Dhruv came to America (from India) in 2007 to pursue an undergraduate engineering degree. He attended Purdue University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in electrical engineering, and after graduating, worked as a software developer and engineer in Chicago. Dhruv and co-founder Divey Gulati founded ShipBob from their apartment, going to extreme lengths to get the startup off the ground in 2014 - including marathon coding sessions and poaching their first ShipBob customers while they waited in long lines at post offices to ship their packages! Today, ShipBob is valued at over $1 billion (June 2021) and has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. About ShipBob ShipBob is the leading global omni fulfillment platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses to provide them access to best-in-class supply chain and fulfillment capabilities. The ShipBob platform provides merchants with a single view of their business and customers across all of their sales channels, and enables them to manage products, inventory, orders and shipments, and leverage analytics and reporting to run their business effectively. Founded in 2014 out of Chicago, ShipBob was launched through Y Combinator by co-founders Dhruv Saxena and Divey Gulati, two entrepreneurs who saw a need for more efficient shipping for ecommerce businesses. Today, the company has raised $330.5 million in funding and operates a global logistics network with 30 fulfillment centers across five countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union and Australia. Key Takeaways: The ShipBob Story Dhruv Saxena is the CEO and Co-Founder of ShipBob, a global omni channel fulfillment solution trusted by 7,000+ brands to ship orders everywhere their customers shop. In the podcast interview, Dhruv shared his own personal story along with the ShipBob Story. Founded in 2014 by Dhruv Saxena and Divey Gulati, ShipBob has become one of the fastest-growing tech companies in America. In just a few short years, ShipBob has grown from working out of Dhruv’s apartment to a Chicago headquarters and hundreds of thousands of square feet of warehouse space across the US. The ShipBob mission is to provide the best fulfillment services for their customers, so they can focus more on what’s important — growing their business and delivering a remarkable customer experience. ShipBob enables their clients to: Ship everywhere, from anywhere. Seamlessly connect new commerce channels and apps. Gain more control and improve accuracy within the warehouses. ShipBob has a network of warehouses connected by a common technology that help their clients to determine optimal inventory placement across the network to improve delivery speeds and reduce shipping costs. ShipBob offers their customers the ability to scale efficiently by distributing inventory into additional warehouses over time. Learn More About The ShipBob Story Dhruv's LinkedIn ShipBob LinkedIn ShipBob The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/6/2022 • 49 minutes, 37 seconds
Google Cloud Supply Chain with Paula Natoli
Google Cloud Supply Chain with Paula Natoli Paula Natoli and Joe Lynch discuss the Google Cloud supply chain and the solutions they provide to their logistics and supply chain customers. About Paula Natoli Paula Natoli leads Google Cloud’s Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Solutions for the Americas regions, partnering with customers to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction through supply chain technology excellence. Prior to joining Google Cloud in 2020, Paula spent 23 years with Blue Yonder (formerly known as JDA Software) where she served in leadership roles in professional services and the product management organization, building and deploying supply chain solutions used by hundreds of customers worldwide. As a Penn State supply chain management graduate, she also served on the Advisory Board for the Penn State Centre for Supply Chain Research. About Google Cloud Google Cloud accelerates every organization’s ability to digitally transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology – all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems. Key Takeaways: Google Cloud Supply Chain Paula Natoli is the Director, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Solutions at Google Cloud. In the podcast interview, Paula and Joe discussed the solutions that the Supply Chain & Logistics Industry group at Google Cloud provide to their supply chain and logistics customers. The following Google Cloud solutions were discussed: Supply chain twin is a digital representation of a company’s supply chain with end-to-end visibility, alert-driven event management, analytics, and collaboration across teams. A supply chain twin or digital twin enables companies to do scenario planning, which ultimately lead to more resilient, sustainable, and efficient supply chains. Cloud fleet routing enables supply chains and logistics providers to deliver an exceptional customer experience, while maintaining world class operational excellence. Cloud fleet routing leverages Google’s technology, data, and Google Maps product to improve fulfillment and delivery. Vertex.ai enables logistics and supply chain companies to build, deploy, and scale machine learning models faster, with pre-trained and custom tooling within a unified artificial intelligence platform. Document.ai is an automated data capture platform that allows companies to convert their static documents into dynamic data that can be used to improve the business, while reducing document processing costs. Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers and brands and Google Cloud solutions help supply chain practitioners to design sustainability into their supply chain. Paula and the Google Cloud team helps companies build supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, and transformative while improving customer experience with Google’s digital supply chain solutions. Learn More About Google Cloud Supply Chain Paula's LinkedIn Report: What it will take for CEOs to fund a sustainable transformation Supply Chain Twin and Pulse Manufacturing Data Engine and Connect Document AI Vertex AI The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/3/2022 • 51 minutes, 47 seconds
The CTO Perspective with Mario Paluzzi
The CTO Perspective with Mario Paluzzi Mario Paluzzi and Joe Lynch discuss the CTO perspective. Mario is the Chief Technical Officer at Reliance Partners, a commercial insurance agency specializing in risk management solutions for the transportation and logistics space. About Mario Paluzzi Mario Paluzzi is Chief Technology Officer of Reliance Partners, a top ranked commercial insurance agency specializing in Logistics and Transportation. Prior to joining Reliance Partners, Paluzzi established, led, and deployed industry leading technology teams and transformative innovations across high-growth startup environments as well as multi-billion dollar enterprises. Paluzzi spent 10 years at Coyote Logistics overseeing technology product strategy and delivery before joining Logistics Dynamics as Chief Information Officer. He joined Reliance Partners in 2021 and has been leading efforts to drive big data and Insurtech initiatives across the enterprise to deliver a smarter insurance experience. Mario is a graduate of Michigan State University. About Reliance Partners Reliance Partners is one of the nation's fastest-growing commercial insurance agencies specializing in providing risk management solutions for the transportation and logistics space. Reliance Partners has been featured in Inc.com each year from 2016-2020 as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the US. The company is certified as a Great Place to Work®. In addition, Inc.com recognized Reliance Partners in 2018-2020 as one of the Top 50 Workplaces while Fortune also recognized Reliance Partners in 2017-2020 as a Top Workplace in America. In 2020, Reliance Partners was featured in Business Insurance as one of the 'Best Places to Work in Insurance' for the fifth year in a row. Reliance Partners Chattanooga location was recognized as Business of the Year in the large category by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce in 2018. The company faces an emphasis around technology and has been the only insurance agency recognized on the Freight-Tech 100 list each year since its inception. Freight-Tech 100 recognizes the most innovative and disciplined companies in freight. Key Takeaways: The CTO Perspective Mario Paluzzi is the Chief Technical Officer at Reliance Partners, a commercial insurance agency specializing in risk management solutions for the transportation and logistics space. In the podcast interview, Mario provides the CTO’s perspective on the transportation and logistics space. Below are some of the insights that Mario shared: PwC’s recent report from titled “Digital Trends in Supply Chain Survey 2022” suggests that not every company is getting a good ROI on their technology investments. When making technology investments, companies need to avoid the hype of trendy tech (Blockchain, AI, ML, etc.) and fear of missing out (FOMO). Instead focus on the actual business improvements the tech investment will bring to the business. Before making a tech investment, have a clear vision of the project goals and fully understand which key performance indicators will improve. Technology tends to simplify and automate routine or rote functions, which usually frees up people to focus on more complex problems. Mario believes companies need to upskill their employees so they can add more value. There will be less clerk work and more data science work so employees must be trained for their new role. To add more value and become more competitive, knock down the silos and drive further collaboration with partners in technology, insurance, carriers, etc. New partnerships, new data, and new ways of adding value should be the focus of transportation and logistics companies. Mario also suggests partnering with a technology partner who has the expertise and experience required to support your company’s digital transformation. Mario works closely with Emtec, a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. Learn More About The CTO Perspective Mario's LinkedIn Reliance Partners LinkedIn Reliance Partners TED Talk: What if we could address the unaddressable? Digitizing Supply Chains Proving to be Slow Go Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/1/2022 • 51 minutes, 14 seconds
REPOST: The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo
The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo Larry Cepuran and Joe Lynch talk about Lou Gehrig Day and ALS, which stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Larry Cepuran is a friend of Joe’s who has been diagnosed with ALS, which is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS has no cure and very few treatments. About Jeff Dangelo Jeff Dangelo is the Managing Partner of Lighthouse, Prior to joining Lighthouse, Jeff co-founded Turvo, a leading enterprise software organization. Before founding Turvo, Jeff spent 13 years in the logistics and transportation space. Jeff was the Vice President of Sales at a third-party logistics start-up. As the first employee, he was tasked with building and growing the sales organization. He was instrumental in its growth to $150m in sales in less than 5 years. Prior to joining the 3PL start-up, Jeff was a Senior Sales Executive at TQL, a $4 billion third-party logistics company, where he helped grow revenue from $20m to over $500m in sales. Jeff is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH), with a degree in Marketing and Operations. About Lighthouse Lighthouse offers dedicated trucking, logistics, warehousing and co-packing coupled with the best supply chain software in the world to give everyone an amazing experience.Digital logistics companies aren’t designed to provide services to support complex supply chains, while traditional providers do not have the right technology or business model(s). Lighthouse reimagined what it means to be a digital logistics provider by combining the best of both worlds. Key Takeaways: The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it Problem 1: Software Every company and silo in the supply chain seems to have their own software. The information doesn’t always flow well from system to system. System integrations are costing and time consuming. Creating a collaborative platform is essential. Problem 2: Too Much Manual Work Businesses are built off of manual work, having employees doing emails and calls. Increasing labor cost. Re-train customers to go digital instead of emails and calling. Create visibility and transparency to avoid so much manual work. Problem 3: Business Models are Not Aligned Traditional business models are not designed for the future of the industry. Shifting to a more transparent model. Finding ways to solve problems with new models. The solution to all of the above problems is business model transformation to include technology, visibility, and transparency. Learn More About The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it Lighthouse Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/30/2022 • 36 minutes, 4 seconds
Lou Gehrig Day with Larry Cepuran
Lou Gehrig Day with Larry Cepuran Larry Cepuran and Joe Lynch talk about Lou Gehrig Day and ALS, which stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Larry Cepuran is a friend of Joe’s who has been diagnosed with ALS, which is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS has no cure and very few treatments. Donate to ALS TDI Lou Gehrig Day In March 2021, Major League Baseball declared June 2 henceforth to be Lou Gehrig Day. June 2 was chosen because it is the anniversary of when Gehrig became the Yankees' starting first baseman in 1925 and when he died in 1941. Lou Gehrig Achievements Hit four home runs in one game on June 3, 1932. Won the Triple Crown in 1934 when he led the American League in batting average (.363), home runs (49) and runs batted in (165). Holds the record for most grand slams in a career with 23. Hit 493 home runs in his career, setting the record for the most home runs hit by any first baseman in history until Mark McGwire hit 500. Became the only player in history to drive in more than 500 runs in three years. He ushered in 174 runs in 1930, 184 in 1931 and 151 in 1932, for a total of 509. His amazing total of 184 RBI’s in a single season (1931) is first In American League history and second in baseball history (behind Hack Wilson’s 190 RBI’s with the Chicago Cubs). Set a record by playing in a consecutive streak of 2,130 professional baseball games throughout his career, despite 17 fractures in his hands, being beaned several times, having severe back pain and suffering various other illnesses and minor injuries. Gehrig’s record stood until Cal Ripken, Jr. broke it in 1995. Became the first athlete to have his number retired. Upon his retirement from baseball in 1939, the New York Yankees retired his No. 4 jersey. Today, the practice of retiring jerseys numbers is carried out in most sports. Was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. In light of his progressive illness, the usual two-year waiting period after a player retires was waived in Gehrig’s case. About ALS TDI The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is the world’s foremost drug discovery lab focused solely on ALS. As a nonprofit biotech we operate without regard to profit or politics. Led by drug development experts and people with ALS, our Cambridge, Massachusetts based lab is funded by a global network of supporters unified to end ALS. Our mission is to discover and develop effective treatments for ALS. Donate to ALS TDI ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) There are currently no known effective cures or treatments to stop disease progression of ALS. ALS is a complex disease that varies from person to person and far more research is necessary to discover effective treatments for each person living with ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease that causes the death of neurons controlling voluntary muscles. Some also use the term motor neuron disease for a group of conditions of which ALS is the most common. ALS is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size. It may begin with weakness in the arms or legs, or with difficulty speaking or swallowing. About half of the people affected develop at least mild difficulties with thinking and behavior and most people experience pain. Most eventually lose the ability to walk, use their hands, speak, swallow, and breathe. The cause is not known in 90% to 95% of cases, but is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. The remaining 5–10% of cases are inherited from a person’s parents. About half of these genetic cases are due to one of two specific genes. The underlying mechanism involves damage to both upper and lower motor neurons. The diagnosis is based on a person’s signs and symptoms, with testing done to rule out other potential causes. Donate to ALS TDI Learn More About Lou Gehrig Day Luckiest Man on Earth by PT Muldoon ALS Sucks with Larry Cepuran Donate to ALS TDI The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/27/2022 • 32 minutes, 17 seconds
Ecommerce Delivery Providers with Nate Skiver
Ecommerce Delivery Providers with Nate Skiver Nate Skiver and Joe Lynch discuss ecommerce delivery providers. Nate is he Founder of LPF Spend Management, which help parcel shippers create parcel shipping programs which reduce expense, while delivering a positive customer experience. About Nate Skiver Nate Skiver is a parcel transportation and ecommerce delivery expert, with 20 years of combined retail and consulting experience. He spent 13 years with global apparel brands Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap Inc., where he built and managed global parcel programs. In 2019, Nate transitioned into parcel consulting to use his experience to help retailers reduce shipping expense, while delivering a positive customer experience. He is passionate about increasing small parcel knowledge throughout the industry, authoring several articles for PARCEL Magazine, and being quoted frequently by media including The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider. Nate is a thought leader and LinkedIn influencer, providing unique perspective as the only content creator dedicated to parcel and ecommerce delivery. About LPF Spend Management LPF Spend Management was founded to share experience from a unique perspective within the parcel consulting space…a shipper’s perspective. LPF is not comprised of former parcel carrier personnel nor are they parcel auditors which offer consulting services. Their expertise, perspective, and insight is based upon more than a decade of frontline experience creating parcel shipping value for leading retail and ecommerce companies. They level the playing field to help ecommerce shippers compete. Key Takeaways: Ecommerce Delivery Providers Nate Skiver is the Founder of LPF Spend Management, which help parcel shippers create parcel shipping programs which reduce expense, while delivering a positive customer experience. In the podcast interview, Nate and Joe discussed ecommerce delivery providers and the rapidly changing market driven by ecommerce. Nate categorized the ecommerce delivery providers into 6 categories: National, integrated carriers: UPS and FedEx Postal carriers: USPS + postal workshare carriers (Pitney Bowes, DHL eCommerce, etc.) Regional carriers: LaserShip, OnTrac, LSO, UDS (many, many more) Ecommerce carriers [recent market entrants]: Covers a range of operating models, examples include Pandion, X Delivery, AirTerra, Veho, The FrontDoor Collective Same day delivery: Largely gig driver based, includes Instacart, DoorDash, Roadie, Shipt, Walmart GoLocal Amazon Logistics The “LPF” in “LPF Spend Management” stands for “level playing field” and they provide the following solutions: Parcel Spend Management - translate the complex details of parcel contracts, rates, and expense into meaningful, actionable information which delivers bottom line impact for ecommerce shippers. Ecommerce Shipping Strategy – build a competitive edge in shipping by delivering the right solution, at the right cost. Parcel Training & Development – The LPF team is passionate about increasing parcel shipping knowledge throughout the ecommerce industry, one shipper at a time. Learn More About Ecommerce Delivery Providers Nate's LinkedIn LPF Spend Management LinkedIn LPF Spend Management The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/25/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 16 seconds
Beyond the Data with William Sandoval
Beyond the Data with William Sandoval William Sandoval and Joe Lynch discuss beyond the data. William is the Senior Vice President of Product Management and Strategy at PowerFleet Inc., a wireless IoT company that provides solutions to the industrial, logistics and vehicle markets. About William Sandoval William Sandoval serves as senior vice president of product management & strategy for PowerFleet, leading PowerFleet’s product management, program management, and product marketing teams while providing strategic direction to drive innovative products and solutions. Sandoval has over 25 years of experience leading product strategy, technological innovation, and product development execution. About PowerFleet PowerFleet (NASDAQ: PWFL) is a leading global provider of wireless IoT and M2M solutions for securing, controlling, tracking, and managing high-value enterprise assets such as industrial trucks, tractor trailers, containers, cargo, and vehicle and truck fleets. PowerFleet is the result of the combination of I.D. Systems, Pointer Telocation Ltd., and Cellocator on October 3, 2019, when I.D. Systems acquired Pointer Telocation Ltd. and rebranded as PowerFleet Inc. PowerFleet provides a complete technology suite that delivers telematics, asset tracking, freight visibility, and driver behavior. Their solutions include an FMCSA-compliant ELD system, trailer/ container/ chassis GPS tracking, automated driver workflow, refrigeration command and control, cargo visibility and status, driver navigational assistance, and robust fleet management. Their two-way refrigerated solution integrates into Thermo King™ and Carrier™, and their suite of tracking devices include wireless sensors, photographic cargo imaging, and environmental status. PowerFleet is headquartered in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, with offices located around the globe, and a technology innovation center in Israel. The Company’s patented technologies address the needs of organizations to monitor and analyze their assets to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and improve profitability. Key Takeaways: Beyond the Data William Sandoval is the Senior Vice President - Product Management & Strategy of PowerFleet, a wireless IoT firm that provides critical actionable information that powers unified operations throughout organizations. In the podcast interview, William and Joe discussed beyond the data, which describes the changes William has seen in the tracking management business. Not so long ago, companies with assets like trucks, trailers, containers, freight, etc. were thrilled to have tracking solutions that told them where their assets were. In the interview, William explained that cost-effective tracking is just table stakes, a bare minimum requirement. Companies like PowerFleet are moving beyond tracking to data collection and data analytics. Data analytics is focused on extracting insights from data, ideally business insights that will enable companies to make more money. In the interview, William described the 4 types of data analytics: Descriptive analytics provides historical information (valuable) Diagnostic analytics provides real-time information (more valuable) Predictive analytics provides information on what may happen (even more valuable) Prescriptive analytics provides information on what you should do in the future to avoid problems/take advantage of opportunities (most valuable) Increasingly, customers of PowerFleet are looking for predictive and prescriptive analytics that enable them to better manage their assets, save money, while maximizing productivity and profit. PowerFleet (NASDAQ: PWFL) is a leading global provider of wireless IoT and machine-to-mobile (M2M) solutions for securing, controlling, tracking, and managing high-value enterprise assets such as industrial trucks, tractor trailers, containers, cargo, and vehicle and truck fleets. PowerFleet transforms the way organizations manage mobile business assets — like forklifts, cargo trailers, and connected cars. Our technologies control, track, analyze, and optimize hundreds of thousands of these assets all over the world. PowerFleet help organizations be safer, improve efficiency, and cut costs. Learn More About Beyond the Data William's LinkedIn PowerFleet LinkedIn PowerFleet Lean Solutions Group Contact Us FreightWaves The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/23/2022 • 45 minutes, 33 seconds
The FarEye Story With Kushal Nahata
The FarEye Story With Kushal Nahata Kushal Nahata and Joe Lynch discuss the FarEye story. Kushal is the CEO and CoFounder of FarEye, a company that enables enterprises to deliver at reduced cost with a superior customer experience. About Kushal Nahata As the CEO, Kushal is responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and growth at FarEye. A dynamic leader, Kushal drives the culture of ‘customer-first’ at FarEye which enables the team to deliver value to FarEye’s 150+ clients globally. He is an effervescent thinker who is passionate about enabling the digital transformation in the logistics industry and making it customer-centric. He is constantly working towards empowering companies to champion operational efficiency and customer experience. Under his leadership, FarEye has achieved an impressive growth rate with rapid geographical expansion. Kushal enjoys training budding entrepreneurs and guiding them through their journey. He has been mentioned in the coveted 40under40 list by Business World and The Top 25 Software CEOs of Asia for 2020 by The Software Report. About FarEye FarEye’s Intelligent Delivery Management Platform is making the delivery experience better for everyone. FarEye enables enterprises to deliver at reduced cost with a superior customer experience. The low-code approach provides an environment to develop applications with a quick turn-around time and minimal code to shorten the “concept to ship” cycle. The platform leverages millions of data points to predict the shipment journey and improve the delivery experience. FarEye helps companies orchestrate, track and optimize their logistics operations. The company’s flagship logistics management software supports the entire supply chain — from first-mile seller pickups to last-mile delivery — to provide end-to-end logistics visibility, reduce operational costs and improve customer experience. Key Takeaways: The FarEye Story Kushal Nahata is the Co-founder and CEO of FarEye, a delivery management platform that leverages technology to provide low-cost, efficient, and sustainable shipping to ecommerce companies. In the podcast interview, Kushal describes how he and his partners founded FarEye in 2013 and expanded the company to over 50 countries worldwide. Kushal and his partners founded FarEye in India, but soon found their customers were asking them to support them in other countries. Today, FarEye operates out of 6 offices located in New Delhi, Singapore, London, Manchester, Dubai, and Chicago. FarEye’s delivery management platform includes the following solutions Intelligent Delivery Orchestration Real-time last mile visibility Last mile operational control with shipment status check-in calls Day-to-day operational clarity for drivers and increased operational efficiency (number of deliveries, fuel etc.) Intelligent Delivery Visibility Multimodal visibility across air, ocean, rail, road, parcel and intermodal logistics Parcel visibility using order ID, purchase order or SKU number Yard visibility and control tower visibility Carrier and route performance visibility Sustainability dashboard for carbon emission control and visibility Dynamic appointment scheduling Data analytics, exceptions and alerts Intelligent Customer Experience Flexible and self-service slot booking for deliveries & returns Instant order-level track and trace capabilities Special delivery instructions(pickups, drop offs, messaging) Secure & seamless communication with drivers Digital proof of delivery and customer feedback Wallet integrations Personalized product recommendations Safe & compliant deliveries Learn More About The FarEye Story Kushal's LinkedIn FarEye Gartner Supply Chain Conference FarEye LinkedIn @FarEye on Twitter The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/18/2022 • 49 minutes, 7 seconds
Disruption In Container Logistics With John Murnane
The North American inbound supply chain was well-run and extremely cheap before the pandemic brought disruption to the logistics and transportation space. Since the pandemic, the shipping industry had to adapt and is still adapting to this uncertainty. Prices are going up, congestion is at an all-time high, and we won't recover from these challenges overnight. Join Joe Lynch as he talks to John Murnane about the disruption in container logistics. John is a senior partner at McKinsey & Company. At McKinsey, he is the leader of the logistics sector. So he covers everything from air & ocean carriers to warehousing & fulfillment. Listen and learn more about the shipping industry, shipper & carrier relationships, sustainability, end-to-end shipping, and much more. Find out about the disruption in container logistics and how it can be solved. The section below is transcribed. Transcription has limitations so there may be grammar and typo issues. Disruption In Container Logistics With John Murnane Thank you so much for joining us. Our topic is disruption and container logistics with my friend, John Murnane. How is it going, John. I am doing great. Thanks for having me. How are you? Excellent. I am glad we are talking about this topic. Please introduce yourself, your company, and where you are? I am a Senior Partner at McKinsey. I am based in Atlanta. I lead McKinsey’s Logistics Sector globally with a colleague named Martin Joerss, who is based in Hamburg. Tell us what you guys do over in that McKinsey’s Logistics Practice. We call it a sector, but we serve the logistics industry. For us, that is all the different, interesting, fascinating parts of logistics throughout the global supply chain, ocean and air carriers, forwarders, folks doing container leasing, and Marine services. We do a lot of work in ground handling and transport, terminal operators, and rail trucks, both asset-based and brokerage. We also do a lot of work in the warehouse and fulfillment. I serve companies that operate fulfillment, real estate, and industrial developer. We also do Last Mile post and parcel returns, plus all the folks that are in and around that space doing data, transparency, tech, robotics, and all the fascinating, fun companies that are trying to knit it all together. Do you work more with shippers or the actual logistics providers? We work with both. In the group I lead, the logistics sector, we serve companies that make a living in moving stuff around. I have got a number of colleagues in a practice that is adjacent to ours that are in manufacturing and supply chain. Those consultants and partners serve the big retailers and manufacturers who pay to have the goods moved. I do not know what you guys did at McKinsey but it was not so long ago that there was no logistics practice. It was logistics and supply chain or supply chain and logistics or manufacturing supply chain and logistics. It was always the tail end of something else. We have arrived because we have a McKinsey partner who is responsible for watching over us. We have got 100 McKinsey partners that I do not know if we are responsible for it. [caption id="attachment_7990" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Container Logistics Disruption: The pandemic hit the shipping industry in many ways. People started buying a lot more, which meant more containers being moved while the staff was low. There was just a lot of congestion.[/caption] The business needs some babysitters. Tell us a little bit about you. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school? Give us some career highlights before you joined McKinsey. I grew up in California, pretty close to the ports of LA and Long Beach, but did not get into logistics. At a young age, I was a Mechanical Engineer at Duke. I worked in entertainment for many years at Disney and the NBA in finance and design roles, which was a lot of fun. It is not as entertaining as logistics. When I got into logistics, it was at McKinsey. I went to Business School at Michigan and then I joined McKinsey. You joke about logistics being the end. I got recruited into the travel and logistics practice because I knew a thing or two about travel. I started serving logistics companies back in the day. This is 2003 or 2004. It was not sexy. Logistics was not quite as hot as it is now, but I found the work fascinating. I liked the people. I got into rail, parcel, and trucking, and then I moved to South America to lead our logistics practice. I was in Chile for three years and then I got into the ocean space and Marine terminals. I have been hooked ever since. It has become more fascinating given all the things that we have seen in the last years, from the eCommerce boom to automation to the push for sustainability and what happened with the pandemic. It is fantastic that you have got that South America experience because I feel like we have had so much stuff in China for so long. I have nothing against China, but it makes more sense to ship stuff from Mexico or South America in general. We do not do nearly that much business with our South American partners who we fully understand compared to China. There are lots of bags coming in and out in a lot of air freight. I was in Chile, which does a lot of flowers and salmon, and exports a ton of copper and minerals. Let’s talk about our topic, which is the disruption in container logistics. Why don’t you take us back to before there was this disruption? Talk about what was going on in the space back in the day? You hear a lot about underinvestment in infrastructure and “failing” logistics infrastructure in the US. Many years ago, things were working well. If you were a manufacturer or a consumer, you probably had the lowest cost supply chain in the world that was able to get you products from anywhere in the world any time. The cost was quite low and the supply chain runs very well. It is smooth. As such, it was something that a lot of people took for granted. It seemed very opaque compared to now. Many years ago, if you were moving freight, your stuff disappeared into the ocean for three weeks or a month. There is also opaque because no one has looked into it. We have all learned how important it is. I used to serve clients and I did a lot of marketing and sales work, helping people with sales and pricing. I serve clients in logistics. I remember hearing sales executives complain to me. I can’t make these value-based arguments. I can’t talk about our value prop because I can’t get access to anyone that matters. Ten years ago, people had a well-ran, extremely cheap North American inbound supply chain. And they took it for granted. I am talking to a procurement leader four levels down and they do not care about our value. It was opaque because, to some extent, there was not engagement on this topic at the highest levels, and certainly, there is now. Many years ago, you had a well-run, extremely cheap North American inbound supply chain. The infrastructure did not get bad overnight. The pandemic hit us in three ways. One is we all started buying a lot more stuff. We did not spend any less. We stopped spending on travel and restaurants. No new car, no vacation, but I can buy crap online. I can upgrade my house. I did some of that myself. I am in the house more and I invest in doing some things around the house. I got an indoor bike to stay in shape, but we spent 20% more money on stuff. I always call it not your grandparents or great-grandparents pandemic. In the 1920 pandemic, 50 million people died worldwide and there was poverty. We joke that the COVID-19 or 20 that we gained from sitting around eating and buying stuff. That is not to discount all of the misery that it brought, but most of the misery was isolation for us. When you have a situation where there is more volume being purchased, that means more containers and more trucks move. At the same time, global capacity fell by about 14% or 15% over a similar timeframe. If you have been paying attention, that probably feels intuitive. We had people that were sick so we could not stack. We had operations that were shut down at times. We had congestion because people were stacking and storing containers because they could not get them to the next place and they were waiting and also every stage in the value chain. We all saw the earnings releases that talked about, “I am 65% short of the team. I need to operate these warehouses.” They are open, but they are not running anywhere near full capacity. If it is 20% up in demand and 15% down in supply, you have got a congestion problem. On top of it, those increases weren’t smooth. If those increases were smooth, our logistics industry might have had a chance, but it was overnight, then it stopped and started again. That made for some challenging times, and you ended up getting what you got, which is pretty poor service, long lines, congestion, delays, and uncertainty where things were. You also have price increases because the companies that were moving the goods were trying to manage to make sure that they were at least taking good care of the clients that were willing to pay the most. It became challenging for our shippers. I do not think it hit the biggest shippers, the Home Depots or the Lowe’s. Those guys had contracted rates. They call them the bat phone when they call the shipping companies. They did not all of a sudden get double or triple the cost of a container. They were okay. It was a lot of the other smaller players. You mentioned this spike 20% up in demand, 15% less in capacity, but if you were 20% or 30% off in your headcount in your consulting practice, you could address that internally because you are all a team. This was across a whole bunch of supply chains that are spread out across the world. Communication was always difficult given time zones, languages, and the lack of computer systems. The coordination and fixes were all slow. I was talking to my daughter and she is in Portland. She was excited. She called and said, “The couch that I ordered in October 2021 is going to be here. I forgot what it looks like.” We are all getting used to waiting a little longer than we used to, but it is nice when they arrive. We still seem to have these shocks every once in a while. Shanghai had more COVID. In the US, we are seeing shortages of headcount in a lot of places, especially in warehousing, dock workers, and trucking. There is a lack of capacity when it comes down to it. [caption id="attachment_7991" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Container Logistics Disruption: The two things to watch to know when congestion and prices will moderate are consumer spending on goods in North America and labor availability.[/caption] I know everyone wants to know and figure out when this is going to be over. I do not think it is going to be overnight, partially because I do not think that the disruption is going to be over soon. The fact that we have got basically almost no trucking going on in China despite the manufacturing plants being open, but the trucking operation is pretty much ground to a halt. It means we have got days of inventory that are going to stack up and then need to be pushed through the system. The disruption and uncertainty are going to be a part of our new normal. With regard to when the average demand and supply get back closer to where they used to be, it is going to be a matter of consumer spending and labor. We love the idea of things normalizing and getting to a new normal, but we are seeing inflation and other problems. We see the war in Ukraine and the recurrence of issues in China with COVID. We have trade issues with China. In a lot of ways, the new normal is not normal. The new normal is going to change because of events outside of our control of weather or geopolitical. Change is going to be more prevalent in the coming decade than it was in the last few, which is why to some extent, I think we did have that false sense of security that everything was working. We did have a period of relative sanity, which allowed us to fine-tune the system despite its insufficient infrastructure. We talked about the way it used to be pre-COVID years ago and what happened. What is next? What is next is recovery. I think that, in time, we would expect to see supply improve and consumer spending on goods moderate a little bit. We are seeing an increase in consumption of services, which makes sense because there is the ability to do that. My wife works in travel and she has never been busier. People are eager to get back out and travel again. I do not think we are going to see the end of events and discontinuities. Those are two things to watch to tell us when congestion and prices are going to moderate are going to be consumer spending on goods in North America and labor availability. Talk about those shocks. There are many ways we can describe this. We could say our supply chains got a little brittle, meaning they broke rather than being bent. Another way to describe it is we have too many risks in there and a lack of resiliency, depending on how you want to talk about it. We know we are going to have some more shocks in this system. How do we deal with all that? There are a few things. A lot of this is ongoing. It is already happening. We need to stop looking at the supply chain as a simple commoditized part of the operation. It is not a simple call center. It is not something that should be managed by a small team in procurement focused on the cost lever. This is a C-level topic. The supply chain is and forever will be a C-level topic. Shippers need to be thinking about all the things that they can do to accept the fact that the logistics industry will always be more complicated than it used to be. Part of that is more safety stock. I know you are an auto guy. The old just-in-time Math assumed simple, easy commodity-priced trucking and logistics operation. The world is more complicated than that. Certainly, some companies are looking at how I can think about de-risking my supply chain, both in terms of the number of locations that I sourced from, to increase the number so I have more flexibility. If I lose one node, they will be looking at nearshoring and reshoring. The math on those deals is never easy, but they are certainly spending time thinking through that, especially thinking about that in light of new sustainability targets. All of my clients are hearing calls from their clients who are hearing calls from their customers to say, “How can I be more sustainable? How can I meet the new carbon aspirations?” You hit a whole bunch of topics. I want to break them down a little bit. It speaks to where we are at in this business. The first thing you said is this is no longer a small decision. When I used to sell logistics and supply chain services, the way I sold mostly less than truckload in some truckloads, but we had the technology. I remember I would call and say, “I want to talk to the owner, the CEO, the head of operations, or a general manager.” We impact finance because we are going to take some of those functions away. We do it as part of our service. We interface with the sales guys because they are the ones who are always saying, “Where is my stuff?” We work with your ops team on the inbound and we work with your logistics team. A lot of times, when I would call that C-level guy, they would say, “Talk to Tony in the back.” The disruption and uncertainty in the shipping industry will be a part of the new normal. It's not changing overnight. I would go see Tony and back, and he did not want to have a strategic discussion. He did not care if the finance guys had to audit the bills. I said, “We audit the bills because we have a TMS,” and I start my whole spiel. I am going to parody this a little bit. He was like, “Those guys got me Kid Rock tickets.” That is why he bought from that logistics company. He did not have that strategic focus that I wanted my customer to have. One of the things we have all been through is when you call that guy and say, “I want to manage all your freight. I want you to use our technology and you are going to see all of your shipments there. He says "I will give you an Excel spreadsheet with all our loads in it. You put your price in and if you are cheaper, I will give you those lanes tomorrow.” I was like, “I do not want to save you $50 on tomorrow’s load. I want to save 10% on your annual spend.” It would be like, “What are you talking about?” The number might have been used to bend. We spend $500,000 a year, which is bad enough to leave it to somebody who does not care about the strategic function of logistics. Now that number got to $5 million, you go, “What the hell, guys?” There is a lot of change on both sides of that transaction that we are going to go through over the next few years. I have a good friend who is a former CEO of one of the container lines. He says, “Enough with this value base. I lose customers for $50 a box. It does not matter how much better we are.” That was the history. In that world, you do not have the right executives in the decision on the shipper side. You do not have the head of sales, marketing, or operations. You have someone in procurement. When you have someone in procurement, they have one metric, which is how they can get the unit costs down. You also need to get better on the sales side. The guys that I work with, the carriers, trucking companies, and railroads, now have an opening to say, “It was not so commodity-based,” but they have got to be able to deliver. They got to be able to go and articulate what they do that is different than the next guy and why that is worth it. I always use the same analogy back in the olden days when we had stockbrokers. They are transactional. You would always hear the term churn. They wanted to churn your account, “I want to sell your Dell stock and move you over to Apple.” They make money on both of those transactions. Those guys did not care about your overall financial picture. They cared about what you had in your investment account. Now we have moved to financial planners. You do not hear anybody say in their stockbroker. Financial planners are aligned with their clients. They say, “We are going to get paid 1% or 1.5% of what you have in your account. I want to make you rich so I can get 1% or 1.5% of that every year.” It is the same thing in this business. We have to switch out of this transactional thinking and move to that financial planner. A lot of companies want to do that. They do not want to be ringing the bell and having the siren go off that they made $1,000 on a transaction and celebrating at the office that day. That is a lack of alignment and it is yesterday’s news. You will see more gain share partnerships and relationships like that between carriers and shippers. It takes real change on both sides. This will be the shock that gets the awareness to a place where those things are pursued. Not just between carriers and shippers, but to some extent, between different players in the logistics chains, carriers and ocean terminals, railroads and trucking lines, warehouse fulfillment operators and last-mile parcels. One of the things I want to touch on briefly is the timeout containers. We will get more back to the containers for a second. We started using containers a lot in the late ‘50s and ‘60s. There is a book, The Box That Changed the World. Prior to that, we could not even do global trade because the cost of logistics was so high. That was a tremendous innovation. We have seen this change the world. We would not be doing nearly the global trade we do now without it, but we have not seen a lot of innovation in that space. Now we are starting to see information technology. That is another piece of that. Speak to that and the sustainability that is important to us. The technology has come along in terms of tracking. It is available. You will see more adoption of that, especially in the reefer space, but also in dry boxes. I have seen a lot of startups and investments in foldable boxes and alternative equipment. The main way we are going to get better sustainability on our container fleet is by finding better ways to extend their lives. I never heard that. We are throwing a lot of those out. [caption id="attachment_7992" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Container Logistics Disruption: 75-80% of containers are leaving LA empty so they can be filled up in China with more goods while there is a shortage. That's because the supply chain has always been an afterthought.[/caption] We lose track of a lot of them because we do not know quite where they were. Telematics, tracking, and things like that will help there. How long does a container last? There are containers out there that have been in the fleet for twenty-some-odd years. The average is probably closer to 12 to 15. There are all sorts of uses. One of them is use for alternative storage. If anybody from the container ship lines is reading, give me a call and I will deliver you 50 containers. I live about 25 minutes out of Ann Arbor. There are some farms and not quite rural, but I always drive by and think, “What are you doing with that container?” They only need them where they need them. Our supply chain is imbalanced. They need them to pick up soybeans and send those to São Paulo. The fact that they are in Ann Arbor does not help them a whole lot because of the amount of money and time spent to get them down there. Managing that global fleet better and extending its life would be great from a sustainability standpoint. It comes up a little bit on my show about sustainability. Some people might be shaking their heads and say, “I do not believe that the man is causing global warming.” I always say, “I do not care what you think. It does not matter what I think.” This is what consumers and brands are asking for it. When one of those big brands says, “What are you doing?” you better have an answer. It is too late to do anything at that point. You do have to embrace it now. There are a lot of small ways. When it is over the road, we are trying to get rid of empty miles. That starts with measuring the empty miles, which brings me to another point. We were saying that 75% to 80% of containers are leaving LA and Long Beach empty so they can go be filled up in China with more goods for us. Meanwhile, we have a shortage and we have gone mad. It is illogical, but the understandable conclusion from the supply chain is an afterthought. The supply chain has always been an afterthought. It is not designed. It just happened. There are many forces well beyond the global supply chain that decide what is our import and export balance with China and where do we manufacture intermediate goods for auto? There is nothing logistics can do to account for the fact that there is that much import-export balance on goods. With empty backhaul and empty miles within the US, there are a lot of things that the logistics industry can do to help. There are smarter ways to reroute though there are still a lot of empty miles even in the US. I have become more aware of this. There is the empty truck that is moving from LA to New York, and you go, “That should never ever happen.” I do not think that happens nearly as often as it used to, but what is becoming more of a concern is the half-empty trucks and you go, “I had 10,000 half-empty trucks leave this location. Is there a way?” I know there are technologies and the guys over at flock freight and others are saying, “We can do something about it.” The main way of getting better sustainability on container fleets is by finding better ways to extend their lives. We will see more shared loads and multi loads where everyone will call multi-stop, where we are going to say, “That truck is full.” That is good for the environment and truckers. For the shippers, we are going to have to figure that out. We do not want to put I-can’t-move-your-food onto a truck with auto parts. We have to be careful about how we manage it with the shippers but I think it is going to lower the price of shipping. Once we are fully loaded with the real cost of all of this stuff, whether it be the drivers, assets, new vehicles, or the autonomous and electric vehicles that we bring in to make a more sustainable fleet, the cost per unit is going to be higher. It is going to put the burden on us to figure out how we can make better use of each of the units. Maybe it is two hours later, but that allows me to share a load and double my density on the chunk move. All of those things can happen in time, but it takes great collaboration between carriers and shippers to make it work. The transparency and tools of the data exist to be able to do it, but it takes tremendous collaboration and trust to get it done. I am going to put you on the spot here. I know you work with a lot of different companies. I want to tick off some standard categories and what kind of work you are doing for these companies. Let’s say an over-the-road carrier calls you. What do you tell them these days? What would be a typical project you would work on with them? Over the road, carriers were doing a lot of work and helping them think about how their network is going to change as manufacturers figure out a new supply chain or as we try to start to think about electric vehicles and ultimately autonomous vehicles. Not just how should you think about the timing of those technologies, but what are the network decisions you are making now that will feel sub-optimal in 5 or 10 years because the investments that those companies make in assets and infrastructure are not short-term. We are helping them think about sustainability in terms of how they can help their shippers with their sustainability targets. Those are some of the big themes. Do you talk to any brokers, 3PLs, and non-asset-based? What are you doing for them? Sustainability is a topic for them in terms of how I can provide. I am already helping them knit together. A lot of them are trying to figure out, “How can I knit together solutions across modes? How can I optimize those around sustainability targets?” We are doing a lot of work almost across the board in growth. How do companies find growth? There are a lot of new freight flows that are coming, not just because there are always new freight flows that are coming, but sustainability and the targets that all these companies are taking on are creating a whole lot of new goods to move. We are working with a lot of companies, whether they be asset-light, asset-heavy, broker, truckload, but also parcel and the like. It is like, “Where do you find freight? How do you get it? How do you leverage the tools today to find those companies?” Do you work with Final Mile or Last Mile guys? We do. We work with from a pallet and LTL Final Mile, and heavy goods Final Mile. We do a lot of post and parcel work. We have got a huge practice globally that has done tremendous work in helping drive efficiency in the postal space and parcel as well. They need it. Those companies are struggling. [caption id="attachment_7993" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Container Logistics Disruption: Once the real cost of all these new things comes, the cost per unit will increase. It's going to take time to manage that. There needs to be a great collaboration between carriers and shippers to make it work.[/caption] From what I understand, the Final Mile for home delivery to goods is the most expensive part of the journey. I was not being critical of the post office. We want it to be better, but we put a lot of constraints on it, and I think it is the hard part. I do not want a pallet delivered to my house and then distributed all of those parcels to my neighbors. I would like just my piece delivered to my house. Getting my piece delivered to my house is expensive. The costs are getting better relative to the pallet moves because the density of residential delivery has come up so much. Many years ago, the density of residential delivery was terrible. It was hard to make the economics work for the big parcel companies. As our volumes have gone up, that has improved the relative density, but it is still tough. What about warehousing and fulfillment? We have seen so much change in that space. What is going on when you work with them? First of all, permitting and getting sites are extremely challenging. The sites have to be closer to current consumers. If you want a site or the old model of three sites in the middle of nowhere, you can still get that. If you want the sites that people want now, which is one hour or maybe even less outside of every resident in the country, those sites are hard to come by. We do work with developers on construction and permitting on how to do that well and how to forecast and identify where the sites are going and where you need to be. We are also working with operators on how to drive productivity in those sites. We are doing a lot of work on how to refine, recruit, train and retain talent. That is a theme across all logistics. I was talking to somebody about a paint company and they said, “We do not have anyone retire from this location.” It was their DC. The reason they had no one retired from there is because it was a young man’s game. He did not want to walk 10 miles picking stuff up and moving stuff around. We have to make that job in the warehouse easier so you are not breaking your back. If you walked by an auto assembly plant and walked through it, you would see that nobody was doing a job that was backbreaking or that required excessive strength, crouching, or reaching. We have eliminated those and we see that same mindset move into fulfillment. Those guys are going to become technicians rather than strong backs. We have had conversations for years about technology in the fulfillment space. Now it is happening. They made fun of us many years ago because it was early and no one had proven all the economics. It was whizzbang cool stuff, but is it having an impact now. There are certain functions that are being largely automated and you are seeing high ROIs. Also, you have got a lot of technology now that is more flexible than it used to be. Building the $10 million conveyance system just for this client and then hoping you retain them is a scary proposition for a fulfillment operator. Having flexible, robotic assets that can move seasonally or move to a new facility if you lose a client. We are also seeing longer contracts which helps. Fulfillment operators are saying, “I do not want to do a three-year deal.” You can’t facilities for that and build a location if necessary for a bigger customer. We are trying robots now. This is becoming somewhat like automotive. In automotive, what we learned is if you give me one year, I am not going to invest in it. From a container line standpoint, a lot of people are trying to figure out how to facilitate end-to-end shipping better. The payback cycles on some of those technologies are getting shorter, but it is hard to make many of them work on a three-year contract. We are seeing a lot of fulfillment players and manufacturers agreeing to 5 or 7-year deals or agreeing to co-invest in the technology that they want to offer something that customers can’t get elsewhere. Let’s circle back to the beginning. What do you talk to about the container people, the guys with the ships, the rail, drayage, and the modal? From a container line standpoint, a lot of them are trying to figure out, “How can I better facilitate end-to-end shipping? I do not know if I want to own all those pieces of the operation.” It does not do me a whole lot of good to get it to the port if it sits in the port. Much worse is it does not do me a whole lot of good if I am sitting at the pilot station waiting to get into the port. A lot of the conversation and work in the container space is, “How do you collaborate with the terminal, the rail operation, and the consolidation or deconsolidation facility to get boxes and get them back?” The whole concept of end-to-end is probably the strongest when you think about container terminals, dray, rail, or trucks. Figuring out how to create more seamless, more partnerships, and share data to do that. In some of those, you see the metrics and the CMAs of the world that are investing quite a bit in buying companies to knit together that offering, They are buying over the road companies here. They made an extra $100 billion or something in those ship lines during COVID. To your point, they are investing in that end-to-end solution. Somebody said this to me and they work closely with one of these companies. They said, “Do not be surprised if we see single-use containers because we do have a trade imbalance with China.” If that container is only going one way and I have to ship it back on a boat that is filled with containers that are empty, somebody might say, “Why am I shipping it back there?” “It is because these are expensive containers.” Do they need to be expensive containers? Could they be less expensive and single-use? I know somebody is going to say, “What about recycling and all that?” There is a design that has to happen here. We got people like John and his team there. They will figure it out. From my perspective, we see it in automotive. Sometimes, you ship back the containers that brought your stuff. Sometimes, you do not because it does not make sense because it is one way. Do you guys work with air freight companies? We do but it has been a challenging and rewarding a couple of years for air freight. The belly players have been tough because they have not had the majority of their capacity with many of the passenger lines, much of the passenger capacity down. The pure freight players have done extremely well. Airfreight was a key enabler and one of the early winners in the pandemic and continues to be. I think the questions on air freight are how can they use advanced analytics to drive even better forecasting of volumes and, therefore, even better service levels and yield management? We think there is a lot of opportunity in the air freight space around advanced analytics and pricing. I heard it from Flexport and the guys over freight ways. One percent of all overseas volume is on air freight, but it is 30% of the revenue. What it speaks to is you are not shipping auto parts, usually on a plane. You are shipping electronics, chips, medicines, and stuff like that that is high value and small. Mostly high density. Value per cubic foot is off the charts. That ratio feels approximately right. I also heard that 50% of the air freight is passenger planes. That is why air freight prices absolutely skyrocketed. [caption id="attachment_7994" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Container Logistics Disruption: A lot of the work in the container space today is how do you collaborate with the terminal, the rail operation, the consolidation & deconsolidation facilities? It's all about creating partnerships.[/caption] They were flying anywhere. They moved up first. Ocean container rates have skyrocketed too, but in the air cargo, when your supply chain breaks down at some point, the only option you have is to get it there. It is the last resort for a lot of things and the first resort for high-value cargo. A lot of companies, for the release of the phone, will send enough phones for the first couple of months via air, and then they will send the backup to refill stock via ocean. In a pandemic, it was the first choice. The majority of the global air freight capacity is the belly of the passenger. When so much of our passenger fleet was grounded without anyone to pay for the international passenger move, you lost the belly cargo. I heard somebody use the term preighter, which is passenger freighter. They sometimes took the seats out of planes and filled them up. Other times, they put stuff on the seat that you might have been flying to a conference on. Now, it has got a stack of mobile phones on it. I am going to try and summarize all this and then I want to get some final thoughts before you go into what is new over at McKinsey. The topic is disruption and container logistics. John talked about the steady-state. We will talk about many years ago, pre-COVID, and what happened during COVID, that horrible time with demand spike, capacity down, sick people, and broken supply chains. We learned how brittle our supply chains were. You talked a little bit about what is next and where consumer spending is going. We are spending more on services and a little less on products. We are going to see how the industry reacts to what are still shocks and aftershocks of what happened. We do not even know the implications of the conflict in the Ukraine and inflation. We are better, but we will see. Lastly, we talked about what we learned during this time that logistics is not a commodity and that we have to insist on a seat at the table. We no longer be just a commodity service. John took us through all of the different things he and his team do with their clients. Any final thoughts on this big topic, John? We have been talking so much about eCommerce. It is going to be omni commerce. You have seen a bit of a drawdown and a correction back. We talked about ten years of eCommerce acceleration in two months. That was true. You have seen brick and mortar make a comeback. Some things are better are bought in person. My kids bought mattresses online and they are like, “We love it.” I was like, “I am going to have that mattress for ten years. I have to lay down on it.” I am not going to look at 5,000 reviews. I love eCommerce, but to your point, some of those shopping experiences are going to have to become experiences, not a pain in the ass experiences. Everyone wants to go to the Farmer’s Market or a cool boutique. We have to get back to a cool experience if I am willing to leave the house. For shippers, many of them want to get to a place where they are managing more on Omni channel commerce supply chain. One of the most frustrating parts of the pandemic was when we had out-of-stock items on the website and obsolete items sitting in storerooms in the retail centers. That was painful and was a function of having two supply chains, which is the case for many shippers. They built their old brick and mortar supply chain, then they added a supply attender to eCommerce, and they did not talk to each other. You will see companies now figure out, “How do I have one more flexible Omni commerce supply chain?” There are going to be some variations. There will be times and products where you want to buy online or in-store. Certain companies will have a blend of the two. That is where we are going on that front, which we did not talk about but I think is important. It also needs to be designed. It has to be created. It can’t be a bolt-on because we bolted on the gig economy and thought that, “We got an eCommerce solution.” Instacart, Shipt, and some of those solutions for grocery, from what I understand, the grocery store companies are losing money on those and they obviously do not like that. The gig economy stepped up. It is great. We are always going to have it. There's a lot of opportunity in the air freight space around advanced analytics and pricing. We are always going to use it in logistics, but it needs to be managed by logistics guys who are operational experts and good at routing and technology. It can’t just be, “Bob down the street buys groceries for the neighborhood. It does not work as the way it needs to.” We are going to see those grocery stores become grocery store/fulfillment centers in some cases or maybe one fulfillment center in the Detroit Metro area that serves all of the eCommerce. Some of those business models will evolve. Even a company as great as Instacart or some of the early applications is adding cost on the top of the already existing flow and retail, brick and mortar, and all that stuff. The ideal way of doing that is to have dark stores that are designed for efficiency and pick, pack, and ship, not for the grocery experience that we have all grown to love. Tell us what is new over at McKinsey and how do we reach out? Do you have any webinars coming up or case studies? We love to have conversations. The best way to get in touch with us is on our website. It is easy to find me or any number of colleagues. You can send an email and we will respond. I will probably get the email. If I am not the right person to talk to, I will find someone else. On the site, we have got an interview with Sanne Manders, the COO of Flexport, which is great. We are putting up content all the time. What conferences are you guy going to? I know we are excited about TPM in 2023. When is that? TPM is in Long Beach in the early spring every year. It is still a long way away. I do not know what the next conference we have got. We have coming up in May 2022 in Northwest Arkansas. I interviewed a professor from the University of Arkansas, the number one supply chain school carrying Gartner. John, thank you so much for taking the time. Thanks so much for having me. It was a pleasure talking to you. I look forward to keeping in touch. It was my pleasure. Important Links John Murnane The Box That Changed the World Flexport Sanne Manders https://www.LinkedIn.com/In/JohnPMurnane/ – John Murnane https://www.LinkedIn.com/Company/Mcinsey/ – McKinsey & Company About John Murnane John advises companies across a variety of industries and continents on their transformation and growth efforts. His broad cross-sector experience ranges from hospitality to global transport—including hotels and airlines, ocean and air freight, and trucking and distribution—and spans the value chain from capital-intensive real estate development to asset-light brokerage and distribution. He advises clients on growth at both a strategic and tactical level including M&A, new product development, value-based pricing, digital sales, and sales force effectiveness. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/16/2022 • 51 minutes, 3 seconds
The Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore
Want to know how you can deploy a smart warehouse for your business? Today’s guest is Dan Gilmore of Softeon, a company that provides a full suite of flexible and robust end-to-end supply chain software solutions to deliver success. He joins Joe Lynch to talk about the idea and technology behind their system. They discuss some of the big trends impacting warehouses, e-commerce, and retail. From labor shortages to automation, Dan enlightens on the benefits of WMS and WES for any business. Tune in to better understand the perks of this new smart technology for optimizing your business! The section below is transcribed. Transcription has limitations so there may be grammar and typo issues. The Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore Today's topic is the smart warehouse, with my friend, Dan Gilmore. How's it going, Dan? Great Joe. Very happy to be here today. Yes, I'm glad I'm finally getting to interview you. Dan, please introduce yourself, and your company, and where you're calling from today. Yes, again, Dan Gilmore. I'm chief marketing officer of a supply chain software company called Softeon. We'll get into that maybe a little bit more in just a second here, but company's headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside Dulles Airport. I happen to be in the Dayton, Cincinnati, Ohio area. Buckeye through and through, so go Bucks. Why, I got to say go Blue now. Man, you dragged me down. Anyway, Dan, what does Softeon do? Sure. Well, again, it's a supply chain software company, primarily supply chain execution. The company was founded in 1999, first customer all the way back then was L'Oréal, and just proceeded to build out a suite of solutions, very broad and deep capabilities. That includes warehouse management systems, as I said, that all the stuff that kind of goes around warehouse management systems. People package those differently, but things like labor and resource management, slotting optimization, yard management, and those kind of tools. And then a newer thing, which we'll get into today because it's so critical to what's happening in terms of the smart warehouse, is something called warehouse execution systems, which have been around for a while, but really gained prominence the last couple, three years, as a way to optimize and orchestrate order fulfillment level at a capability that's just beyond even very good tier one WMSs like Softeon has. And then the category of stuff called distributed order management, which has to do with the optimal sourcing of product based on customer commitments as well as network capacities and constraints, and how do I get the lowest cost alternative that meets the customer needs, very prominently in omnichannel commerce. It's almost essential in retail, but we have a lot of B2B type successes in distributed order management as well. So there's some other things, but that gives you a pretty good flavor of what we do. You guys started well before eCommerce was a thing, so you still support stores and that kind of warehousing? Sure, so I mean, in addition to traditional WMS type capabilities, and for retailers, that would largely was store replenishment, now moving in obviously to eCommerce fulfillment, but many retailers are also looking to have a lot of activity at the store level, whether that's buy online, pickup in store, curbside pickup, or store fulfillment, so we've got some solutions there, both in terms of the distributed order management that I just referenced a second ago, is the tool that's going to say, "Hey, the best place to fulfill this order from based on the time commitments as well as inventory availabilities, labor availability, et cetera, is store three, four, five, six, seven," and then have the ability... So first you identify where is the right location, and that could be obviously a DC or a third-party facility or something like that, but the first word is the best place to source it from, and then if it's a store, we have a store module that facilitates the inventory transactions, and the picking transactions, and the shipping at a store level. Yeah. That became a thing. I mean, I know, I think Target's one of those companies that delivers a lot... If you buy something online from them, they're more likely to ship from their stores these days. Yeah, if it's a huge... I've seen a figure. I don't know, and it keeps rising. The whole market has changed. The more high-tech feel and touch, the less back-breaking work and less bending over and lifting heavy cases. It’s like 80% or 90%. Yeah, I was going to say around 80%. That's the number I had in my mind too, that they're doing it from stores, which is rather incredible. Yeah. Well, before we get into all of that, tell us a little bit about you. Where'd you grow up? Where'd you go to school? And give us some career highlights and bullet points before you joined Softeon. Yeah, sure. Again, I've been pretty much, except very early in my life, an Ohio guy, my whole life. I grew up in the Akron, Cleveland area, and then got a job with NCR after grad school. I got an MBA from the University of Akron and I got a job at NCR, that was here in Dayton. I was a project manager, kind of in charge of barcode and data collection, and the way serendipity just kind of works, I moved from barcode data collection systems, and wireless systems, and then got into WMS, and was into consulting for a while, so I actually have done a lot of marketing in this space. I was also a chief marketing officer at RedPrairie before it got acquired by JDA and became ultimately Blue Yonder, but earlier in my life, I spent a couple of years implementing WMSs, a couple major projects down there in the Cincinnati area that really helped me learn a lot about how the technology actually works, and what's good, and what's less good. Notably, in 2003, I started a publication called Supply Chain Digest, which changed the face of online supply chain and logistics, news, and coverage. I still keep a light hand on it. I still write a column once a week still for Supply Chain Digest. Yes. I know I have read that. It's funny. I did a lot of blog posts in the past, so when you are a writer, I joke I might research a little different than a professor's research. I Google, and you start to realize which publications have good content, because I'm a blogger. The bar's a little lower for a blogger than it is for somebody writing in a publication, and I would just go, "Man, oh man. This is a good..." Supply Chain Digest always had good stuff, so anyway. When and why did you join Softeon? Yeah, it's been about four years now, and I had done actually a little bit of side consulting with Softeon before joining, and was just impressed with two things, first off just the breadth and depth of the software and a number of innovative capabilities, but just as important as that, I mean, there's a lot of companies that got good software. We think we've got bleeding edge software, but a number of companies out there. But really just the approach to customers and success, so I've never seen a company that consistently put its own interests behind those of its customers on a regular basis, and was just not going to let anything get in the way of a successful implementation, and that's really a track record that's unequaled in the marketplace, so just the care and concern for success at the customer level, and not looking at everything through a lens of how many professional services hours I can sell or something like that. It's really just kind of a different attitude, and that really intrigued me, and plus the company needed some help in the marketing area to get that message out, so a combination of those factors led me to join Softeon. Excellent. Well, today's topic is the smart warehouse, with my friend Dan Gilmore. Obviously, things have changed quite a bit in this business, so talk about some of the big trends that are out there, that are impacting warehousing, and eCommerce, and retail. It impacts everybody And these, most of the audience is going to say they're living these, so you know, it's not like these are big surprises, but it's still kind of nice just to put it all in context. Obviously, the growing distribution and labor shortage and there’s a shortage and manufacturing. Very acute, and everywhere you go, that's what you hear about, and just the turnover levels, and the retention, and just unprecedented, even with the wages rising substantially, so that's everyone's concern. That is naturally... And actually, after about a decade of very flat wage growth in warehousing and distribution until a few years ago. Now all of a sudden, of course the costs are taking off. I mean, Amazon is over $20 an hour with attractive signing bonuses. In many parts of the country, maybe a couple, three months ago now. With parental leave for 20 weeks. I saw it on TV yesterday. Is that right, now? I did not know that. That would be a very attractive benefit, and that's the advantage. And then Target, maybe two or three months ago, announced that they were raising their wage, in both stores and distribution centers, in some markets, not all markets, but in some markets at $24 an hour, and you think, "But that's $48,000 a year," so... And assume there's probably some overtime in there, right? Whatever, so a husband and wife, I'm just making up an example there, working at a Target DC in those markets, they could be pulling in $100,000 a year for a family, which is not bad money. [caption id="attachment_7940" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: With the e-commerce-driven cycle time pressure, it's unbelievable how fast you can get products these days.[/caption] If I could add something into that, Dan, I think also... And this has come up on my podcast a few times. If I had a choice right now... I'm getting too old for that kind of work, but... I can't walk 10 miles a day. I think we needed to make that job easier, and we're going to get to that, because this is what the technology does, but I think it also makes the job more attractive, when they can say, "I go to that job, and I'm learning all this cool technology," as opposed to, "I'm just a strong back." If you can bring somebody in, there's a different feeling when I get to wear all that high-tech gear, and use high-tech systems, and say, "I'm part of the supply chain," as opposed to, "I'm just a strong back, and I walk five miles a day, and nobody gives a damn about me." Yeah. There is no question about that, and I think both in terms of just a shortage of labor, and second just the ability to attract people into this career now, it's just the whole market has changed. I think that more high-tech feel and touch, and less back-breaking work, and less bending over, and lifting heavy cases, and all the kind of things that [inaudible 00:09:32] for a long time. I think you're spot on on that dynamic. And if we do have a shortage, that means the people we do have have to be more efficient, and the way they can be more efficient is with tech of course, and we'll get into some of that in a minute, but... So that's one big trend that's going on. What's another big trend that's happening? Yeah, well there's a bunch, and they're kind of interrelated as well. Obviously, the eCommerce-driven cycle time pressure, so obviously it's led by Amazon over your tablet, it’s unbelievable how fast you can get products these days, even somewhat obscure products. Not that long ago, I needed a new power cord for my HP computer, and somehow, Amazon was able to deliver that the next day. I'm like, "How do they have this cable someplace that they can get it to me in one day?" I think of all the thousands and thousands of cables that are out there, and they've got mine. So the cycle time pressure, and that both is in terms of getting the order processed from when it drops into the DC and out the door. Obviously, companies are also moving distribution facilities closer to the customer, so the transportation part and parcel part of the journey is cut down as well. I mean, I can't remember the specific numbers, but I think it's Home Depot is building 170, 180 different of these local fulfillment centers that are being the largely cross-stock type of facilities that bring bulky items in and get them right to the customer in addition to the big giant warehouses that they already have. It's a fact of life. Eventually, we will teleport or whatever the product from the warehouse because it seems like we are reaching the Laws of Physics there that it can't be here any faster but maybe we will find a way. I remember probably five, seven years ago, I was working on a digital marketing project. I was helping this distribution center, nice good size in Chicagoland, Peoria, and they said, "We're one-day shipping to 65% of the population of the US," and that was always what Indiana, and Illinois, and I guess there's so many DCs down in Ohio, could always make that claim, and that was good enough. So if you said, "I have a DC in the Midwest that can get me to the East Coast, and I have one out West," and that was good enough. We're not seeing that anymore. Yeah. I mean, we're going to get to increasingly where same-day delivery just becomes a fact of life, and rather incredible, and you've heard Amazon and others talking about getting it down to two hours, or 30 minutes, or whatever again. Well, that's what Target's doing with those DCs. I mean, their DCs are their stores, and we think we'll get to Walmart doing some of the same. No question. So, what's another trend that you're seeing out there? Yeah, well just because obviously we're calling this the session, we're going to talk about the smart warehouse of the future, that's largely here today, but we've got smart everything, right? We've got smart houses, we've got smart cars, we've got smart refrigerators, we've got smart toothbrushes even. I saw that a couple years ago. I'm not sure if it's exactly taken off or not, but monitoring how often you brush your teeth. But what has that really meant? Well, primarily, it's just talked about internet connectivity and sort of some kind of analytics around it, so you know, easy example is John Deere, or Caterpillar, or companies of that kind, putting sensors and other IoT-type devices on their equipment out in the field, so they can get a sense for how people are actually using it. They can do predictive maintenance on it. They can say, "Hey, your guys aren't using the equipment as effectively as they could if they change their techniques," or et cetera, et cetera, so I think it's certainly timely, and if we're going to have all the smart things, it's time for the smart warehouse too, but as we'll get into for the rest of the broadcast here, it's a lot different than just plain more internet connectivity, and sensors, and things like that. That can be part of it, but it's just a small part of it. But the bottom line of it is, we are entering a new era of warehouse software technologies that are in fact much smarter than we've ever had before, and I've argued publicly for a couple, four years now, that we really had about 20 years of relatively incremental progress in WMS technology. I've used this in speeches before, but a few years ago, I pulled out of cleaning up my office around the holidays, as I often do, and I found an RFP from a major food company for a WMS circa 2003. I looked through that, and I thought, "You know what? This doesn't look all that different than the RFPs we're seeing in 2019, or 2020," or whatever year I was looking at that. Really, the big difference is I looked at it, I said, "The big difference is not in the functionality being asked for." It's just that today, a lot of that functionality is in fact core product, configurable product, whereas back then, maybe a lot of it had to be achieved... more of it had to be achieved through customizations. I think that's probably true, but the fundamental way a warehouse operates, WMS operates, didn't change all that much from give or take 2000 to 2020, or somewhere in that kind of a range. But now with the smart technologies that we're talking about, they are brought in to bear by the warehouse execution systems, working with WMS I talked about before. This is a new ballgame, and it's going to be a fun for the rest of the discussion here, to talk about that. So you threw in a new term there. You said warehouse execution system, and I know you said those have been around for a while, but they're now becoming kind of the norm, did you say? Just becoming very prominent, and the value's starting to be recognized. What is it? They came about actually a good while ago from a couple, three companies really, that had the belief, and I think correctly so for most WMSs, that the WMS systems did not care enough about equipment throughput and utilization, so you wound up with big peaks and valleys. Now, anybody who's been in a distribution center, even a really busy one, you've seen it where there's all kinds of activity at the beginning and the middle of the wave, and then as the wave starts to dissipate, even on a big, expensive, huge sortation system, you've got a relatively small number of boxes moving around, waiting for that wave and everything to close out. When you say wave, does that mean the orders come in waves? Yeah, the work is released in what are called pick waves, and that's based on any number of different attributes. It could be the carrier schedule, or value-added processing that needs to be done, or just workload balancing across different pick areas of the company, so you organize the work against various attributes that constitute a block of work, that's typically referred to as a wave. Yeah, so the problem is that I know I've got all these trucks that are going to show up, and they're taking different orders, so maybe I'm working to that order that's going to fill up that truck, or orders that are going to fill up that truck, and the problem is, to your point, is we've got already maybe a shortage of head count in there, and now when we have waves, now I'm not being efficient, because I've got too much work at one moment and then not enough in another. Yeah, and the whole goal of WMS, and what we're going to talk about today with the smart warehouse, is really overcoming... I mean, obviously you've got to plan and execute based on the workforce that you have here today, and we'll talk about that. So just having a warehouse management system that gives me stuff was great in the past, but you're saying, "I'll help you with a WES," or warehouse execution system. "I'm going to help you manage the flow. Manage the flow of work and the resource utilization, so that's exactly right. In and just new ways. Part of that still ties into that interest in level loading or making the flow of goods across an automation system more smooth and consistent, because if you can do that, a couple things. First off, the total throughput of the system is likely to be better, and second, if it's a new facility, you could actually probably get by with a smaller sorter, if you will, because you're going to be able to utilize that sorter more consistently over a block of time, a shift, or however you want to look at it there. And the other kind of breakthrough that Softeon has had is that WES, while it has its roots in that level loading of the automation and better utilization there, the WES works extremely well even in non-automated facilities or lightly automated facilities. [caption id="attachment_7941" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: The fundamental way a warehouse operates didn't change all that much from 2000 to 2020. But now, with smart technologies, this is a new ball game.[/caption] As a matter of fact, one of our leading customers, I'm not sure I can say their name, so I'm not going to, but actually did a press release a couple years back that talked about a 50% productivity gain from implementing WES, warehouse execution systems, on top of an existing Softeon WMS, and doing that in a totally manual environment, because everything is part of a system, right? You can have a sortation system, or you can have a goods divergence system, or put wall system, or whatever. It's got a certain capacity, certain throughputs, inputs and outputs, whatever. Well, 20 workers walking around on a three-level case pick module, they're a system too, and they have inputs and outputs, and throughput, and expectations, and all that. You know, the one big difference is that with a more manual system, you can actually throw more bodies at it, and up to a point of diminishing returns, gain throughput from that area, whereas a heavily automated system, kind of its rate is its rate, and you're not going to do a whole lot to affect that. But this is what it... When you mentioned throughput, I mean throughput is everything, whether you're a plant, or whether you're a freight broker, or whether you're a warehouse. The stuff that goes out the door, the stuff that we can actually charge for, is what we want to do, so having a warehouse management system is great. Obviously, that was a big... By the way, I know there's certain warehouses, old ones, still don't even have that, but you're saying to really be as efficient and effective as you need to be in today's market, you need a warehouse execution system, that gets me the flow, gets me that throughput. Yeah. I mean, it may not be for everybody, and there's certain things you can do where you can take a core WMS and just add some select capabilities from a full-blown WES, if only a modest or... I'll call it a modest level of that kind of automation is necessary, so it's not necessarily for everyone, and I don't want to position it that way, but it's certainly something that you'll want to take a look at. Big boys need it. Yeah, sometimes you get to where you've got a significant number of workers, but even smaller operations, things like the automated release of work to the floor without the human being needing to be involved, that's going to be attractive even for a midsize operation for sure. So, first thing we need is we need to get into this... It's a WMS. That's a given. And you said there is incremental improvement for many years. Now you're starting to see big improvements, might even be driven by the market, that needed big improvements in recent years, and part of that is this WES. What else is there, part of that smart warehouse? Yeah, there's a whole bunch of stuff. Let me just first, just as a reminder, the automation, because automation is... Obviously, that ties to the labor shortage, and even just a couple years ago, it was very common to talk to DC managers or logistics executives, and automation wasn't necessarily very high on their radar. Today, almost close to 100% of the companies we talk to, even smaller companies, are looking at automation of some kind. Now, that can be big automation, where you've got traditional sortation systems that can be very large, goods-to-person systems, those kind of things, but there's also a lot of interest in lighter, more flexible, and less expensive technology, things like what are called put walls, and a huge interest in automated and autonomous. What’s a put wall? Okay, so a put wall, in great simplicity, is a structure, a technique built on a structure, which is a module with a series of cubby holes or slots, and I could have one of these modules, I could have... We have one customer that has 80 of these modules, and what you do is you pick the orders, and then when you come to the put wall, you distribute the order, the picks excuse me, to the different orders that need that product. So I batch pick the product. I bring it either mechanically or manually to the put wall, and typically a series of lights says, "Okay, this cubby hole number three here needs one of this SKU. Put one in. This one needs two of that SKU. Put two in. This one needs one. Put one in." That process repeats itself until all of the items for a given order are complete within that cubby hole, and then at that point, a... And that's called putting. That's why it's called a put wall. It's because you're picking the order in batch, then you're putting it into the put wall, and then around the backside, lights will turn on that indicate, "This cubby hole is now complete," and the operator comes up and touches a button typically, and that starts the printing of the label and any shipping documentation that's required, and the order is packed and shipped, and off you go. It provides a tremendous amount of productivity, very flexible. You can start small. We had one customer that started with one put wall module, then added eight or nine more because they liked it, then they added 20 more because they really liked it. Did this all over a couple, three year type of period there. So for any kind of piece picking, especially of soft goods, but other types of products as well, but often driven by eCommerce, but not only by eCommerce, but any kind of heavy piece picking operation, put walls can be a great solution, but you've got to have the right software to do it. So you've got that big, like almost a shelf, and you said like cubbies on that, that I push... So I'm putting product through it, so I've got to put... So maybe I walked over and I got 10 sweaters that are all the same, and this cubby gets one, this cubby gets one, and as I do that, I'm scanning it or it's recognizing that it's in there, and it's informing the other side of the cubby that- When the order's complete. When the order's complete, so maybe it needs two sweaters and a pair of shoes, and that's That's correct. The bottom line is we are entering a new era where all technologies are, in fact, much smarter than we've ever had before. So that's just one more way. I mean, what do you call it? Is that part of... The technology is only part of it. The other piece of the cubby, the walking up to that, that's kind of... I could be putting those in bins in the old days, but this is putting that on steroids. Yeah, it's just a new way of doing it, and there's a lot of... We'll talk about this actually, in terms of optimizing materials handling systems, because to get this right is not a trivial task, and I don't want to steal all my thunder from later on, but the ability to rapidly turn these put walls, these cubby holes, is the whole key to the success. If it's taking you a long time to do that, you're not getting the throughput that's required, and probably wasting your time and money. But if you can rapidly turn those by making sure the inventory gets there on time, and efficient execution at the wall, on both sides of the wall, then you've got something that really can drive a lot of productivity. We've got, I don't know what the number is, it's quite a few customers now that are using put walls, and when we go out to some new customers, we've got some videos that show them in operation, and you can tell they're just really, really interested in seeing how this works. I think it's the technology, along with the mobile robots, that you're just going to see any kind of eCommerce, but any kind of piece picking as well, you're going to see a lot of adoption going forward. I can say this from... I'm an automotive guy originally. When you used to go through a plant, you would see people lifting heavy things when I first started, and crouching down, and doing functions that were hard on the body. And maybe it's not hard on them one day, or one week, or one month, but over one year, you're going to have a bad back, or bad shoulders, or bad knees. Same thing happens in these DCs, or the warehousing, so this automation you're talking about is making it easier on the workers, which means hopefully, I'll be able to keep my workers healthy and make that job, again, more attractive. Yeah. Just quick anecdote, I one time talked to a VP of logistics at, I think it was Sherwin-Williams, the paint company, and he noted that on the manufacturing side of the operation, they were always having people retire and throwing retirement parties for them, with some cake and whatever. He said there was no one that ever retired from the distribution side, and that's because the heavy work of picking cases of paint is a young man's job, so as people got older, they just couldn't do that work anymore. So I think people are obviously rethinking that, for... The aging population is another factor, but how do I make the work easier so I can have somebody in their 50s and 60s continuing to do this distribution center job. I think also, Dan, again I've said this once before on my... probably twice before on my podcast. If you gave me a choice to go work in an old-school warehouse or go deliver food or deliver groceries, I'm going to do the grocery delivery. I think I can make decent money, and I can sit in my car, and I don't have to hurt my back, or hurt my knees, or walk five miles a day. So we have to make these jobs more attractive, or we're not going to be able to keep and get good people. Yeah. There's no question about that, and I think this automation that is of such interest, the jobs now, they've become more like a technician and less of an order picker. I like it. Yeah. So besides a put wall, what's some other automation you're seeing out there? Well, again, I said the automated mobile robots, autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, there's a huge interest in that. One of the interesting things is that both put walls and mobile robots, you're seeing a lot of adoption and interest by third-party logistics companies, and I think this really just makes the point. In the past, 3PLs were very reluctant to do any kind of heavy automation, because they couldn't sync the return on investment with the contracts that they had from the shipper, so if the shipper... To pay off that equipment's going to take five, seven, whatever years, and the shipper's only going to give you a two- or three-year contract. The risk of automation is just too great. Well, these other kind of systems, and that includes also things like voice, and pick-to-light smart cards, things like that. They're all kind of connected in some ways, but those kind of systems can be put in for much less expense, much lower risk, and again, be incrementally adapted. You can start with three mobile robots and see how you like it, and then add seven more later on or whatever, until you get to the optimal point for your operation. But the fact that 3PLs are making this kind of investment is a whole new phenomenon, and just speaks to the way you can incrementally get into the technology and the high-level payback that they're seeing, because we're very strong in the third-party logistics arena, just as an aside, so we're seeing it very closely, and the number of 3PLs that are interested in these kind of mid-range or lighter picking systems, not heavy automation, but other, it's often somewhat newer technologies, I think really just speaks to the changes we're seeing out there in the marketplace. Yep. And by the way, those robots, depending on the facility, they're not necessarily always replacing people, because I talked to the guys from... I think it was the CEO or the president from DHL. He says, "Well, we thought we would be replacing people with robots." He goes, "The more robots we add to a facility, the more work we end up getting for that facility, and we end up hiring more people." Yeah, and you know, it's just everyone has a shortage, right? So I mean, there's jobs going unfilled, so if the robots are taking some of that slack, if you will, but there are very few, if any, case studies of people adopting these technologies and they're still looking for people even after the automation, so- [caption id="attachment_7942" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: WES (Warehouse Execution System) will help manage the flow of work and resource utilization.[/caption] Yep. So what's another thing we need for that smart warehouse, Dan? Well, I mean now let's just kind of get into it in some more detail. Really, and we talked about some of the core software components if you will, things like warehouse management systems, warehouse execution systems, but a platform for integrating these automation, both heavy and... or traditional and newer-age capabilities. We'll talk about that in just a second, and then there's some enabling technologies, things like rules engines, and a simulation, and some other things, so we'll talk about that, but I like to say the core warehouse operations excellence is still the foundation, right? So how do I get that right? That typically involves traditional WMS-type capabilities. What does that mean? Well, I mean what kind of defines a warehouse management system versus an inventory system is the pervasive use of mobile terminals, and barcode scanning, wireless RF devices, or whatever term you want to use there. And then a lot of system-directed activity, and this whole notion of task management and task monitoring, where the system kind of is orchestrating the different traditional tasks of put away, receiving put away, picking, replenishment, et cetera, and support for multiple strategies around that. I want to have lots of different picking method options, and want to have lots of different replenishment strategies that I can use. And then you know, things that have been around for a while, like slotting optimization, and detailed labor management, labor reporting, things like that. So the foundation really is core operations excellence. That's what everyone should strive to get to, but today, there's now ability to take that even further in terms of different types of capabilities that we think are defining what we're calling the smart warehouse. Yep, and you used a term there, that was integration platform. What am I integrating? Yeah, you're integrating primarily different materials handling technologies. That can be things we've had for a while, like conveyor transport and sortation. It can be some of these newer technologies, like robots and put walls. But the key really is, and again, we'll talk about this in just a second here, but the key really is how do I optimize the flow, so I don't have these islands of automation that are all doing their own thing? I recently talked to somebody in the apparel industry, and they have a very large and highly automated facility, I think somewhere down in the Atlanta area, like a million or two million square feet, and they're seeing their throughput from that building, after huge investments over years, certainly initially and then over time. They're seeing the throughput actually decline, and what's happening, he believed, is that business keeps changing. They keep having all these new requirements in terms of how an order needs to be processed, and what they do is they just keep building new wave types. We talked about wave planning before, and now they're up to like 70, 80 different wave types, and every time there's another problem, create wave type number 82, see if that solves our problem. That's not solving the problem, and part of the reason is because the system is not looking holistically across the facility, and seeing how I can optimize the flow of work as a whole, not as an individual subsystem. I think that's really part of what we're talking about here with the smart warehouse, and that's the kind of thing that traditional WMSs have not done. Yeah, so that integration platform, that means I can connect all my... So all the tools, all the different systems I'm using, all connect easily through that integration, as opposed to the old way, which is a standalone, $100,000 integration with expensive people who have to code. Yeah. That's certainly part of it, and then it's managing the flow of work across that. I'm maybe getting ahead of myself again here, but I'll just say for example, you can have some scenarios where I have different paths for an order to be fulfilled. One of the paths, and the most efficient for certain kinds of orders, is in fact maybe a group of put wall modules. But let's say that that put wall area, for whatever reason, starts to be congested, and all of a sudden now there's a big backup on the conveyor feeding into the put wall area. Well, the system is going to automatically recognize that, and for some period of time, route orders away from the put wall into manual cart picking, which takes them to the packing station, same packing area where the put wall [inaudible 00:33:11] leads. And then when the congestion is clear, then the system automatically reroutes that work back to the put walls again. So now you're looking not only at the plain integration, but actually in monitoring the flow of work that's happening and making realtime decisions accordingly. Yep. You know, I'm an automotive guy, and we had all of those years where we started... We used the term "smart factories," and it was just the same thing, how do we increase throughput? Because what can happen is you can end up with a local optimum, where some guys are building a big, big stack of inventory, and does nobody any good. What is all that excess inventory doing for me, right? What makes more sense is to say, "We're going to get this so there's a flow to it, and we're not building up too much inventory. There's no bottlenecks." I think this is kind of the same thing you're talking about here, is how do I arrange my people so I don't have these guys sitting around because they already finished, while these guys are, to your point, congested area? The core world’s operations excellence is still the foundation. No, and that's really... The term flow manufacturing came out of exactly what you're talking about there, and was largely developed, initially, in the automotive industry, so we're talking about the same thing, and now we're talking about flow distribution instead of flow manufacturing, but the fundamental concepts, more of a pull-based system, more being aware of capacities and constraints, more concerned with the total flow of goods, not what's happening at one individual area. All those are very consistent, whether you're looking... The principles that were established earlier in manufacturing are what's being applied here today in distribution. Right, and I'm just going to assume that at one time, the WMS, a big selling point would be, "We'll tell you where your inventory is at," and that was probably a big step up, right? But today you go, "Of course it does that. Now I'm going to tell you how that inventory moves off of your shelves and out the door, and how you bring new inventory in." Yeah. It's amazing. We still see quite a few... I mean, every week we see somebody that's calling or emailing in, and then we talk to them, and it turns out they don't have that realtime visibility to inventory, because they're using some kind of paper-based system or something, so it's amazing, and sometimes these are even good-sized companies. But in general, yes you are right. Certainly anybody that's implemented any kind of tier one, or tier two level even, WMS should be having that realtime inventory visibility, and doing that, and that gets into that operations excellence I'm talking about. That's the foundation, right? I've got to know what I got, and where it is by lot, by batch, by serial number, by whatever attribute is important for your operation, or combination of attributes, or whatever. That's the foundation, but now we're saying, "Okay, how do we optimize on top of that, to just get more product out the door at a lower cost?" Yeah, it requires investment. I mean, having a WMS tells me, "Here's information," but it's not enough anymore, to your point, is we need all of this to get there. Yeah, and that's where kind of... You asked me about some of the components of the smart warehouse, and I talked about it from a kind of a product category perspective, but now I'm talking about it more from a almost philosophical and one of the things is one of the key foundations I that constraining condition awareness. What's happening in my building? What's happening with the flow of goods? One of the things that first really got me to understand WES in a deeper way is this notion that it's always on, listening and monitoring the environment. If you think about a traditional WMS, it's more sequential oriented. I receive product in, I put it away. I replenish pick sites. I do the picking. I take it to packing or value-added services. I put it in the receiving staging or shipping staging. I get it out the door. All very good, and a lot of companies don't have that, and organizing all of that, and automating, if you will, that is a big step forward. But we need to take it to the next level, so if you think about this notion of the system is always on, monitoring throughput and flow, so there's certain rates and certain throughput that I'm expecting, so I need to be able to have a flexible set of dashboards supported by event alerts and notifications that there is a problem, that says, "Here's what's happening across..." However I want to define it in that area, I can define an area as a case picking modules, as a whole three-level case pick module. I see that as one unit, and I want to know what the throughput is there. Maybe I want to see it at each level of that pick module, so I can see it more granularly. What's really nifty about this is that that new level of visibility to activity, and throughput, and bottlenecks, and alerts, and corrective action, automated, increasingly automated, if there are bottlenecks, but that provides a nice set of realtime dashboards, and really cool-looking stuff that people can see what's happening, "I have this many orders pending. Here's how many have been completed, or here's how many are in picking," or all of that kind of real level of detail. But to understanding what's going on here with the smart warehouse is the system is using that same data that's being exposed to managers and supervisors. That's what it's using to make decisions as well, and I cited that example of being aware of the backup that's happening in the put wall, and automatically for some period of time routing work around that until the congestion is cleared. That's what's really kind of different now about this kind of visibility and this kind of activity monitoring, and being able to flexibly do that at however you want to, again, define. Processing area could be evaluated, services, it could be piece picking. You know, all these things, and obviously now the design is that these different flows throughout the facility are in sync, okay? I'm not getting all backed up in packing, which is causing problems way back in picking and replenishment, because I haven't automated the visibility and I haven't automated the flow release in a way that's going to be cognizant and aware that I've got a problem here, and here's what I need to do about it for some period of time until it corrects itself, or suggesting, or just taking action, to solve the problem. You know what? You sent me a PowerPoint, and I have this up here, and it's got that realtime, configurable dashboards, and one of the things that always drives me crazy going to warehouses... Well, it's been a while since I've seen somebody hand me a piece of paper, but somebody handed me a piece of paper that had like 40 columns, and it was like an Excel spreadsheet or something. It maybe have spit out of a system, I don't know. But it had so much, and I looked at it. I was like, "What am I supposed to do with this?" I like the idea of being able to configure it for those KPIs that I care about. I don't want to measure everything. That's just me. Tell me the four, or five, or seven things that really matter, that tell me my warehouse is moving in the right direction, that things are working well. I see also, I'm just looking at it in here, it says, "Orders with issues." I also love the idea that I don't find out about the issues in next week's report. I find out about them real time. [caption id="attachment_7943" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: One of the things that got me to understand WES in a deeper way is this notion that it's always on, listening and monitoring the environment.[/caption] Yeah, that's absolutely true, and then the point that you made actually, kind of a nice transition to this notion of another component we talked about, the realtime visibility to capacities, and constraints, and conditions out there, and then the always on nature of the WES, but now, also we talked about looking at a table of 40 rows of information or whatever, and what do I do. And it's all in the past, too. It's in the past, but I think it brings up a point there, which is today, even with higher-end WMSs, this is one of the learnings and insights that we have, there is still a tremendous amount of decision-making that is being done by human beings, so just as the manager or whoever you were talking about there in your example, staring at a 40-row spreadsheet or whatever, you see the same thing today, of managers and supervisors staring at computer screens, trying to figure out what the right thing to do is next. Here's the reality. Every time you do that, first off, you introduce some latency into the system, because it takes time to look at the different screens, and to think about it, and to make decisions, and scribble some things down on a piece of paper to remind you this needs to be taken care of or whatever, okay? And then simply, in most cases, there's no way a human being can make the optimal decision in the same way that a computer can, because even if you're a really smart guy or gal, there's just too much data, too much to try to process at one time. So part of the capabilities of the smart WMS is the much more advanced software-based decision-making, so things like order batch optimization. Given a given block of work, what's the best way to most effectively execute that out on the software floor? What we think is absolutely huge is this notion of the autonomous warehouse. That's a term Gartner has used, others have used it as well, but it talks about being able to automatically release work, without the need for a wave planner, or inventory expediters, or all the kind of people that you see often involved in these kind of decisions about what work to do when. So work is really sort of attributes, things like the order priority, the inventory and resource availability, what kind of optimization opportunities are there, you know? The bigger the order pool, the more optimization opportunities you have, because there are just more data to be optimized, conditions to be optimized, but also you've got... but you can't hold on so long that you're not getting the throughput out the door. Courier cutoff time, this is a huge one. I mean, even in sophisticated warehouses today, at 4:00 or 5:00, when the UPS or the FedEx or whatever truck is leaving, you often see... And we've made commitments that eCommerce is going to ship today. You see a certain amount of chaos going around, trying to figure out if all the orders that need to go on that truck have been on the truck and what to do about it. What we're talking about here, we're saying, "Okay, listen. We know this is the work. We know how long it's going to take to pick and transport that work, those orders, to the shipping dock or whatever," so the work is going to automatically release itself at the beginning of the day. We're more concerned about optimization. We've still got a lot of decent amount of time, so we can focus on doing it the most efficient we can, but as you go throughout the day, that needle starts to change from the focus on efficiency on cost to efficiency on customer service, and making sure those items are on there. And the system just does that automatically. It's configured to take those into consideration. So now those orders are getting on the trucks automatically, without the chaos, and without just the difficulty that's going on out there. This is just a whole new... This is step change capability here. I mean, we're talking about a system that's kind of self-learning and optimal how it releases work, and this is just not a concept we've had in distribution software before, and this is what really defines what we're calling the smart warehouse. Yeah, and it's interesting. I had a boss in the past, when I was young, and I remember I sent an Excel spreadsheet to him, and it told a story. I sent it to him, and he pulled me into his office, he says, "Joe, this is a great Excel spreadsheet." He says, "So I have to go through here and I have to come to the same conclusion you did," and I go, "Well, that's easy. You just look at the..." And he goes, "No, no, no." He goes, "When you send me this Excel spreadsheet, send me a recommendation. I don't want to have to come to a conclusion. That's your job. You could attach the data as backup, but give me a recommendation," and I feel the same way about running a warehouse. Don't make me figure it out myself. Give me an alert that says, "This is a problem." Say, "This is how many orders are at risk," right? "This is how many orders need to get on that truck that aren't done yet." Give me that. And just to show you, as a simple example, still a lot of people, especially for eCommerce, are doing manual cart picking, so I may have a cart that's got a certain configuration, three by three or four by four... What I mean by that, three by three would be three shelves that each have room for three cartons each, right? So I have nine total orders that I'm working on there. Well, most companies that we see do that today, they're doing it with paper picking, or pick by label, or something. There's some attempt to do that more efficiently, but just something as simple as cart picking. The smart warehouse can take it to a whole new level, so first off, you've got again, as I said, this order pool that's out there, and at any one point of time, and now I'm probably going to have done some cartonization logic there to determine what should go in what box, especially with a multi-carton order. In most cases, there’s no way a human being can make the optimal decision in the same way that a computer can. Even if you’re really smart, there’s just too much data to process at one time. If you're shipping, just for example, you don't want to put perfume in the same carton as apparel, because of the obvious contamination that can happen there. But now somebody comes up, a picker comes up, and scans a barcode on that cart. The system's going to automatically know it's this configuration, three by three, four by four, whatever, and it will have done some optimization, typically in terms of what's called cluster picking, where I'm going to take that cart to one location, and then I will have put as many orders as I can on the cart, assigned to that cart, that have the same set of SKUs on them, so I can minimize my travel distance. Hopefully, I'm being clear on what that means. So now I get to that location that says... And this can be done with lights or it can be done with barcode scanning. It says, "Okay, take one of these from this location, put it in carton slot three one," which is the third shelf, the first location. The next one is three two, the next one is two three, the next one is two one, whatever that sequence is, right? So I'm doing that in a way that makes it very, very efficient. But we could take it even still beyond that. What if a high-priority order comes on? The picker is walking along. As long as there's a location on that cart, whether it's a carton or a tote they're picking into, if it hasn't been started, we can remove, automatically, a lower-priority order and insert a higher-priority order that has just come down onto that cart, as long as... We typically do it so the picker doesn't have to turn around and go backwards. As long as the picks for the new order are ahead of that picker, okay? And we do that without the picker even being aware that it happened. Yeah, so you can kind of expedite, automatically, like, "Hey, I got a truck that's going to be here in an hour and we haven't even started yet. Let's get this going." Yeah, or just maybe a customer... We say if you get an order in by 2:00, we'll ship it that day, and it's 1:58, and all of a sudden, an order just drops, right? I got two minutes, you know? Or whatever to do that, so the system's going to automatically insert a higher-priority order where possible. I like something you said in there, that we talked about the labor problem with these guys walking around maybe five, 10 miles in a day, and one of the reasons we're going to quit, especially if you're me. I don't want to walk that many steps. If you can optimize, so when I walk over there, all my orders are in the same area. Then I walk over here, and all my orders are there, as opposed to one order on one side of the warehouse, another order on the other side, where I'm walking and going, "What the hell has my life become, where I walk back and forth like this?" Yeah. Costly too. That gets into the order pool optimization as well, because the bigger the batch that I'm working with, the more opportunities I have to gang those picks together, so on a given cart, I'm maybe walking very few feet. And then, just to your point, this is where you get into the whole notion of mobile robots and whatnot too, because now perhaps I go to the pick location, I pick the order, but instead of putting it on a pick cart, I'm putting it on a mobile robot, and the mobile robot's going to move onto the next location, or onto packing if the order's complete, or whatever, so I'm walking very little at that point, or comparatively little, which is obviously one of the attractivenesses of the mobile robot technologies. Again, so this is hopefully it's becoming clear here. This is the nature of the warehouse is changing, and part of that's going to have to be to not only be more cost efficient and get more out the door with the staff that I've got, but it's making sure the people have a less miserable work experience, and hence hopefully are going to stay with us a lot longer. Man, this is not your grandpa's warehouse anymore, and I think to be competitive... It used to be like, "Wow, these guys are high tech because they have a WMS," and now we're starting to spin out the automation, and the warehouse execution, and the integration platform. This is all getting really high tech, and you think this was probably the lowest-tech business there was 25 years ago. Yeah. I mean, it's just inevitable, and how is that all going to play out? It's going to be interesting to see, but again, I think the lighter automation techniques, including the robots and the put walls, are just so attractive in terms of their flexibility and expandability, and now when you add... And there's, we'll maybe talk about it a little bit about this, but there's machine learning and artificial intelligence, all kind of things going into... involved here, so yes, the warehouses are becoming technology centers, and if you see the kind of private equity money that's flowing into robotics firms, and AI firms, and others, obviously a lot of the smart money thinks that's where it's headed too. Well, and also I think companies are starting to realize, retailers and other eCommerce companies, are starting to realize the importance of a real well-run warehouse. What's those guys, Quiet Logistics? They got bought by American Eagle. That was American Eagle recognizing, another traditional retailer, saying, "We're going to buy ourselves a warehousing company, because that's how important this business is." Yeah, and of course, Quiet was actually the force behind what has become Locus Robots, one of the big mobile robot vendors. That happened because Amazon had bought Kiva Systems right before that, and kind of left Quiet without a partner, they were building the business on, so they went out and invented their own robots, so yeah. [caption id="attachment_7944" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: What's really different now about this kind of visibility and activity monitoring is being able to flexibly do that however you want to define a processing area.[/caption] Yeah, that's right. Bruce Welty was on my podcast. He's the founder of Quiet, and he said... I don't know when, a long time ago, he got a phone call saying, "Hey, you guys using those Locus Robots?" And he says, "Yeah. How do you like them?" "We like them a lot." And they said, "Can we come visit?" "Sure." It was Amazon. Amazon looked around, said, "We love this." They bought Locus, and then they stopped supporting... Or no, that was the other one. Or was that Kiva? I'm taking it back. That was Kiva. A couple of other things I'd like to just bring up about the smart warehouse. As much as broader use of some auto-ID-ish, or IoT-type devices. RFID is starting to make something of a comeback, years after the Walmart debacle in 2003, or 2004, or whatever, but certainly there is, I think, you're going to see many manual scanning activities that are going to disappear as RFID moves its way back now, from being implemented at the store level by customers concerned with eCommerce fulfillment, for inventory purposes. You're going to see it move back up into the distribution operations, so I think that will certainly be part of it. IoT, I mean, we're already doing things today, like for example, we're partnered with a pick cart. That's internet of things. Yeah, correct, obviously. A picker with a pick cart can walk up to a pick zone, and the IoT automatically recognizes it's this cart with this person on it, so it automatically turns on the lights, the pick lights that are on those four pick locations. It's a minor thing there, but that's just the kind of advancement we're going to see, and we've even done some stuff with kind of congestion management, and COVID or whatever, where we can actually tell exactly where somebody is in the aisle using IoT, and being able to assign work based on a realtime visibility to who's actually closest to that work, but also in a COVID area, being able to space people apart so that they don't get, say, within eight feet of each other, or whatever how that happens to be, whatever metric you want it to do, to use there for that, or constraint. So there's some very interesting things that can happen there. You know, this is still kind of slow-going. It hasn't taken off as fast as many people think, but I think you're going to see RFID and IoT start to make some real inroads over the next three years or so. Then, we have this notion, or follow the notion of Gartner on what's considered to be called conversational voice, so transactional voice is doing a picking or a palette build or something using voice technologies, and typically reading in a check location, check digit, and some of those kind of things, and doing a hands-free pick, or replenishment, or whatever the task might be, but we're starting to get now into more of a dialogue, so we're already to the point now where we can have a supervisor take a smart phone and say, "Hey, show me how I'm doing on wave number 235," or whatever, and then over a smart phone, that's going to bring back exactly what's happening now, or, "Where's our replenishment for location 3652," or whatever. So we're still early in this game here, but certainly we'll move to more of a dialogue going on with the WMS and WES than just plain transactional voice type technology. We think this is very exciting, and where the future interface of the software is going to really head. Yep, and this is where that integration platform you talked about comes in handy, so I can connect to all this stuff. The new killer app that comes out, I can get it. Yeah, and you know, we've done a lot there, so automation and optimization of materials handling systems is certainly a key part of this. I mean, we really refer to it not just as the smart warehouse of the future, but actually the smart automated warehouse of the future, due to the interest in the technologies we've talked about several times already today, so we can directly connect with these picking subsystems, like walls, like pick-to-light, like voice, like whatever, without the need for third-party software. Everyone else uses some kind of software from the put wall vendor, or from the pick-to-light vendor, or from the voice vendor, or whatever. Adds another layer of integration, adds another layer of cost, and it often results in people operating in kind of silos. We can directly control a lot of these materials handling technologies, and it allows you to operate those and optimize those in the context of everything that's happening in the warehouse, and all the information that's available, which just provides you a lot of benefits over time, because again, you're not just trying to operate in silos. I talked to somebody that was using a pick-to-light system the other day, a couple months ago I guess, and they talked about how at the end of every week, they've got to go in and clean up all these picks that somehow never happened, never were executed in the pick-to-light system, and, "I'm not quite sure why that is," but it just wouldn't happen with the way we're approaching things, because we would be aware of that. It probably is waiting on a replenishment or whatever. The problem is, the pick-to-light vendor doesn't do replenishment. The WMS vendor does it. So you've got these kind of silos going on here, and there's a lot of opportunities, and in terms of that integration platform, we think this is especially true for mobile robots. People are using the mobile software of the mobile robots, but what that does is it limits, again, sort of the total optimization that can be achieved, but more importantly, you're now totally dependent on that robot software, and what if you want to add different robots? Or what if you want to change horses three years from now? Or there's a better mouse trap, or faster, or whatever that happens to be. Now you can become locked in, so what we think the market really needs is a mobile robot and broader automation integration platform, almost like an operating system for automation in the warehouse, that's going to allow you to have visibility to and optimization of robots of different kinds from the same manufacturer, of different types for different manufacturers, so you're not locked in. It's like a plug-and-play type environment here. We refer to it not just as smart but the smart automated across to the future. Three years from now, you can keep the robots you have if you want, keep the 10 that you bought, but now you want to add five more from a different vendor. Plug them into this operating system, and have instant connectivity and the ability to optimize for performance. We just think that's the much more low-risk approach going forward than locking yourself into a vendor today, the software that's coming from the robot vendor. Yeah, and I think, let me get back to the idea of a smart warehouse, it's all about throughput. If I have different systems, that are connecting, that are doing local optimums, that's a problem, because it's not supporting throughput. So I always need that one... I'll call it the one source of truth. That's the main system, to say, "This is all about getting stuff out the door here," and so- Yeah, I wanted to bring up just one... I think earlier in the broadcast, I talked about wanting to give an example with the put wall. We've talked about put walls several times now, but again, I referenced that the whole key is to turning over those put walls. Well, here's the kind of scenario that... The cubby holes in the put walls. Here's the kind of scenario we're seeing, where let's say there's a three line item eCommerce order, and two of those line items on the order come from a cart and flow rack area that's very close to packing. I mean, those orders are efficient to pick and short distance to transport. If you don't do anything else, and the third line item is actually coming from a slow-moving mezzanine pick area, that's farther away and is less efficient to pick. If you don't do anything otherwise, what's going to happen is those first two items from that order are going to show up rather quickly, and then they're going to sit, and wait, and wait, and wait, and they're going to wait 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes, whatever it happens to be, for that third item on the order to finally show up. That cubby hole's been tied up that entire time. What's the smarter warehouse way of doing it? What's the WES way of doing it? It would be to recognize that difference. Let's say it's 25% slower to go through the mezzanine or whatever the number you want to use is. We would release just that third line item in effect 25 or 30% earlier, and then after the time it takes to pick and transport that, as it's on its way to the pack station, now we release the other two orders, line items, just for the cart and flow rack, so voila, they show up at the put wall for processing at relatively the same time, and now I'm able to turn that wall without the latency that would occur if you didn't have smart software to do that. So hopefully that's an example that makes it somewhat clearer as to how the optimization really can affect operational performance. You would never be able to get that done manually. Just doesn't happen. Man, this is like drinking from a firehouse. This is so much going on in this. So, Dan, put a bow on this bad boy. Give us your final thoughts on this. What do I need to get to have that smart warehouse? Yeah, well I mean, first off, it provides a ton of benefits. It's going to reduce labor costs. You're going to have higher and more consistent DC throughput. You're going to reduce your need for automation, in terms of things like the number of diverts, or get more throughput out of the automation you have there. We didn't talk much about labor planning today, but that's a big part of it. You can dynamically assign workers throughout the course of a shift, from one hour, 8:00 to 9:00, 9:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 11:00, wherever they're needed most and in what quantities. Improved automated decision-making, we talked about all that. So you know, it's really just an assessment, and certainly if you're heavily automated, there's a lot of opportunities for you, but as I tried to make the point earlier, even if you're only modestly automated or not automated at all, these things, these capabilities can have some real benefit for your operations. I think the important thing to note, related to Softeon, is these can be implemented very incrementally. I could implement a traditional WMS, and let's say I just want the labor planning and allocation part of it, as I just talked about a second ago. We can take that capability from WES and just, if you will, attach it to the WMS, to give you a solution. Conversely, if you want to implement WES and leave your existing WMS in place, we didn't talk much about that today, but that's a key dynamic. But you need cartonization, which is a warehouse management function. You can just attach, if you will, cartonization to that WES implementation, so flexibility is key. That's what we try to design. We call it a share component library, that the applications can borrow components, and functionality, and services from each other, and we're pretty confident that give us a chance to understand what you're trying to accomplish, and what your operation's like, or whatever, that some combination of these technologies are going to have a pretty good fit and really take your warehouse to a whole new level than we've seen over the last 20 years. Excellent, excellent. Well, man, it has changed a lot. Dan, what's new over at Softeon? What conferences you guys going to? What's new over at- Yeah, so we just got done with the MODEX show a few weeks ago, and it was a big success for us. We not only showed the smart warehouse, kind of presented the smart warehouse capabilities. We actually had a lot of equipment, pick wall, pick-to-light, other technology, packing stations, et cetera, right in our booth, and at the bottom of every hour, we did a presentation, had consistently good traffic the whole time, and then we actually did a... They have an educational track. We actually did a session on the smart warehouse of the future, available on Softeon today. It was very well attended, so that was good. We'll be at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium. I think it's early June, down in Orlando, and then kind of a break after that, but we just finished up a series of broadcasts, educational broadcasts, called The WMS Bootcamp, six different sessions from everything from building the business case to how to implement successfully. [caption id="attachment_7945" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Smart Warehouse: Even if you're just modestly automated, these capabilities can have some real benefits on your operations. These can be implemented very incrementally.[/caption] It was a huge success, but all that's now available on demand. If they go onto softeon.com, you'll be able to find some links to that, and I think if you have any interest in WMS any time soon, or even mid term, this will be... They're noncommercial educational sessions. I think you'll find they add a lot of value. The feedback we got on it was outstanding. Dan, what I'll do is I'll put a link to those. If you give me the link to those WMS Bootcamp, I would like to watch it myself, because I think this... We just went over this, and it has gone from simple to just more complex over time, and you know, you guys are simplifying it, but to understand what's required requires a bootcamp. Well, there's just a lot of... We wrote a lot of lessons over time, and I brought in some consultants and people that I knew really knew what they were talking about, in terms of like building the business case. We had some folks from Invista that came on and did that, and I just had some experience there, exposure, I knew they knew what they were talking about. I assume that applies to some other consultants as well, so it's a real nice series. It's noncommercial. If you want to learn some tips about how to get WMS selection and implementation right, I think you'll find the bootcamp serves you well. How do we reach out and talk to you over at Softeon? Yeah, easiest way to get to me is just via email. My email address is just DGilmore@TheSofteon.com. You can also use contact@softeon.com for just the general inquiry box, but love to hear from you. Hopefully came across that I at least know a little bit about what I'm talking about, and I'd love to discuss your problems as well. Yep. And what I'll do is I'll put a link to your LinkedIn profile and also a link to Softeon's website, and anyone who wants to reach out can reach out and talk to you about the smart warehouse. Thanks, Joe. I really enjoyed it. It was a great conversation. Thank you. Thank you so much, Dan, and thank all of you for listening to my podcast. Your support's very much appreciated. Until next time, onward and upward. Important Links Softeon Supply Chain Digest WMS Bootcamp DGilmore@TheSofteon.com Contact@Softeon.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/softeon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/13/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
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5/11/2022 • 48 minutes, 26 seconds
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5/9/2022 • 51 minutes, 24 seconds
REPOST: 5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon
5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss 5 trends shaping logistics and supply chain. In the interview, Ben reviews and discussed trends and interesting companies in ecommerce, final mile, cold chain, reverse logistics, and fulfillment. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Cambridge Capital Cambridge Capital is a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in our sectors. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. Cambridge Capital was founded in 2009 as the investment affiliate of BG Strategic Advisors (www.bgsa.com), the advisor of choice for a large, growing number of supply chain CEOs. Cambridge Capital leverages BGSA’s unique approach to strategy-led investment banking for the supply chain. BGSA is known for its work helping companies achieve outsized returns via targeted acquisitions and premium sales processes, and has worked with category leaders such as UPS, DHL, Agility Logistics, New Breed, NFI, Genco, Nations Express, Raytrans, and others. Our relationship with BGSA gives us deep market expertise, access to outstanding deal flow and people flow, transactional capabilities, additional resources, and a powerful core competency in the supply chain sector. The Partners and Advisory Board members of Cambridge Capital have diverse backgrounds with complementary technical, operating and financial expertise. The Cambridge Capital team has spent their careers building, growing, and advising outstanding companies in the supply chain sector. They include former leaders of UPS Logistics, Ryder Logistics, ATC Logistics, APL Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and other globally recognized firms. Cambridge Capital’s professionals know what it takes to build great companies. Key Takeaways: 5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon In the podcast, Ben reviewed the following 5 trends shaping logistics: Ecommerce Ecommerce has not only reshaped logistics, but it is also has reshaped the entire economy. According to McKinsey, 10 years of e-commerce adoption was compressed into three months. Because of explosive growth of ecommerce, small parcel companies, UPS, FedEx and DHL experienced exceptional growth. The U.S. Postal Service and Amazon have also seen huge growth in shipments due to the growth of ecommerce. Returns and reverse logistics Traditional retailers experience 6-8% of sales to be returned. Ecommerce sellers have returns of approximately 30%. Returned items are a major pain point for both sellers and logistics providers because they are unplanned, very expensive, and difficult to manage. To address the returns and reverse logistics challenge, companies like ReverseLogix have created reverse logistics technology that reduces costs and enhances the customer’s experience, while increasing inventory recovery and visibility into the reverse logistics life-cycle. Last mile Last mile or final mile is perhaps the most important and difficult part of direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping. Last mile accounts for 41% of the cost of business-to-consumer shipping. Amazon has raised customer expectations with a superior DTC experience that many companies will fail to replicate. In response, firms like Bringg are helping their clients deliver a last-mile experience that is comparable to the Amazon experience. Delivery software and service companies like Delivery Circle are helping companies leverage technology to make local delivery service more efficient and profitable. Ecommerce fulfillment Ecommerce fulfillment is the backbone of the direct-to-consumer supply chain and to successful, fulfillment companies must excel at both technology and warehousing & logistics. Many companies entering the fulfillment space from a technology background struggle with warehousing, logistics, and operations, while traditional warehousing & logistics companies may initially lack the technical expertise. Medical logistics and cold chain During COVID, the importance of the medical logistics and supply chain was highlighted especially in the areas of the cold chain. The lack of adequate cold chain infrastructure is proving to be a problem in the developing world. Cold chain monitoring and compliance is an area primed for growth. Learn More About the 5 Trends Shaping Logistics Ben Gordon Cambridge Capital 2021 BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference 2021 BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference – Welcome Remarks from Ben Gordon Related Podcasts Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier Alternatives to UPS and FedEx The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/6/2022 • 44 minutes, 42 seconds
The REFASHIOND Ventures Story with Brian Aoaeh
The REFASHIOND Ventures Story with Brian Aoaeh Brian Aoaeh and Joe Lynch discuss the REFASHIOND Ventures story. Brian is the a Cofounder and General Partner of REFASHIOND Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund manager that invests in early stage supply chain technology. About Brian Aoaeh Brian Aoaeh is a Cofounder and General Partner of REFASHIOND Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund manager that invests in early stage supply chain technology. Prior to REFASHIOND, Brian acquired 10 years of experience in investment research and management, with 8 of those years spent building KEC Ventures from scratch. KEC Ventures is an early-stage technology venture capital firm with $98M of AUM across 2 funds, and 51 investments. Before KEC Ventures he joined KEC Holdings - a single family office, as the first member of its investing team. He joined KEC Holdings after serving as the statistical research and strategy analyst in Global Diversity and Inclusion at Lehman Brothers in New York, NY. Before his tenure at Lehman, he worked at UBS AG in Stamford, CT as the statistical research analyst in Group Diversity. Prior to UBS, he was a pension actuarial analyst at Watson Wyatt Worldwide (now Willis Towers Watson). He was a junior auditor at Issifu Ali & Co. Chartered Accountants, in Accra, Ghana between completing his secondary school education and commencing undergraduate study in the United States in 1997. Brian holds a BA with a double major in Mathematics and Physics from Connecticut College in New London, CT. During his undergraduate study he spent three years as a research assistant in the Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at the Connecticut College Physics Department - including multiple collaborative investigations at NASA Langley Research Center; He is a co-author of five articles that have been published in refereed journals. He earned an MBA, with a specialization in Financial Instruments and Markets, from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University in New York, NY. He is a CFA Institute charter holder. He is also an adjunct professor of supply chain and operations management in the Department of Technology Management and Key Takeaways: The Refashiond Ventures Brian Laung Aoaeh is the a Cofounder and General Partner of REFASHIOND Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund manager that invests in early stage supply chain technology. In the podcast interview, Brian describes his entrepreneurial journey and his own personal story as an immigrant to the USA. Refashiond champions companies refashioning supply chains. Refashiond Ventures is raising an early stage supply chain technology fund, sourcing deals from The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation’s network of 33,000+ innovators, whilst leveraging their operating experience, and strong engagements with corporate limited partners as both investors and market-validating customers of their portfolio companies. The Refashioned team believes that supply chains are being refashioned for the following reasons: Unprecedented convergence is occurring due to digitization. Global trade and consumption are increasing. Sustainability Learn More About The Refashiond Ventures Brian's LinkedIn Brian's Twitter Brian's Personal Blog REFASHIOND Ventures LinkedIn REFASHIOND Ventures The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation Booklet - The World is a Supply Chain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/4/2022 • 49 minutes, 51 seconds
Rail 101 with Ian Jefferies
Rail 101 with Ian Jefferies Ian Jefferies and Joe Lynch discuss Rail 101. Ian is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) which is the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. About Ian Jefferies Ian Jefferies is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of American Railroads. (AAR). Jefferies advocates for and works with member railroads to ensure the continued viability of America’s railroad industry. Before joining the AAR, Jefferies cultivated more than a decade of experience working within government. From 2009 to 2013, Jefferies served as a senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. In this role, Jefferies provided policy guidance on a host of transportation issues, including railroad economic regulation, rail safety and passenger rail. Jefferies also led the successful development, negotiation and reauthorization of major infrastructure legislation and managed the successful conference of Committee legislation relating to the 2012 surface transportation reauthorization law, MAP 21. Jefferies began his career in government serving as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, before transitioning to the federal government. Prior to serving in the United States Senate, he worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. In these roles, Jefferies led program reviews on a variety of issues including infrastructure development, international trade, major weapon systems acquisition and federal contracting. Education. Jefferies received his Master of Science in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and his Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. About Association of American Railroads America's freight railroads operate the safest, most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sound freight transportation system in the world — and at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) we are committed to keeping it that way. Operating over a private, 140,000 mile network stretching across the far reaches of North America, AAR members include the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, D.C. on critical transportation and related issues, AAR ensures that the freight rail industry will continue to meet America’s transportation needs today and tomorrow. As the standard setting organization for North America's railroads, AAR is also focused on improving the safety and productivity of rail transportation. AAR helps advance these goals through its two subsidiaries, the Transportation Technology Center Inc.(TTCI) and the Railinc Corp. TTCI is the world's leading research, development and testing facility, and develops next-generation advancements in safety and operation efficiency. Railinc serves as the rail industry’s leading resource for rail data, information technology and information services, and uses one of the world's largest data networks to track customer shipments. AAR also supports the Railroad Research Foundation (RRF), a world-class policy research organization dedicated to sustaining a safe, secure and technologically advanced rail network. Key Takeaways: Rail 101 Ian Jefferies is the President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) which is the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. In the podcast interview, Ian provides an overview of the railroad industry for people not familiar with the rail business – Rail 101. Investing in Tomorrow America’s freight railroads are the most productive and cost-effective in the world — and they are getting even better through strategic investments. Railroads are evolving, providing customers a competitive edge in the global economy of the future. America’s freight railroads are almost entirely privately owned and operated. Unlike trucks and barges, freight railroads operate overwhelmingly on infrastructure that they own, build, maintain and pay for themselves. Approximately 630 freight railroads operate across the nearly 140,000-mile U.S. freight rail network. The seven “Class I” railroads — railroads with 2019 revenue of at least $505 million — account for around 68% of freight rail mileage, 88% of employees, and 94% of revenue. Each Class I railroad operates in multiple states over thousands of miles of track. Non-Class I railroads (also known as short line and regional railroads) range in size from tiny operations handling a few carloads a month to multi-state operations close to Class I size. AAR represents the entirety of the rail industry – Class Is, short lines, suppliers and passenger railroads. AAR focuses primarily on freight rail. AAR ultimately serves their members and works to be their unified voice – particularly in Washington Learn More About Rail 101 Ian's LinkedIn AAR LinkedIn AAR website AAR Twitter The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/2/2022 • 45 minutes, 36 seconds
Wine Logistics with Andrew Walleck
Wine Logistics with Andrew Walleck Andrew Walleck and Joe Lynch discuss wine logistics. Andrew is the COO of Wine Access, the leading online direct-to-consumer wine platform offering the world’s most coveted wines. About Andrew Walleck Andrew Walleck has 16 years of experience in Operations, Strategy, Merchandising, and eCommerce across a variety of industries. A Kellogg MBA grad, Andrew spent 8 years with McMaster-Carr, one of the country’s foremost innovators in Operations, serving seven different senior leadership roles as well as a Merchandiser for a company in one of the largest product categories. Prior to that, he was a management consultant to Corning, Inc., Eaton, and others. Andrew has his WSET Level 3 and is currently studying for his WSET Level 4 Diploma. Andrew also developed his own wine label prior to joining Wine Access. About Wine Access Founded in 1996, Wine Access is the leading online direct-to-consumer wine platform offering the world’s most coveted wines. As one of the earliest adopters of ecommerce and DTC offerings in the digital wine space, Wine Access curates high quality wines from every wine region around the globe, creating more accessible ways to enjoy wine that extend beyond the bottle. Wine Access’ Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, and team of industry experts taste over 20,000 wines a year, offering only those that exceed the expectations defined by their prices. Through Wine Access’ network of family-owned, legendary winemakers, and coveted marquees, customers have access to an inspiring curation of unique and often unattainable wines. To build a deeper understanding and connection to each bottle, every shipment includes original tasting notes, flavor profiles, pairing recommendations, and compelling original stories that capture the authentic personality, passion, and philosophy of the producer. Wine Access also offers a Wine Club membership that unlocks access to rare and highly coveted wine selections from every major wine-growing region around the globe four times a year. In 2021, Wine Access was named the official wine provider of the MICHELIN Guide. Key Takeaways: Wine Logistics Andrew Walleck is the COO of Wine Access, the leading online direct-to-consumer wine platform offering the world’s most coveted wines. In the interview, Andrew and Joe discuss wine logistics and why it is so challenging. The biggest problems in regards to wine logistics and delivery are: Every state has their own laws regulating alcohol and it’s delivery. Wine is an adult transaction so ensuring that the wine is received by an adult is critical. The quality and flavor of wine is potentially impacted by vibration, temperature, and other environmental conditions. Managing the uneven supply and demand is difficult. Wine makers take great pride in their products and they see themselves more as artisans as opposed to manufacturers – so they typically won’t rush or send wine they are not proud of. Since wine delivery is so challenging, Wine Access has developed an online direct-to-consumer wine platform that incorporates the best practices for temperature control, security, visibility, and delivery. Wine Access makes it easy to discover and enjoy the world’s most inspiring wines through expert curation, storytelling, and perfect provenance—satisfaction guaranteed. The Wine Access Teams is headquartered in Napa, California and includes a Master of Wine, a Master Sommelier, and a selective crew of industry experts who have made in-roads in every major corner of every wine region around the globe. The company’s connections unlock access to the most exclusive wines, from first growth Bordeaux estates to Napa cult icons and exciting discoveries along the way. Learn More About Wine Logistics Andrew's LinkedIn Wine Access LinkedIn Wine Access The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/29/2022 • 58 minutes, 12 seconds
The Diesel Laptops Story with Tyler Robertson
The Diesel Laptops Story with Tyler Robertson Tyler Robertson and Joe Lynch discuss the Diesel Laptops story. Tyler is the Founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, a company that provides commercial truck efficiency solutions for truck repair facilities. About Tyler Robertson Tyler Robertson is the Founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, which provides commercial truck efficiency solutions for truck repair facilities. Prior to founding Diesel Laptops, Tyler worked at commercial truck dealerships his entire career and throughout those years, he saw commercial trucks become more and more complex, and more difficult to diagnose - which is exactly the problem that Tyler decided to fix. Diesel Laptops started small by selling diagnostic tools on eBay and working out of Tyler’s garage. Today, Diesel Laptops has grown to over $65 million per year in revenue with 200 employees doing it the hard way - without raising any outside capital. In response to customer needs, Diesel Laptops now offers repair instructions, parts, training, and laptops. About Diesel Laptops Founded in 2015, Diesel Laptops originally set out to help clients with their diagnostic tool needs. As trucks and emission technology became more advanced, a demand was placed in the market for diagnostic tools to meet those needs. As the years went on, we found that customers needed more. Diesel Laptops has now expanded into 4 distinct divisions. 1.) Diesel Repair is a web and mobile based platform that puts repair information into the hands of the diesel technicians. Diesel Repair contains information on commercial truck diagnostic fault codes, wiring diagrams, component locators, labor time guides, recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), remove & replace instructions, and much more. 2.) Diesel Parts enables users a free platform where they can look up their own parts by exploded views, by cross reference, by measurements, or by application. 3.) Diesel Training is the division of the company that provides continuing education for diesel technicians. This includes in-classroom experiences, online learning, and field training where we visit your location. 4.) Diesel Laptops that provide diagnostic tools to customers. Every customer is unique, and Diesel Laptops represent the best brands on the planet. Diesel Laptops surround those tools, with our world class services and support. This ensures customers are fitted with the appropriate tools, while also giving them access to the data and information they need to truly be efficient at truck and equipment repair. Key Takeaways: The Diesel Laptops Story Tyler Robertson is the Founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, a South Carolina based provider of commercial truck efficiency solutions for truck repair facilities. In the podcast interview Tyler shared his story of founding and growing Diesel Laptops. Tyler started Diesel Laptops by selling diagnostic tools on eBay and building the product in Tyler’s garage. Today, Diesel Laptops has grown to over $65 million per year in revenue with over 200 employees. Diesel Laptops has now expanded into 4 distinct divisions: Diesel Repair Diesel Parts Diesel Training Diesel Laptops Learn More About The Diesel Laptops Story Tyler's LinkedIn Diesel Laptops LinkedIn Diesel Laptops 2022 Virtual Diesel Expo May 17th - May 19th The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/27/2022 • 53 minutes, 45 seconds
Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas with Donnie Williams
Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas with Donnie Williams Donnie Williams and Joe Lynch discuss supply chain lessons from NW Arkansas. Donnie is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. About Donnie Williams Donnie Williams, Ph.D. in an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Williams has a BBA in Finance, an MBA and. Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, all from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. Donnie has a passion to build a bridge between the logistics/supply chain industry and academia, seeking to build relationships that will benefit students, practitioners and faculty in a collaborative environment. Dr. Williams’ professional experience includes warehouse operations, project management and leadership training. His work has been published in various academic and practitioner journals, including the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Transportation Journal, Marketing Theory and Practice, Transportation Management Journal, Supply Chain Management Review and Supply Chain Quarterly. Dr. Williams is also part of a team of researchers that provides the annual DC Measures Benchmarking study for the Warehouse Educators Research Council (WERC). Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business Northwest Arkansas is the beating heart of the world's supply chain industry. The Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business is uniquely positioned by its close proximity to over 300 Fortune 500 companies that have established satellite operations in Northwest Arkansas to support the world's largest retailer. In addition to faculty expertise, our students benefit from the Walton College Supply Chain Management Research Center, which connects students to industry executives, internships, and job opportunities. Recognizing the quality of the SCM program faculty and graduates, the U.S. News & World Report has rated the Walton Supply Chain program among the best in the United States.Since its founding at the University of Arkansas in 1926, the Sam M. Walton College of Business has grown to become the state's premier college of business – as well as a nationally competitive business school. Through teaching, research, and service, Walton College is a thought leader and a catalyst for transforming lives in Arkansas, the United States and the world. The mission of the Sam M. Walton College of Business is to advance and disseminate business knowledge using a diverse, inclusive, and global perspective and to encourage innovation in our primary strategic endeavors: Retail, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways: Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas Donnie Williams, Ph.D. in an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. In the podcast interview, Donnie and Joe discussed supply chain lessons from Northwest Arkansas (NWA). Northwest Arkansas is a metropolitan area and region in Arkansas within the Ozark Mountains that includes four of the ten largest cities in the state: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, the surrounding towns of Benton and Washington counties. The United States Census Bureau defined Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area includes 3,213.01 square miles and 546,725 residents (as of 2020), ranking NWA as the 105th most-populous metropolitan areas in the United States. NWA is also one of the fastest growing regions in the USA thanks in part to the growth of Walmart, Tyson Foods, ArcBest, J. B. Hunt, which are all based in the region. Because of the companies above a lot of logistics and supply chain companies moved to the region. The co-location led to unprecedented amounts of collaboration, cross-pollination, and innovation. With all that supply chain talent living in the area, it was no surprise that The Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas became the best supply chain program according to Gartner. The focus on supply chain in the community, university, and corporations has led to the region being recognized as a hub for logistics and supply chain innovation. Learn More About Supply Chain Lessons From NW Arkansas Donnie's LinkedIn The Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/25/2022 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
The Looming Supply Chain Threat with Felix Asare
The Looming Supply Chain Threat with Felix Asare Felix Asare and Joe Lynch discuss the looming supply chain threat. Felix is a cyber-security consultant and Founder of Premier Choice Consulting. Key Takeaways Felix Asare is a cyber-security consultant and Founder of Premier Choice Consulting. In the podcast interview, Felix explains why cyber-hacking and cyber-terrorism is a looming supply chain threat. According to USA federal government and cyber-security experts, there is an increase in cyber-hacking and cyber-terrorism. Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and they are often backed by a government. According to Felix, we are at risk for a security breech when a hacker has 1.) hostile intent 2.) capability and 3.) opportunity. While we can’t influence a hacker’s hostile intentions or their capabilities, we can limit their opportunity to hack us or our company. Hackers often attack personal accounts or personal electronics to gain access to unprotected phones, tablets, or computers. Hackers also attack smaller companies who work with larger companies. Smaller companies are less likely to invest in good cyber-security. According to Felix, hackers may infiltrate a server and wait for years until the right opportunity presents itself. Felix described the “CIA Triad” which stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability – the thing that hackers attack. Companies should get an annual Security Assessment that provides a security posture – including strengths, weaknesses, risks, and potential impacts. Understand where your companies “crown jewels” are and make sure they are safe. When companies get a security assessment, they get a “Capability Maturity Level” which is a number between 1 and 5, with 5 being the best. The financial and reputational risk of a hack is enormous and companies can greatly reduce their risk by using cyber-security best practices. Learn More About The Looming Supply Chain Threat Felix's LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/22/2022 • 43 minutes, 17 seconds
Urgent - The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with Ben Gordon
Urgent - The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with Ben Gordon The situation in the Ukraine grows more desperate every minute and the need for humanitarian aid is enormous and growing. People who work in logistics and supply chain are in a unique position to help the people of the Ukraine. To assist the people of the Ukraine in their time of greatest need, The Ukraine Logistics Coalition was formed by Ben Gordon and leaders from some of the top logistics and supply chain companies in the world. If you can support The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with a donation of money, equipment, facilities, expertise, please contact Benjamin Gordon ben@bgsa.com. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Logistics Coalition The war on Ukraine has devastated an entire region. Since February 24, tens of thousands have been killed or seriously wounded. Millions of people (and counting) have become refugees or have been forced to leave their homes. There are dozens of NGOs actively working to provide support and resources, and millions of people around the world that want to help. There are also thousands of supply chain companies capable of providing truck, air, ocean and warehousing services. However, there is no efficient way for groups to connect with each other and deliver vital supplies into affected areas. As a result, while the Ukrainian people suffer, well-meaning donors are unable to provide vital resources to the right place at the right time. The Logistics Coalition was formed to build a lean, fast, humanitarian supply chain in order to save more lives. Our initial focus is to create an online marketplace that connects NGOs, suppliers, and transportation companies. As a result, we intend to identify top priorities on the ground, fulfill them, and transport them to the people in need, all on an ongoing real-time basis. The long-term vision of the Logistics Coalition is to create a scalable supply chain solution that can be utilized in future disaster and crisis response. Key Takeaways: Urgent - The Ukraine Logistics Coalition Ben Gordon is the Founder of the Ukraine Logistics Coalition, which has the mission to bring Ukrainians what they need when they need it. The Coalition is made up of leading logistics an supply chain companies that have come together to develop a supply chain solution to save more lives in the Ukraine and create a scalable model for future disaster relief. Ukrainian civilians and the Ukrainian Army are continuing to live and resist the Russian invasion, but face overwhelming odds - they need necessities: Medicine & medical products, Food PPE Protective gear The Coalition is newly formed, but already making big strides – $22 million in supplies and $2 million in funding The successes include: 7,500 boots sourced and delivered Created a centralized, preliminary database to match supply with demand Developed a network of suppliers, logistics/transportation companies and on-the-ground relief organizations ready to collaborate and get resources where they need to be Created a coalition of CEOs and companies that can help, including: NGOs on the ground, like ICRC, Red Cross, and JDC Suppliers that can provide vital resources, like Convoy of Care, Henry Schein, and iRemedy ∙ Transportation companies that can deliver and track shipments, like SEKO Worldwide, Project44, and MEEST The Ukrainians are still in desperate need. Individuals and their companies can help in the following ways: Donate logistics, transportation, warehousing, supply chain services Donate medicine, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, food, etc. Donate technology services Donate money Spread the word – reach out to family, friends, work associates – especially individuals or companies that can donate the things listed above Learn More About Urgent - The Ukraine Logistics Coalition Ben Gordon Open letter to supply chain leaders: Ukraine needs humanitarian relief - FreightWaves Logistics Coalition Please Donate www.JDC.org www.projectdynamo.org The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/20/2022 • 17 minutes, 57 seconds
The Warp Story with Daniel Sokolovsky
The Warp Story with Daniel Sokolovsky Daniel Sokolovsky and Joe Lynch discuss the Warp story. Daniel is the Founder and CEO of Warp, a company that connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. About Daniel Sokolovsky Daniel Sokolovsky is the Founder and CEO of Warp, a freight tech company that connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. Prior to founding Warp, Daniel built Amazon's last-mile service for every shipper not named Amazon with AxleHire. Daniel is now doing the same thing with the middle mile. Daniel studied Applied Mathematics at UC Berkeley. About Warp Warp connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to find the most efficient route for middle-mile freight. The first freight network of its kind, Warp weaves together digital pooling, back-hauls, and physical consolidation points (Warp Stations), to provide shippers with a cost structure for shippers previously unthinkable with old school trucking companies. Key Takeaways: The Warp Story Daniel Sokolovsky is the Founder and CEO of Warp, a middle mile delivery solution for shippers. In the podcast interview, Daniel and Joe discussed Daniel’s entrepreneurial journey which includes both Warp and his previous company AxleHire, which is also a very successful company. Warp uses an optimized network of cross docks and carriers connected through one tech platform to bring shippers the best rates, transparency and service quality in the transportation industry. Using proprietary technology, Warp connects shippers, carriers, and facilities to digitize the old school trucking model and create the most efficient routes for middle-mile freight. Warp weaves together digital pooling and physical consolidation points, to provide shippers a cost structure previously unthinkable with outdated trucking companies. Warp connects all parties together with their own TMS, WMS and driver app which allows Warp customers to have pallet-level tracking throughout a shipment's journey. Learn More About The Warp Story Daniel's LinkedIn Warp's LinkedIn Warp The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/18/2022 • 50 minutes, 28 seconds
The Fleeting Story with Pierre Laguerre
The Fleeting Story with Pierre Laguerre Pierre Laguerre and Joe Lynch discuss the Fleeting story. Pierre is the Founder & CEO at Fleeting, a company that provides shippers & motor carriers direct access to reliable fleets & to flexible CDL drivers who operate them. About Pierre Laguerre Pierre Laguerre is an entrepreneur in transportation logistics who has over 17 years of experience in the space. While generating more than $5M in revenue through his transportation ventures, Pierre has successfully mentored young men who have gone on to earn their commercial drivers licenses. He has also facilitated growth in his peers who now own their own trucking and dispatch operations. As a Haitian-born migrant, Pierre found his entrepreneurial passion in trucking. He started his journey as a truck driver. Since then, he’s earned the honor of becoming the first Black man to max out an SEC approved equity crowdfunding campaign. After excelling in the Quake Capital startup accelerator, Pierre has gone on to win pitch competitions with Harvard University, Chamillionaire, Kyrie Irvin and Damon John, all while being a calm collected head-of-household for his three young children. About Fleeting Fleeting provides shippers and motor carriers direct access to a flexible and reliable fleet of trucks, and to the CDL drivers who operate them. Streamlining access to a workforce of this kind brings more transparency and efficiency to the market while increasing margins for both sides. On our platform, carriers get expedited service from a flexible and reliable workforce, all through an easy to use interface. While drivers choose the jobs they want based on their schedules and preferences. We believe that when drivers are taken care of, customers are provided the best experience. Fleeting is backed by some of the most forward-thinking investors, including Arlan Hamilton, Founder of Backstage Capital, Chamillionaire, Quake Capital Partners, and Kevin Chanuelt, and Republic. The good news is that we’ve grown a significant amount since 2019 and haven’t even scratched the surface on the potential of Fleeting, and our ability to reshape the massive trucking industry. Key Takeaways: The Fleeting Story Pierre Laguerre is the Founder and CEO of Fleeting, where he and his team provides shippers and carriers direct access to reliable fleets and a flexible team of CDL drivers to operate them. In the podcast interview, Pierre shares his life and entrepreneurial journey, including the unique insights he gained as an immigrant, driver, and owner operator. Pierre is a former owner/operator of multiple trucks and a truck staffing company. Through his experience on the ground, he saw how challenging it can be for owners to keep their trucks on the road earning money. Pierre’s vision for Fleeting is to leverage modern technology to create a platform that improves the commercial freight industry by intelligently matching truck owners, drivers and shippers / brokers. Fleeting is built by truck owners for truck owners and they are on a mission to transform, educate, and modernize the trucking industry. Learn More About The Fleeting Story Pierre's Linked Fleeting LinkedIn Fleeting The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/15/2022 • 46 minutes, 7 seconds
Logistics Industry Outlook with John Larkin
Logistics Industry Outlook with John Larkin John Larkin and Joe Lynch discuss the logistics industry outlook. John is Strategic Advisor of Transportation & Logistics at Clarendon Capital, a private equity sponsor focused on developing investment opportunities and providing strategic advisory services to the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors. About John Larkin, CFA John G. Larkin, CFA is a Strategic Advisor to Clarendon Capital. John Larkin was named an Operating Partner at Clarendon Capital in May of 2019. In April of 2021, Mr. Larkin became Strategic Advisor at Clarendon, and was named Chair of the firm’s Advisory Board. His mission is to help craft the firm’s growth strategy while assisting with deal sourcing, capital raising, and the creation of value within portfolio companies. Clarendon remains 100% focused on the transportation & logistics industry, broadly defined. Previously, Mr. Larkin joined Legg Mason (later sold to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.) in October 2001 to form and to lead the firm’s entry into the transportation markets. For 17 years, Mr. Larkin headed up Stifel’s transportation and logistics research effort. In January of 2018, Mr. Larkin transitioned from Stifel’s Research Department to Stifel’s Investment Banking team. While in Investment Banking, Mr. Larkin advised numerous publicly traded and privately held transportation and logistics companies as well as many financial sponsors with investments in the transportation and logistics space. Over the years, Mr. Larkin has been recognized as an all-star analyst by Institutional Investor magazine numerous times, a Wall Street Journal All-Star analyst on several occasions, and has been awarded multiple Starmine stock picking and earnings estimate accuracy awards. Previously, Mr. Larkin has served as: Chairman and CEO of RailWorks Corporation, Managing Director with Alex. Brown and Sons' transportation team, AVP - Planning and Analysis at CSX Transportation, Inc., Systems Engineering Consultant with Day & Zimmermann, Inc., and a Research Associate at the Center for Transportation Research (at the University of Texas at Austin). Mr. Larkin earned his MBA from Harvard University in 1984, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1977. Mr. Larkin is a CFA charter holder. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of Crown Diesel, and a member of The Board of Directors for CRST International, eNow Energy, Cub Ventures (CDLife), Novapath Supply Chain Systems & Rygen Technologies, and Phoenix Intermodal. He also serves on the Boards of Advisors for Freightwaves, Haul, LoadSmart, DFMData, Baton, On-ramp Payments, Leaf Logistics, Truckl.io, and LineHaul Station. Additionally, Mr. Larkin is an Advisor to Bakken Energy and Hoptek and is a member of Aurora’s Industry Advisory Council. Mr. Larkin is married and is the proud father of four adult children (Conor, Clifford, Casey, and Sarah Alexandra). He resides, with his wife of 38 years, Nancy, in Dallas, TX, Baltimore, MD, and Saranac Lake, NY, and on Water Island, USVI. About Clarendon Capital Clarendon Group is private equity sponsor focused on developing investment opportunities and providing strategic advisory services to the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors. Their principals possess unique resources, expertise, and partnership networks to add value to companies and execute transactions. The team collectively has over 75 years of industry experience as principal investors, board members, senior operators, management consultants and investment bankers. The principals have engaged on over 60 investments and assignments in the sector, working with their partners and clients to achieve agreed upon objectives. Key Takeaways: Logistics Industry Outlook John Larkin, CFA is a Strategic Advisor at Clarendon Capital and to a number of transportation and logistics companies. In the podcast interview, John shared highlights of his long, successful career in the transportation and logistics industry. During his career, John has worked closely with many of the leading companies in the transportation and logistics space. John also shared his logistics industry outlook which includes insights on the truckload, LTL, and freight brokerage markets. In the truckload market, John believes that the industry consolidation will continue. He believes that some of the larger carriers who currently have 1.0 to 1.5% market share could grow to have 3.0% or 4.0% market share in the next decade. The larger carriers often have an cost advantage over smaller carriers because their size enable them to get volume discounts. In the freight brokerage space, larger established players are buying up smaller companies and also investing heavily in technology. John also believes that larger carriers will be more likely to benefit from autonomous trucking technologies. The freight brokerages who have made big technology investments often have a lower cost per load, which means they are going to be more competitive or more profitable. Many freight brokerages are also partnering with staffing and technology firms like Lean Solutions Group to reduce their costs, while gaining access to talented people based in lower cost countries. A large number of logistics technology companies have emerged to help small and mid-size brokers keep pace with the larger brokerages who develop their technology in-house. In the LTL market, John discussed some of his favorite carriers like Old Dominion and talked about the difficulty potential carriers have when attempting to enter the LTL space. Overall, John believes that the transportation and logistics industry performed very well during the pandemic. The industry faces many challenges including inflation, war in Ukraine, re-emergence of COVID in China, potentially softening market, etc., so the stability and predictability we all hoped for probably isn’t coming any time soon. Clarendon Capital is focused on partnering with investors, owners and management teams to build quantifiable value in their business over a mutually agreed timeframe. Clarendon’s engagements and investments have spanned from several months to over a decade. Their capabilities in the transportation and logistics industry give them a perspective necessary to substantially add value to the organization. Learn More About Logistics Industry Outlook John's LinkedIn Clarendon Capital LinkedIn Clarendon Capital LTL: Then and Now with David Ross The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/13/2022 • 58 minutes, 17 seconds
How to 10X Your Sales Pipeline with Nadine Nocero-Tye
How to 10X Your Sales Pipeline with Nadine Nocero-Tye Nadine Nocero-Tye and Joe Lynch discuss how to 10x your sales pipeline. Nadine is a partner and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at SyncShow Transportation Marketing, a company that helps transportation and logistics companies unleash their online lead generation and pipeline potential. About Nadine Nocero-Tye Nadine Nocero-Tye is a partner at SyncShow Transportation Marketing and vice president of sales and marketing. In her ten years at SyncShow, Nadine has leveraged her experience in brand building, storytelling and digital strategy to provide custom solutions. Nadine has over 15 years of experience in B2B online marketing and has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies. She’s been named a Top Female Blogger by PR Newswire, holds multiple certifications from HubSpot and Google and is an active member and former board member of Together Digital. Nadine has been featured as an expert on both NBC (WKYC) and CBS (WOIO). A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she and her family currently reside in Chicago, Illinois. About SyncShow SyncShow Transportation Marketing helps transportation and logistics companies unleash their online lead generation and pipeline potential. We develop digital strategies that permeate sales, marketing and customer service departments. We then assist in the guidance and implementation of such strategies. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience in the transportation, shipping and logistics industry and the unique growth challenges your industry faces. As a HubSpot Platinum Partner, we’re experts in marketing automation to help you use your tools to work smarter, not harder for the results you desire. If you’re interested in how to 10x your marketing spend - let’s talk. Key Takeaways: How to 10X Your Sales Pipeline Nadine Nocero-Tye is a Partner and VP of Sales at SyncShow Transportation Marketing. In the podcast interview, Nadine and Joe discussed how to 10X your sales pipeline. To 10X your sales pipeline, Nadine explains that you must focus on the following 8 areas: Marketing team and structure Value proposition Marketing strategy Website Goals, KPIs, and industry benchmarks Analytics and reporting Technology stack Templates and guidelines SyncShow specializes in B2B marketing for select industries including transportation and logistics. SyncShow follows a proven process that ensures their clients get a big return on marketing investment. Step 1 - Diagnostic Assessment. Using the 8 pillars described above, SyncShow assesses the current state of your company’s digital presence and strategy. Step 2: Diagnostic Roadmap. Develop a custom diagnostic roadmap that becomes the framework for your ROI-marketing success, providing timelines, goals and expected returns. Step 3: Implementation. Implement the Diagnostic Roadmap, giving your company periodic progress reports and guidance to keep your business on track. Step 4: Maximize ROI. SyncShow drives continuous improvement to maximize the return on your company’s marketing investment. Learn More About How to 10X Your Sales Pipeline Nadine's LinkedIn SyncShow LinkedIn SyncShow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/11/2022 • 58 minutes, 21 seconds
The Driver's Perspective with Dean Key
The Driver's Perspective with Dean Key Dean Key and Joe Lynch discuss the driver's perspective. Dean is Driver and Team Safety Instructor for Ruan Transportation, a company that provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. About Dean Key Dean Key is a truck driver who works at Ruan Transportation, a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. Dean has been driving for 38 years, the last 26 years at Ruan. Dean started his career at 16 years old driving for his family trucking company in Wyoming. In addition to driving responsibilities, Dean is also a Work Force Ambassador for the Iowa Motor Truck Association and as a Road Team Captain for the American Trucking Association. Both organizations promote the trucking industry and driver safety. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 89 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 6,000 team members. Key Takeaways: The Driver's Perspective Dean Key is a truck driver who works at Ruan, a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. In the podcast interview Dean shared the driver’s perspective on a variety of topics including the driver shortage, hours of services, detention, delays, driver health, sleep, home time, parking, infrastructure problems, electronic logging devices, safety, and weather. Dean has worked with Ruan Transportation for over 26 years and started his driving career at age 16 working with his family’s trucking business. At Ruan, drivers receive ongoing safety training, full benefits after 60 days, and are recognized through several awards programs. More than 70 percent of of Ruan’s truck drivers are home every night, and nearly all are home multiple times per week. Ruan’s driver retention rate is four times the industry average. Ruan was the first transportation company to implement a formal safety program in the 1940s. Since then, their emphasis on safety has only grown. Ruan’s Megasafe Safety Program is their overarching, comprehensive safety structure. Megasafe drives mandatory quarterly Impact Meetings, customer team member communications, content in newsletters, posters, boot and PPE programs, and many other initiatives. The Megasafe mission is to create a best-in-class safety culture, continuously improve Department of Transportation compliance, eliminate variability, and reduce risk through improved safety and loss prevention management. Learn More About The Driver's Perspective Dean's LinkedIn Ruan Transportation LinkedIn Ruan Transportation American Trucking Association Directly to America's Road Team Iowa Motor Truck Association Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/8/2022 • 40 minutes, 43 seconds
The Flock Freight Story with Oren Zaslansky
The Flock Freight Story with Oren Zaslansky Oren Zaslansky and Joe Lynch discuss the Flock Freight story. Oren is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. About Oren Zaslansky Raised by parents who worked for a van line and later started their own freight forwarders, Oren has deep-seated roots in logistics and entrepreneurship. At 21, he founded a 125-truck fleet that provided white-glove freight service throughout the U.S. and Canada. His subsequent venture, SolSource Logistics, continues to operate today, with Oren serving as chairman. SolSource Logistics opened Oren’s eyes to how wasteful traditional freight shipping is. He became determined to find a new approach by building a technology-driven solution. Flock Freight (formerly AuptiX) opened its doors in 2015, driven by Oren’s vision of using technology to combine multiple shipments into one multi-stop shared truckload. Under Oren’s leadership, Flock Freight continu es to rapidly grow while creating a new standard of service for shippers, increasing revenue for carriers, and eliminating the impact of carbon emissions through the patented shared truckload solution, FlockDirect™. About Flock Freight Flock Freight is a Certified B Corporation that's been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. Flock Freight leverages its advanced, first-to-market algorithms that pool shipments and fill trucks at scale to create a new standard of service for shippers and increase revenue for carriers. Flock Freight's shared truckload solution eliminates the need for terminals and is the only carbon-neutral shipping option with all emissions accounted for through carbon offsets supporting freight-related efficiency projects. Flock Freight is headquartered in Encinitas, CA with an additional office in Chicago, IL. Key Takeaways: The Flock Freight Story Oren Zaslansky is the Founder and CEO of Flock Freight, where he and his team are driving industry change and powering shared truckload service with top-tier talent and advanced algorithms. In the podcast interview, Oren shares his entrepreneurial story and the founding of Flock Freight. Flock Freight provides an alternative to less-than-truckload shipping, which has traditionally been expensive, slow, and more likely to damage freight compared to truckload shipping. Shippers and 3PLs have always converted some number of LTL shipments to multi-stop or shared truckload shipments, but the approach was scattershot and process was very manual. As investments in freight tech grew, the number of multi-stop shipments increased, however there were no purpose built tech or companies dedicated to multi-stop truckload shipments until Flock Freight. For Shippers: Flock Freight moves shipper freight via shared truckload, combining it with other freight into one multi-stop truckload. Flock Freight gives midsize freight shippers an efficient, cost-effective way to move their goods. For Carriers: Flock Freight helps carriers maximize their revenue by booking high-paying shared truckloads online in seconds. Carriers earn higher profits for the same amount of work by combining multiple shipments moving in the same direction to minimize half-empty trucks and deadhead miles. Most trucks are moving with trailers that are only partially full – Flock Freight can help them earn more revenue by filling up their truck with good paying freight. For the Environment: Flock Freight shipments move via shared truckload, skipping the inefficient LTL hub and spoke system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. Flock takes the remaining 60% and offset it by supporting projects with Carbonfund.org, making Flock Freight the only carbon neutral shipping option available to shippers at no extra cost. Flock Freight is a B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of verified levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Learn More About The Flock Freight Story Oren's LinkedIn Flock Freight LinkedIn Flock Freight The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/6/2022 • 46 minutes, 23 seconds
Key Takeaways from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon
Key Takeaways from the BGSA Conference with Ben Gordon Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss key takeaways form BGSA Conference. Ben is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Cambridge Capital Cambridge Capital is a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in our sectors. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. Cambridge Capital was founded in 2009 as the investment affiliate of BG Strategic Advisors (www.bgsa.com), the advisor of choice for a large, growing number of supply chain CEOs. Cambridge Capital leverages BGSA’s unique approach to strategy-led investment banking for the supply chain. BGSA is known for its work helping companies achieve outsized returns via targeted acquisitions and premium sales processes, and has worked with category leaders such as UPS, DHL, Agility Logistics, New Breed, NFI, Genco, Nations Express, Raytrans, and others. Our relationship with BGSA gives us deep market expertise, access to outstanding deal flow and people flow, transactional capabilities, additional resources, and a powerful core competency in the supply chain sector. The Partners and Advisory Board members of Cambridge Capital have diverse backgrounds with complementary technical, operating and financial expertise. The Cambridge Capital team has spent their careers building, growing, and advising outstanding companies in the supply chain sector. They include former leaders of UPS Logistics, Ryder Logistics, ATC Logistics, APL Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and other globally recognized firms. Cambridge Capital’s professionals know what it takes to build great companies. Key Takeaways from the BGSA Conference Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, a private equity firm that invests in logistics and supply chain companies. For the 16th year, Ben and his firm hosted the BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference at the Palm Beach Breakers hotel. The conference was held from January 19-21. The BGSA Conference is the industry’s only CEO-level conference focused on all segments of the supply chain. Over 300 of the top CEOs in the logistics and supply chain space attended this year’s conference to discuss technology, strategy and deals. In fact, Uber’s acquisition of Transplace began with a conversation between the respective CEOs at the BGSA conference a few years ago. In the podcast interview, Ben and Joe discussed 3 key takeaways from the BGSA conference: The first key takeaway is the increased awareness and growing importance of the supply chain space. As the pandemic and supply chain disruptions upended the economy, attention and investment money flowed to the logistics and supply chain space. Many logistics, transportation, warehousing, and freight tech companies have experienced explosive growth. The second key takeaway is the growth of ecommerce. It took ecommerce 10 years to become 15% of total retail sales. In the first quarter of the pandemic, ecommerce grew to become 33% of total retail sales. The staggering growth of ecommerce meant that last mile, ecommerce fulfillment, visibility solutions, returns software, and other supply chain services firms grew to meet the surging demand. The third and final key takeaway from the BGSA Conference was the huge amount of financial deal activity. There was an 84% growth in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) measured in dollars. The M&A deals included the following: 1.) industry consolidation, 2.)ecommerce companies buying logistics companies, 3.) logistics companies buying ecommerce companies, 4.) infrastructure companies buying logistics companies and 5.) retailers buying logistics companies. There was also a tremendous increase in supply chain technology investments, which is reflected in the growth of unicorns in the space – 25 unicorns in 2020 and 51 unicorns in 2021. Unicorn is a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a privately held startup company with a value of over $1 billion. BGSA Holdings specializes in providing strategy-led M&A advisory services for leading CEOs in the supply chain and technology sector. BGSA has a track record of executing over 50 deals for our clients, who rely on them for trusted and experienced transaction advice. Cambridge Capital is a private investment firm focused on investing in high-growth, tech-enabled supply chain companies, encompassing the logistics, transportation, distribution, and supply chain-related sectors. Learn More About the BGSA Conference Ben Gordon Cambridge Capital 2022 BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference 5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon Related Podcasts Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with Ben Gordon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/4/2022 • 29 minutes, 38 seconds
Redefining Freight Brokerage with Nick Jensen
Redefining Freight Brokerage with Nick Jensen Nick Jensen and Joe Lynch discuss redefining freight brokerage. Nick is the Director of National Accounts at Loadsmart, a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. About Nick Jensen Nick Jensen is the Director of National Accounts at Loadsmart. He's been in the freight industry for 10 years and has touched everything from carrier sales to customer operations to account management. He works with Loadsmart's National Account Managers to ensure customers receive best-in-class service. On top of that, he collaborates with customers to identify custom-built solutions and apply Loadsmart's off-the-shelf products and services. The industry today has changed dramatically from when he started, and that’s what excites him the most. There’s a buzz and energy to rip up the old script and figure out smarter ways to service our customers. The human connection will always be there, which is his favorite part, but the utilization of technology to improve processes is what’s going to separate the competition. Nick earned a Bachelor of Enterprise Management from University of Tennessee. Nick is originally from Nashville, TN but NYC has been his home for the past 8 years. About Loadsmart Loadsmart is a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. By bringing shippers, carriers, and warehouses together on a connected platform, Loadsmart is helping to solve deep-rooted inefficiencies in transportation. Loadsmart’s Flatbed Messenger leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to bring the first supply-led marketplace. Flatbed Messenger eliminates empty miles by matching Home Depot’s dedicated capacity to Loadsmart shippers who need flatbed services. Enterprise brands looking to reduce empty miles from their dedicated/private flatbed capacity can reach out directly to flatbedmessenger@loadsmart.com for more information. Key Takeaways: Redefining Freight Brokerage Nick Jensen is the Director of National Accounts at Loadsmart, a digital logistics company, that enables shippers to get quotes, book trucks, and track their freight from pickup to delivery. In the podcast interview, Nick and Joe discussed how Loadsmart is redefining freight brokerage. Companies like Loadsmart are digital freight brokers and they drive efficiency and effectiveness using their own proprietary technology. Over 40% of Loadsmart’s 700 plus employees are technologists. Loadsmart is redefining freight brokerage in the following 6 ways: Automation that streamlines the process, reduces the cost, errors, and time spent on routine tasks. By automating the process, Loadsmart employees or “Loadies” are able to manage more with less. Dynamic pricing that enables shippers to get an instant freight quotes created by a dynamic pricing tool that delivers the right price with guaranteed capacity. No more back and forth emails and phone calls haggling over pricing. Dynamic pricing powered by artificial intelligence provides an instant rate that reflects the most updated market intelligence. Loadsmart also has the ability to quote multiple modes (LTL, Truckload, rail, etc.) Rate guard is a new solution developed by Loadsmart that acts as an adaptive price ceiling guardrail. This enables shippers to take advantage of dynamic pricing, but put a price limit on a given lane. Shippers get the flexibility to move with the market while staying within the preset and market-determined budget range. Rate Guard gives shippers an easy to use tool to control their freight costs and avoid the spot market. Reliable contracts is Loadsmart’s antidote to the wild price swings that are common in the freight market. When a broker is unable to provide capacity for a given lane, the shipper sometimes finds themselves in the spot market, where they may pay dearly for a truck. Loadsmart’s reliable contracts solutions provides shippers with a target price and a “ceiling price” which is the not to exceed price. When a shipper working with Loadsmart pays above the target price, Loadsmart gets a reduced margin. With reliable contracts shippers are less likely to be forced in the spot rate market and Loadsmart has an incentive to meet the target price. New roles for freight brokers as technology plays a bigger role in the process. When technology does the routine, boring work, Loadies can focus on higher value-added activities like key performance indicators, data analysis, and consultative reviews with clients. Loadsmart has acquired or developed a full suite of freight tech solutions that enables them to better serve shippers and carriers: Kamion (truck management system), RFP Guide (RFP management), OpenDock (dock scheduling). Loadsmart is a Chicago-based freight tech company founded in 2014. As the ‘nerds of logistics’, they seek intelligence in data to solve deep rooted inefficiencies in the industry. Pairing advanced technologies with deep-seated industry expertise, Loadsmart fuels growth, simplifies operational complexity and bolsters efficiency for carriers and shippers alike. Loadsmart gives their customers access to their data connections that link supply and demand in addition to a suite of award-winning solutions to strike the perfect balance of cost and service. Learn More About Redefining Freight Brokerage Nick's Jensen Loadsmart LinkedIn Loadsmart Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella What Will Tomorrow’s Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan Home Depot’s Empty Mile Solution with Eduardo Silva 2022 Freight Data Insights Report The Future of Dynamic Pricing - Building Pricing Control and Automation in your TMS The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/1/2022 • 1 hour, 2 seconds
Sell Different with Lee Salz
Sell Different with Lee Salz Lee Salz and Joe Lynch discuss Sell Different. Lee is the Founder and CEO of Sales Architects, a company that helps its clients hire the right sales people, effectively onboard them, and align their sales activities with business objectives. About Lee Salz Lee Salz is the Founder and CEO of Sales Architects where he helps clients develop processes to hire the right salespeople, effectively onboard them and align their sales activities with business objectives. When salespeople aren’t winning deals at desired levels or volumes, executives turn to Lee B. Salz. Lee is a leading sales management strategist and founder of Sales Architects®. He has helped hundreds of companies, in various industries and sizes, create marketplace disruption – leading to explosive, profitable growth. Lee challenges executives to blast through the artificial barriers that impede their success. He is an entrepreneur, results-driven consultant, and dynamic keynote speaker. Lee is an award-winning, bestselling author of six books including: “Sell Different!,” "Sales Differentiation,” and “Hire Right, Higher Profits.” He is also a columnist with the Business Journals, serves on the Sales Education Advisory Board, and is the Program Advisor to Kansas State University's Strategic Selling Institute. He is frequently sought by the media for interviews on sales and sales management issues. He has been quoted and featured by the media including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Selling Power, Sales and Marketing Management, ABC News, MSNBC and many more leading publications. When he isn’t helping companies profitably grow, you’ll find Lee in the gym preparing for his next powerlifting tournament. Most recently, he won the 2021 Minnesota State Bench Press championships. About Sales Architects Specialists In Building High-Performance Salesforces Sales Architects helps its clients hire the right sales people, effectively onboard them, and align their sales activities with business objectives. Using our proprietary sales architecture methodology, we help our clients migrate from being "people-based" to "process-based" resulting in explosive, profitable growth. If your company has any of the following problems, Sales Architects can help you: Sales opportunities languish in the pipeline and rarely come to closure Winning business is a one-time occurrence, not repetitive events Every sales opportunity comes down to a price war Your quest is to hire great sales people, instead of the right ones who have the potential to be great on your sales team It takes forever to determine if your new sales person is going to be successful The sales compensation plan isn't yielding the desired results You have plenty of sales activity data, but not metrics to drive revenue Key Takeaways: Sell Different Lee Salz is a sales strategist and a best selling author who has written 6 books about sales. Lee’s most recent book is Sell Different! All New Sales Differentiation Strategies to Outsmart, Outmaneuver, & Outsell the Competition. Salespeople face fierce competition in their pursuit of winning deals. Differences in product features and functions get smaller by the minute and are not always meaningful to buyers. Lee helps his clients stand out from the pack and not just land the account, but win deals at the prices they want. Lee arms salespeople with strategies to differentiate both what they sell and how they sell it. Sell Different! provides a new component of sales differentiation strategy to help you outsmart, outmaneuver, and outsell the competition to win more deals at the right price. Lee helps companies grow their sales by helping them: Evaluate and hire the right salespeople Onboard them effectively into the roles quickly and effectively Ensure the sales strategy is aligned with business objectives Formulate the Sales Differentiation™ strategy to win more deals at the prices you want® Develop the sales architecture® framework which defines each step of the process Create discovery programs that drive deal conversion Track performance through metrics and act on deficiencies Structure sales compensation to reinforce the process and drive desired behaviors Learn More About Sell Different Lee's LinkedIn Sales Architects LinkedIn Sales Architects Win More Deals at the Prices You Want Sell Different!: All New Sales Differentiation Strategies to Outsmart, Outmaneuver, and Outsell the Competition The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/30/2022 • 43 minutes, 18 seconds
The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox
The Freight Marketplace with Dave Maddox Dave Maddox and Joe Lynch discuss the freight marketplace. Dave is the VP of Enterprise Sales for Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About Dave Maddox Dave Maddox has over 39 years of industry experience, Maddox specializes in Supply Chain & Transportation Sales, with operations management in distribution, supply chain cost improvement and transportation. Currently at Emerge as Vice President, Enterprise Sales. Maddox is responsible for engaging with shippers offering tools that empower meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. The Emerge platform helps streamline the disjointed and cloudy procurement landscape, bringing shippers and carriers together in one space to create and build mutually beneficial relationships. Other past employers that Maddox has worked for are nVision Global, Transplace, National Freight, Inc., Hogan Transports, Heartland Express, Ruan Transport Corporation, Lowe’s, Exel Logistics, Mervyn’s and Foley’s. About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: The Freight Marketplace Dave Maddox is the VP of Enterprise Sales at Emerge, a flexible, efficiency-driven RFP platform for freight. In the podcast interview, Joe and Dave discuss the freight marketplace, which is the Emerge platform which was built for freight professionals by freight professionals. The Emerge freight platform connects shippers and carriers with an RFP platform built especially for freight. Shipper problems: Shippers are experiencing unprecedented challenges including supply chain disruptions, driver shortages, truck capacity problems, high gas prices, price volatility, and port delays. They are also short-handed as the tight labor market makes hiring very difficult. Many shippers are also struggling to manage their newly remote workforces. When it comes to managing freight RFPs, shippers lack technology so they use the “mass emailing spreadsheet” process which is cumbersome, inefficient, and ineffective. Because the freight RFP process is so difficult, most shippers Carrier problems: Carriers often don’t have access to the lanes and shippers that they want. Carriers also don’t like the freight RFP process because they have difficulty predicting freight rates. Carriers want access to shippers of choice without a broker adding a big margin. The Emerge Marketplace enables carriers to bid directly on shipper contract and spot lanes and win business with shippers that they typically wouldn’t have access to. The Emerge Marketplace offers shippers a free RFP platform built to manage their spot and contract needs. Shippers choose from thousands of vetted carriers or invite their current carriers and brokers, allowing them to source the best partner for their freight. Emerge has created a technology platform that has streamlined the freight RFP process and delivered the following benefits: Freed of the time consuming, clunky process, shippers and carriers can spend more time discussing the freight characteristics and getting to know each other. With the process streamlined, shippers are moving to quarterly RFPs, which enables the carriers to deliver more competitive bids – and live with them (no more paper rates). In addition to their incumbent carriers, shippers have access to thousands of vetted carriers within the Emerge system. Emerge enables shippers to grow their partner network by connecting to thousands of verified carriers and brokers to ensure their loads are always covered. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they would not otherwise have access to. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing more opportunities for carriers to work in their preferred lanes. Learn About The Freight Marketplace Dave's LinkedIn Emerge's LinkedIn Emerge The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/28/2022 • 52 minutes, 27 seconds
The Air Freight Market with Eric Kulisch
The Air Freight Market with Eric Kulisch Eric Kulisch and Joe Lynch discuss the air freight market. Eric is the Air Cargo Editor at FreightWaves, the leading FreightIntel provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. About Eric Kulisch Eric Kulisch is the Supply Chain and Air Cargo Editor at FreightWaves. An award-winning business journalist with extensive experience covering the logistics sector, Eric spent nearly two years as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for Automotive News, where he focused on regulatory and policy issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, mobility, fuel economy and safety. He has won two regional Gold Medals from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for government coverage and news analysis, and was voted best for feature writing and commentary in the Trade/Newsletter category by the D.C. Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. As associate editor at American Shipper Magazine for more than a decade, he wrote about trade, freight transportation and supply chains. Eric is an avid doubles beach volleyball player. He is based in Vancouver, Wash. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: The Air Freight Market Eric Kulisch is the Supply Chain and Air Cargo Editor at FreightWaves, the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. In the podcast interview, Joe and Eric discuss the air freight market and the impacts of COVID, port congestion, and the supply chain crisis. Traditionally, air freight moves about 1% of the total freight volume and that freight accounts for about 33% of the value, which means the stuff being moved by air is typically smaller, and more valuable like mobile phones, computer chips, medicines, fashion goods, etc. During the pandemic, air freight became even more important as the vaccines were shipped worldwide. While moving freight by ocean is more cost effective, when the product is perishable and the need is urgent, air freight is utilized. As a result of the pandemic there was less passenger travel, but significantly more air cargo so airlines modified (removed seats) to move more freight. Planes that can be modified to move either air cargo or passengers are called preighters. The supply chain crisis, port congestion, trucker protests, ecommerce sales growth, etc. caused a greater need for air freight services, especially expediting. Some of Eric's Recent Stories New 757 freighters highlight Amerijet's makeover Russia sanctions cut both ways for air cargo Flexport to launch Eastern Airlines 777 express freighter service Mission Creep: Why the FTC is investigating retail supply chain distortions Learn More About The Air Freight Market Eric's LinkedIn FreightWaves LinkedIn FreightWaves What’s Up with Dooner What Does FreightWaves Do with Dooner The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2022 • 59 minutes, 26 seconds
Why Your Shipment is Late with Ayala Rudoy
Why Your Shipment is Late with Ayala Rudoy Ayala Rudoy and Joe Lynch discuss why your shipment is late. Ayala is the Global Vice President and GM of Logistics and Transportation Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, the world's only Weather and Climate Security Platform. About Ayala Rudoy Ayala Rudoy is the VP & GM of the Logistics & Transportation Enterprise Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, The World’s Weather Intelligence and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Previously, Ayala worked at SafeDK (acquired by Applovin), for 3.5 years as Director of Strategic Sales. She also served as an Operations Officer in the Israeli Air Force where she witnessed first-hand, the difficulty weather made in planning and executing missions. Ayala, completed her B.A. in Political Science and L.L.M in Law at Tel Aviv University, and she's a certified Lawyer with an Israeli License. She currently resides in Tel Aviv, Israel with her husband and three children. About Tomorrow.io Tomorrow.io is The World’s Weather and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. Fully customizable to any industry impacted by the weather, customers around the world including ITS ConGlobal, Uber, Delta, Ford, National Grid, and more use Tomorrow.io to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Tomorrow.io was built from the ground up to help teams prepare for the business impact of weather by automating decision-making and enabling climate adaptation at scale. Key Takeaways: Why Your Shipment is Late Ayala Rudoy is the VP & GM of the Logistics & Transportation Enterprise Business Unit at Tomorrow.io, The world’s weather intelligence and climate security platform dedicated to helping countries, businesses, and individuals make better decisions concerning the weather. In the podcast interview, Ayala and Joe discussed “why your shipment is late” and the answer is very often because of weather related delays. When it comes to late shipments there are lots of reasons including but limited to truck availability, shipment not ready, traffic jams, paperwork issues, etc., but we overlook the impact of weather related delays. The cost of weather related accidents, delays, inventory damage, service failures, and hour of service problems for drivers are enormous, but there is no push to improve because nobody can control the weather. While we can’t control the weather, we can do a better job of planning around the weather – avoiding all those weather related problems. Tomorrow.io has developed a weather intelligence and climate security platform that is custom-built to help logistics and transportation companies reduce the impact of weather on their operations. Tomorrow.io customers make better decisions because they a have weather intelligence. Better weather-related decisions reduce accidents, insurance costs, shipment delays, and makes the lives of drivers safer and easier. Learn More About Why Your Shipment is Late Ayala's LinkedIn Tomorrow.io LinkedIn Tomorow.io Climacon Wasted Miles The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2022 • 59 minutes, 2 seconds
The OneRail Story with Bill Cantania
The OneRail Story with Bill Catania Bill Catania and Joe Lynch discuss the OneRail story. Bill is the Founder & CEO of OneRail, a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. About Bill Catania Bill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a top-tier delivery fulfillment platform with an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 9 million drivers. Prior to OneRail, Catania was named CEO of CoinFlip Solutions, Inc., a cloud-based payment platform delivering real-time electronic payment solutions for health benefits, points, and promotional offers. Catania was also the founder and CEO of digital coupon pioneer M-Dot Network, the first-of-its-kind retail POS-to-cloud transaction engine, powering the real-time redemption of digital coupons at grocery checkouts throughout North America. After M-Dot was acquired in 2011 by retail transaction processing giant Inmar, Inc., Catania stayed on as VP of Digital Solutions, leading Inmar to a best-in-class position, with its installation network of over 20,000 retail locations across North America. A graduate of Cornell University, Catania studied Applied Economics and Political Science, and was a Cornell Tradition Fellow. While a student, he founded the motorsports/E-Commerce business RaceFan, Inc., which rapidly grew to become one of the nation's premier online motorsports informational sites. An avid racing fan, Catania has owned and driven stock cars since he was 17, and raced at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series. He can still be found competing today throughout the southeast. At RaceFan, Bill negotiated the purchase of several major dot-com properties, scaling network traffic to over 20 million page views per month, while syndicating its racing news and results to media giants such as Fox Sports, PRIMEDIA and NASCAR.com. About OneRail Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, OneRail was founded in 2018 by Bill Catania, a serial entrepreneur from the FinTech world, and his wife, Lisa Catania. OneRail is a final mile delivery orchestration platform providing real-time visibility, actionable data, and data-driven optimization capabilities for its enterprise clients. OneRail’s cloud-based “delivery switch” simplifies same-day and on-demand delivery execution by connecting the demand signal (POS, eCommerce, ERP) with an ecosystem of delivery networks and internal fleets, in real-time. The result of OneRail’s centralized view of disparate final mile data enables data-driven optimization, positively impacting the dependability, speed, and cost of final mile fulfillment. Key Takeaways: The OneRail Story Bill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a final mile delivery fulfillment platform with an integrated coast-to-coast courier network of 9 million drivers. In the podcast interview, Bill described how his difficulty getting his new refrigerator from the big box store to his home led to him found OneRail, a last mile delivery logistics solution built to remove the friction in fulfillment. OneRail’s comprehensive 4-in-1 delivery fulfillment solution combines leading technology with a coast-to-coast courier network, a skilled 24/7 Exceptions team and a micro fulfillment labor force to solve last mile logistics more comprehensively than any other solution in the space. OneRail provides 100% visibility into the delivery flow, but it’s way more than a visibility platform. With the right mix of leading technology, dependable couriers, and a vigilant customer experience (CX) team, customers get the ability to change delivery outcomes in real time. OneRail has the largest integrated courier network in the last mile space - a managed marketplace with instant access to 9 million drivers, 292 courier entities and more than 65 logistics companies across 220 major U.S. cities. Learn More About The OneRail Story Bill's LinkedIn OneRail LinkedIn OneRail The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
The SourceDay Story with Tom Kieley
The SourceDay Story with Tom Kieley Tom Kieley and Joe Lynch discuss the SourceDay story. Tom is the CEO and Co-Founder of SourceDay, a company that integrates with ERPs to automate purchase order (PO) changes and enable supplier collaboration. About Tom Kieley Tom Kieley is the CEO and Co-Founder of SourceDay, an Austin based technology company that automates purchase order (PO) changes and enables supplier collaboration. Prior to co-founding SourceDay, Tom managed a manufacturing team at Dell. Earlier in his career, Tom worked as technical expert with enterprise software companies Boomi and Pervasive. Tom and his co-founder Clint McRee started SourceDay in 2015 to transform how manufacturers, distributors, and retailers collaborate with their suppliers in order to solve supply chain challenges they both faced early in their careers. Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. On a personal level, Tom is a dad, lover of sports, and exercise fanatic. He loves cars and anything outdoors. About SourceDay Today more than ever, supply chains are broken, unstable and disrupting organizations throughout the world. SourceDay helps small to large organizations solve their complex supply chain challenges in manufacturing, distribution and consumer product goods. SourceDay provides unique collaboration software that bridges the legacy gap between suppliers and the ERP by automating purchase order (PO) changes throughout the entire direct spend lifecycle. With SourceDay’s suite of collaborative products, procurement teams can trace a single part from PO issuance to acknowledgment and final delivery, giving organizations unprecedented visibility into the first mile of their supply chain. Key Takeaways: The SourceDay Story Tom Kieley is the CEO and Co-Founder of SourceDay, an Austin based technology company that automates purchase order (PO) changes and enables supplier collaboration. In the podcast interview, Tom told the story of co-founding SourceDay and described the company’s mission, solutions, and rapid growth. Everyday disruptions like late shipments, missed emails, and miscommunications cause 50% of direct spend PO lines to change. During times of major disruption, this number gets even higher. The relationship between buyers and suppliers is broken. Every quote, purchase order and invoice is still emailed repeatedly, updated manually and chased down daily. SourceDay automates PO line changes which eliminates manual work with email, spreadsheets, phone calls and text messages. As a result, companies can reduce late shipments, inventory carrying costs, pricing discrepancies, and out of stock issues. SourceDay integrates with their customer’s ERP to automate purchase order (PO) changes and enable supplier collaboration. SourceDay automates communication between buyers and suppliers and integrates with any ERP system. SourceDay is a Software as a Service that extends manufacturing and distribution organization’s ERP capabilities; improving supplier on-time deliveries, increasing inventory turns, reducing supply chain errors, and optimizing the use of working capital. Learn More About The SourceDay Story Tom's LinkedIn SourceDay LinkedIn SourceDay SourceDay Explainer Video SourceDay Demo Video The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2022 • 51 minutes, 18 seconds
The Omni-Channel Fulfillment Network with Esther Kestenbaum Prozan
The Omni-Channel Fulfillment Network with Esther Kestenbaum Prozan Esther Kestenbaum Prozan and Joe Lynch discuss the omni-channel fulfillment network. Esther is the Chief Revenue Officer at Flowspace, an ecommerce fulfillment platform that helps brands meet their customers’ post-purchase expectations. About Esther Kestenbaum Prozan As CRO of Flowspace, Esther is responsible for the growth and development of the Flowspace business. She leads global sales, partnerships, and marketing teams in furthering the adoption of the Flowspace platform, empowering fast-growing omnichannel brands with the real-time visibility and scalable fulfillment infrastructure necessary to provide the quick, affordable, and accurate fulfillment experience that today’s consumers have come to expect. With over 20 years in leadership roles at ecommerce startups and retail technology companies, Esther was recently recognized by Supply Chain Digital in association with IBM as one of the top 100 women in supply chain. She was also included in Supply & Demand Chain Executive's list of "Women in Supply Chain". About Flowspace Flowspace is an ecommerce fulfillment platform that helps brands meet their customers’ post-purchase expectations. The company’s cloud-based software platform is integrated within a network of strategically located fulfillment centers nationwide, enabling fast, affordable, omnichannel fulfillment, anywhere in the country. Key Takeaways: The Omni-Channel Fulfillment Network Esther Kestenbaum Prozan is the Chief Revenue Officer of Flowspace, an ecommerce fulfillment platform that helps brands meet their customers’ post-purchase expectations. Joe and Esther discussed the omni-channel fulfillment network …..and with the increasingly high expectations of brands and their customers, it must be a NETWORK of fulfillment nodes located close to the end customer. For ecommerce brands, the bar has risen as ecommerce customers now expect a superior direct-to-consumer (DTC) experience for the following reasons: Amazon created and delivers a wonderful customer experience that leverages both technology and operational excellence. Same-day and next-day deliveries are common and pretty important because consumers are buying different products online. Customers are buying groceries, and consumer packaged goods via direct-to-consumer (DTC) and delivering it in 3 days just won’t cut it. The end customer is using intuitive consumer technology like DoorDash, Uber, Zillow, Shypt, etc. and they are unwilling to go back to clunky, difficult to use technology. During COVID, we learned that supply chains and logistics networks can be brittle and overly sensitive to market and economic changes. Because of the raised customer expectations and lessons from COVID, ecommerce brands are looking for omni-channel fulfillment partners who are able to deliver resilience, flexibility, and a nationwide network – a network that is able to provide same-day, next-day shipping. Flowspace connects a nationwide network of fulfillment warehouses all using Flowspace’s state-of-the-art technology. This approach provides the best of both worlds, a world-class technology company partnered with a vetted network of fulfillment companies. The Flowspace platform seamlessly integrates with online stores and sales channels, providing access to a nationwide network that powers fast, reliable, omnichannel fulfillment. Flowspace is a software platform for ecommerce fulfillment. The company’s easy-to-use, cloud-based software platform is integrated within strategically located fulfillment centers, enabling fast, affordable, omnichannel fulfillment, anywhere in the country. Flowspace software offers modern brands an ecommerce command center, centralizing their Order Management, Inventory Planning and Network Optimization into one place – accelerating delivery of goods to a customer’s door while reducing shipping time, cost, and carbon footprint. Real-time visibility and rich customer insights give brands an opportunity to better understand their supply chain and the drivers of purchase, empowering them to keep customer acquisition costs low and retention high. Learn More About The Omni-Channel Fulfillment Network Esther's LikedIn Flowspace LinkedIn Flowspace Flowspace Blog The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
The MetroSpeedy Story with Nancy Korayim
The MetroSpeedy Story with Nancy Korayim Nancy Korayim and Joe Lynch discuss the MetroSpeedy story. Nancy is the Founder and CEO of MetroSpeedy, a fast-growing, last-mile delivery company based in New York City. About Nancy Korayim Nancy Korayim is the Founder and CEO of MetroSpeedy and has 20+ years of experience in management, financial advisory, insurance, sales and development. She has leveraged her sales and operational skills to drive the company's vision, strategy and growth while focusing on providing sustainable and efficient last mile solutions. In addition to running one of the fastest growing logistics companies in NYC, Nancy offers her time to serve on advisory boards. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of MECD, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women and children to be agents of transformative change. In her free time, Nancy loves spending time with her daughter and husband, playing tennis and is an avid follower of F1 racing. About MetroSpeedy Founded in 2017 by CEO Nancy Korayim, MetroSpeedy is a high growth, NYC-based, last-mile delivery logistics start-up. They differentiate themselves by utilizing their innovative tech and methodologies to service businesses across all industries in need of cost-effective and efficient same-day delivery. MetroSpeedy is able to provide 2x to 3x time more deliveries per hour than their competitors by leveraging their ai-based tech, micro-fullfilment hubs and proprietary eco-friendly cargo bikes. This along with a combination of other transportation methods allow them to navigate the dense metropolitan streets and offer their rapid fulfillment services. What started as a bootstrapped solo business has grown into a robust startup with a community of drivers achieving same day success with an exceptional customer experience. Key Takeaways: The MetroSpeedy Story Nancy Korayim is the Founder and CEO of MetroSpeedy, a fast-growing, last-mile delivery company based in New York City. In the podcast interview, Nancy and Joe discuss MetroSpeedy’s exciting mission along with Nancy’s entrepreneurial journey. MetroSpeedy excels at same-day. Their custom-built technology allows them to provide their customers with the fast, secure delivery along with real-time tracking, and proof of delivery. Every MetroSpeedy customer gets a customized dashboard with full visibility, live updates and AI-driven data to ensure operational ease of mind. MetroSpeedy’s delivery teams use sustainable electric-assist cargo trikes which is better for navigating NYC’s streets and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases. MetroSpeedy is a leading technology-based local delivery company providing on-demand, same-day, or scheduled delivery services. Their dedicated team enables local deliveries of small to medium-sized packages or goods efficiently and conveniently for businesses within dense metropolitan areas. The company launched in NYC and currently serve all areas in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester County, and parts of Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. MetroSpeedy has also begun provided service in London, England. Learn More About The MetroSpeedy Story Nancy's LinkedIn MetroSpeedy LinkedIn MetroSpeedy Instagram MetroSpeedy Twitter MetroSpeedy Website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/14/2022 • 56 minutes, 27 seconds
The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with Ben Gordon
The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with Ben Gordon The situation in the Ukraine grows more desperate every minute and the need for humanitarian aid is enormous and growing. People who work in logistics and supply chain are in a unique position to help the people of the Ukraine. To assist the people of the Ukraine in their time of greatest need, The Ukraine Logistics Coalition was formed by Ben Gordon and leaders from some of the top logistics and supply chain companies in the world. If you can support The Ukraine Logistics Coalition with a donation of money, equipment, facilities, expertise, please contact Benjamin Gordon ben@bgsa.com. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. A Letter From Ben Gordon Regarding The Ukraine Logistics Coalition The headlines coming out of Ukraine continue to get more horrifying. Russia shows no sign of halting its attack. Thousands of people have died and millions of Ukrainians have been driven from their homes. As grim as it looks, we can make a difference! YPOers are action oriented, and while many of us have offered traditional assistance I believe there is much we can do to help the supply chain. Ukraine has several major supply chain needs—including (a) buses to evacuate refugees; (b) donors to provide food, medicine, and supplies; (c) planes to airlift food, medicine, and supplies into neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary and Romania; (d) warehouses to act as cross-docks near the border to receive and transmit supplies into Ukraine; and (e) trucks to transport supplies from neighboring countries into Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv, and Lviv. We need to supplement and enhance what currently exists. To do this, those of us in the supply chain industry must step up! We need to work together to get major supply chain companies to donate the desperately needed trucks, planes and warehouses. Time is precious, as innocent Ukrainians are being shelled and killed around the clock. In short, we need an Operation Warp Speed for the Ukraine supply chain. The Global Diplomacy Network (GDN) is launching the YPO Logistics Coalition for Ukraine. We are looking for: Leaders who will join the board and play a hands-on role – preferably with experience in humanitarian rescue/relief, supply chain, and global scope. Transportation/logistics companies who can commit air, ground, and warehousing capacity. This includes Trucking into major cities in Ukraine Trucking from Europe to the Ukraine border – particularly from Poland, Romania, and Hungary Warehousing in Europe close to the Ukraine border – e.g. cross-docks in Lublin and Rzeszow Poland, Balti Moldova, and Suceava Romania Air from US or elsewhere into Eastern Europe – as close as possible to Ukraine And the US ground legs too Suppliers who can provide food, medicine/medical equipment and other key resources. Someone to quickly build an online marketplace that includes (a) Ukraine government and key NGO needs on the ground; (b) suppliers that can meet these key needs; and (c) logistics companies that can deliver these supplies. Learn More About The Ukraine Logistics Coalition Ben Gordon Open letter to supply chain leaders: Ukraine needs humanitarian relief - FreightWaves Please Donate www.JDC.org www.projectdynamo.org The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/11/2022 • 15 minutes, 16 seconds
Why NPS Matters with Ian Aguilar
Why NPS Matters with Ian Aguilar Ian Aguilar and Joe Lynch discuss why NPS matters. Ian is the Founder of UrgencySelling, where he helps logistics and transportation companies to rapidly improve sales while reducing the cost of customer acquisition. About Ian Aguilar Ian Aguilar is the Founder and Managing Director of Urgency Selling. With 18 years dedicated experience in 3PL, 4PL, and Technology, Ian pioneered the adoption of The Challenge Sale, Account Based Marketing, and Demand Generation across supply chain and logistics. Following ten years with UPS, Ian co-founded LinkedIn ABM who earned recognition as a top 20 influencer on LinkedIn. With studies in Communications and Media from Mt. San Antonio College, Ian’s passion evolved into broader management consulting to support Executive and Entry-level transformations from Diagnostic into Consultative sales. This approach has helped teams including Schneider, Estes, Oracle, MercuryGate, Kuebix, and MyCarrier to achieve CXO-level leads, single email and single dial closes, 15% margin growth, and reduced enterprise sales cycles over $8MM in GP by up to nine months. About UrgencySelling Urgency Selling was founded in 2016 to craft differentiated go-to-market strategies for Fortune 50, Private Equity, and Start-up teams. Urgency Selling assists Executive and Marketing partners to streamline content and coaching for Sales which rapidly reduce the cost of acquisition, prevent turnover, and expand lifetime value. This is accomplished by integrating Operations’ quantifiable insights with Marketing, allowing Sales the tools necessary to engage senior ranks, create consensus between 5-to-8 influencers, prove differentiation from competitors, and justify significantly higher margins with guaranteed upsell expansion based on your solution’s initial six-month performance. Key Takeaways: Why NPS Matters Ian Aguilar is the Founder of UrgencySelling, where he helps logistics and transportation companies to rapidly improve sales while reducing the cost of customer acquisition. Ian utilizes a combination of sales strategy, messaging, and content creation to differentiate his clients and build engagement with prospective customers. In the podcast interview, Joe and Ian discuss why NPS matters. Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a measure used to gauge customer loyalty, satisfaction, and enthusiasm with a company that’s calculated by asking customers one question: “On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this product/company to a friend or colleague?” Aggregate NPS scores help businesses improve upon service, customer support, delivery, etc. for increased customer loyalty. NPS can be used as a predictor of business growth. When your company’s NPS is high (or, at least, higher than the industry average), you know that you have a healthy relationship with customers who are likely to act as evangelists for the brand, fuel word of mouth, and generate a positive growth cycle. For an excellent explanation of Net Promoter Score (NPS), check out this article on hotjar. Learn More About Why NPS Matters Ian Aguilar's LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/9/2022 • 48 minutes, 29 seconds
What’s Up with Dooner
What’s Up with Dooner Dooner and Joe Lynch discuss what's up with Dooner. Dooner talked about the launch of FreightWave’s latest media venture, "Back the Truck Up", which is being hailed as the “Barstool Sports of Freight.” About Dooner Dooner is currently creating new podcast, radio, video, and multimedia content for FreightWaves. He is hard at work on developing the next greatest podcast known to man. Dooner is a 14-year supply chain industry veteran who has held directors positions in operations, sales, consulting, and marketing. Having worked with FedEx, Reebok, Adidas, L.L. Bean, Hasbro, Louis Vuitton, and many more high level clients across the full spectrum of the field. He is a co-host and producer on What The Truck?!? and the host/producer of FreightWaves Insiders. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: What's Up with Dooner (Tim) Dooner is the Director of Audio & On-Air Host at FreightWaves, the leading FreightIntel provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. Dooner is the host and producer of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? FreightWaves Insiders, FreightCasts, and you can wake up with his FreightWaves Morning Minute News Briefs on Alexa, and all podcast platforms. FreightWaves TV and audio podcasts provide up-to-the-minute freight industry news provided by hosts who understand the freight business. FreightWaves TV and podcasts are informed by FreightWaves’ freight data analytics and presented in interesting and engaging shows. In the podcast interview, Dooner talks about his own personal journey and his perspective on the logistics podcasting business. Dooner also talked about the launch of FreightWave’s latest media venture, "Back the Truck Up", which is being hailed as the “Barstool Sports of Freight.” "Back the Truck Up" (BTU), which will be led by Dooner is an extension of the wildly successful "What the Truck" podcast. Back the Truck Up will provide visitors and listeners with the latest and greatest insights and information about the transportation and logistics industry, but with an unconventional, edgier feel, ideal for the Tik Tok / Insta / memes generation. BTU is more than a podcast or a website – it is a new brand within the FreightWaves universe. Dooner needs help on this ambitious new project – click here to view the opportunities. Learn More About What's Up with Dooner Tim Dooner's LinkedIn FreightWaves Put That Coffee Down FreightCasts What Does FreightWaves Do with Dooner The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/7/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 5 seconds
Visibility 2.0: Accelerating the Customer Experience with Ron Richardson
Visibility 2.0: Accelerating the Customer Experience with Ron Richardson Ron Richardson and Joe Lynch discuss Visibility 2.0: accelerating the customer experience. Ron is the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo Inc., the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. About Ron Richardson Ron Richardson is the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo, a technology company that empowers shippers, carriers, LSPs, and brokers with a streamlined, connected approach to supply chain management. Turvo connects the global supply chain with cloud-based software and mobile applications. Turvo enables users to see everything, from every system, person and organization they do business with in one place.Ron Richardson is a technology pioneer and industry leader in logistics and transportation. He has worked with 100’s of Fortune 2,000 shippers, retailers, and 3PL’s in reaping the benefits of real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and global control tower capabilities. Prior to Turvo, Ron played a pivotal role in FourKites' mercurial rise. Ron's sales leadership spans more than 20 years at firms such as Infor, Microsoft, and OpenText. Ron holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and regularly speaks at premier supply chain universities, such as the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton Supply Chain College. About Turvo Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Visibility 2.0: Accelerating the Customer Experience Ron Richardson is the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo. Turvo connects the global supply chain with cloud-based software and mobile applications. Turvo enables users to see everything, from every system, person and organization they do business with in one place. In the podcast interview, Ron and Joe discuss visibility 2.0 and how it is accelerating the customer experience. Truck and shipment visibility has made great strides in the past decade. Visibility became much easier and more accurate with the widespread use of transportation management systems (TMS) and connectivity. Next, technology firms developed apps that were downloaded on to the truck driver’s phone. The phone apps were improvement, however, it was limited because not every driver wanted to download the app. When electronic logging devices became mandatory in trucks, freight tech firms added tracking technology which has led to the latest advances in visibility. However, visibility alone isn’t enough. Supply chain practitioners need end-to-end visibility along with the ability to collaborate with their partners – and this requires a modern TMS like Turvo that was built for real-time communication and collaboration. The customer experience is increasingly dependent on a technology platform so next generation TMS providers like Turvo have developed systems and applications that are easy-to-use and intuitive. Shippers and supply chain professionals, especially younger people have high expectations for freight technology because they are using consumer technology (Facebook, Amazon, DoorDash, Lyft, etc.). in their personal lives. Clunky, outdated interfaces, and extra steps just won’t cut it. Freight technology is growing rapidly and to keep pace, transportation management systems must be able to quickly and easily integrate to other systems. Turvo’s partner first philosophy means their technology was developed to seamlessly connect and interact with lots of great freight tech companies. Turvo works to empower shippers, carriers, LSPs, and brokers with a completely streamlined, connected approach to supply chain management, all in one platform. Learn More About Visibility 2.0: Accelerating the Customer Experience Ron Richardson's LinkedIn Turvo's LinkedIn Turvo Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares Frictionless Logistics: It’s the Collaboration, Stupid with Ketan Karkhanis The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/3/2022 • 49 minutes, 41 seconds
The Mary Kay Supply Chain with Michael Ringsdorf
The Mary Kay Supply Chain with Michael Ringsdorf Michael Ringsdorf and Joe Lynch discuss the Mary Kay supply chain. Michael is the Vice President Transportation & Logistics at Mary Kay, one of the most enduring, successful direct sellers of personal beauty products in the world for more than 55 years. About Michael Ringsdorf Michael Ringsdorf is the experienced Vice President of Transportation & Logistics with a demonstrated history of working for a global company in the direct sales and cosmetics industry. Mike has developed a track record of converging people and technology to get exceptional results. Mike has a degree in Marketing from Iowa State University and over 30 years of experience leading teams in Demand Planning, Inventory Control, Automated Storage Retrieval Warehouses & Transportation. About Mary Kay Mary Kay Inc. (Mary Kay) has been one of the most enduring, successful direct sellers of personal beauty products in the world for more than 55 years. Committed to enriching the lives of women and their families around the world, we offer corporate careers with unlimited opportunities to do something beautiful for people around the globe – and within our own company. More than 5,000 people work in our corporate positions in all the global markets we serve. And we were recently named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers 2019. The primary responsibility of our corporate teams to serve our millions of Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs). IBCs work with Mary Kay as independent contractors, selling our products directly to consumers in nearly 40 markets on five continents. Key Takeaways: The Mary Kay Supply Chain Mike Ringsdorf is the Vice President Transportation & Logistics at Mary Kay Global, a cosmetics company based in Texas. The company offers eyeliners, mascara, night cream, gel, foundation, and other related products, as well as provides beauty consultancy services. In the podcast interview, Mike and Joe discuss what it takes to manufacture Mary Kay products and distribute it to millions of Mary Kay Beauty Consultants worldwide. The company's primary manufacturing plant is in Dallas, Texas. A second plant was opened in Hangzhou, China, to manufacture and package products for that market. Mary Kay is an American privately owned multi-level marketing company. The company was founded by Mary Kay Ash in 1963. Mary Kay is now one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and cosmetics. The company also manufactures and distributes over-the-counter drugs and products, such as sunscreens and acne treatments. Mary Kay's products are sold in more than 40 markets around the world, and its global independent sales force exceeds 3.5 million. Learn More About The Mary Kay Supply Chain Michael Ringsdorf's LinkedIn Mary Kay's LinkedIn Mary Kay The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/2/2022 • 39 minutes, 21 seconds
The Kodiak Story with Don Burnette
The Kodiak Story with Don Burnette Don Burnette and Joe Lynch discuss the Kodiak story. Don is the Co-Founder & CEO of Kodiak Robotics, a company that is building the trucking industry’s most advanced self-driving technology. About Don Burnette Don Burnette is the Co-Founder & CEO of Kodiak Robotics. Don is one of the autonomous vehicle industry’s true pioneers, with more than ten years experience working on self-driving software development. He began his career as a software tech lead for the Google self-driving car project, the predecessor to Waymo. After over five years at Google, Don left the company to co-found Otto, the first self-driving truck startup, which was acquired by Uber. After nearly two years as Software Technical Lead at Uber, Don left to co-found Kodiak. Don earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Florida. He also earned a Master’s degree in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. About Kodiak Robotics Kodiak Robotics was founded in 2018 to develop autonomous technology that carries freight forward—so people, partners, and the planet thrive. Kodiak is building and operating self-driving trucks designed to operate on highway routes, making the freight industry safer and more efficient. Kodiak has developed the industry's most advanced technology stack purpose-built specifically for long-haul trucks. Kodiak delivers freight daily for its customers between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, operating autonomously on the highway portion of the route, and also provides service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio. Key Takeaways: The Kodiak Story Don Burnette is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, developer of the trucking industry’s most advanced self-driving technology. In the podcast interview, Don and Joe discuss Kodiak Robotics and Don’s entrepreneurial journey. The Kodiak Driver is an industry-leading self-driving technology stack, purpose-built for driverless trucks and end-to-end delivery. Kodiak self-driving vehicles deliver significant cost savings while enabling increased asset utilization and revenue generation. Exempt from hours-of-service regulations, self-driving trucks will be able to move goods nearly 24/7, delivering freight faster than ever before. The Kodiak Driver never speeds, gets distracted or drowsy, and always delivers reliably, safely, and on time, every time. Self-driving technology is the solution for fleets facing capacity constraints due to driver shortages and turnover while also reducing recruitment, training, and retention costs. Kodiak currently delivers freight daily for its customers between Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and Houston, operating autonomously on the highway portion of the route. Learn More About The Kodiak Story Don Burnette's LinkedIn Kodiak's LinkedIn Kodiak Kodiak's Written Content Kodiak's YouTube Channel The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/28/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 23 seconds
The Open Deck Market with Jacob Mcleod
The Open Deck Market with Jacob Mcleod Jacob Mcleod and Joe Lynch discuss the open deck market. Jacob is the President at EXO Freight, the first managed marketplace built for open deck shippers and carriers. About Jacob Mcleod Jacob Mcleod, Graduate of University of Michigan, began a logistics career at Con-way Multimodal learning the industry from the floor. Took an opportunity with Ryder to help build their brokerage group learning different facets of freight management and supply chain optimization. From there joined the leadership team of a small start up that became RPM Freight Systems, learned about the finished vehicle transportation world and built that company to over 200 employees globally. Now at EXO Freight leading the team along with the founders Kurtis and Kris Tryber, creating the first open deck managed marketplace. About EXO Freight EXO Freight is an open deck managed marketplace for shippers and carriers. We are committed to both providing tools for both our customers and carriers in the often overlooked and underserved flatbed market to optimize their shipping and supply chain, while at the same time focused on the execution of freight with a "get it done" mentality. Key Takeaways: The Open Deck Market Jacob McLeod is the president of EXO Freight, the first managed transportation marketplace built for open deck shippers and carriers. In the podcast interview Jake provides an overview of the open deck market. The open deck transportation market includes flatbeds, step-decks, double-drop and hotshots – generally any truck without roof and without sides. Open deck trucks are used to transport construction materials, pipes, wood, molds, tanks, steel tanks, rods, airplane components, machinery, bricks, tractors, etc.. – oversized freight that can’t be loaded into a traditional truck. Open Deck shipping accounts for over 20% of the $700B U.S. Domestic truckload transportation. EXO is the first managed digital marketplace, specifically catered to the nuance and needs of open deck carriers and shippers. EXO provides Shipper tools to eliminate managing their business on spreadsheets, and free carrier tools to allow frictionless booking, tracking, and instant settlement. Learn More About The Open Deck Market Jacob Mcleod's LinkedIn EXO Freight's LinkedIn EXO Freight The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/25/2022 • 41 minutes, 53 seconds
It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf
It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement with Andrew Haverkampf Andrew Haverkampf and Joe Lynch discuss it's not the market, it's your procurement. Andrew is the Vice President of Platform Solutions at Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About Andrew Haverkampf Andrew Haverkampf is the Vice President of Platform Solutions at Emerge. For the past twenty five years, Andrew has worked at some of the most successful and fastest growing logistics companies in the logistics industry including American Backhaulers, C.H. Robinson, Coyote, AFN, and Uber Freight. Andrew was the first employee at logistics start-up AFN, and later re-joined his mentor Jeff Silver at Coyote working in Europe and the US. Just prior to joining Emerge, Andrew led Enterprise Partnerships at the high flying Uber Freight. Andrew earned a BA in Psychology from Indiana University and an MBA from DePaul University. About Emerge Transforming the $800 billion freight industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform. Built by freight professionals for freight professionals, Emerge is reinventing the procurement process by offering solutions that enable shippers and carriers to make more empowered, strategic decisions. In addition to the platform, shippers can connect to the Emerge Marketplace which opens access to 35,000 asset based carriers in order to create meaningful freight connections. The world’s largest shippers and capacity providers use the Emerge Freight Procurement Platform daily, showing immediate ROI for procurement and saving valuable time in the process. Founded in 2017, and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing technology startups in the U.S. Key Takeaways: It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement Andrew Haverkampf is the Vice President of Platform Solutions at Emerge, a flexible, efficiency-driven RFP platform for freight. In the podcast interview, Andrew explains that many shippers believe their problems with capacity is due solely to the tight market for trucks and drivers. The freight transportation market is tight, however, the procurement process used by many shippers contributes to their capacity issues. Small and medium shippers often utilize Excel spreadsheets and mass emails for their freight request for pricing (RFP) events. The process is cumbersome, annoying to many carriers, and often unsuccessful. Larger shippers may use procurement software, however, those softwares are not made for managing logistics and transportation and seldom can manage the complexity of thousands of lanes and thousands of carriers. Using existing procurement software for freight is usually a forced fit and it doesn’t yield the desired results. As a result of the clunky, antiquated, time-consuming, soul-crushing procurement process, shippers usually only do one RRP or procurement event per year. Since most carriers can’t predict the future of freight rates, shipper end up with “paper rates” that are only good on paper. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. Emerge is custom built for freight RFP events and as a result the process is streamlined, easy, and saves shippers time and money. The Emerge platform provides carriers access to more shippers and more opportunities. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they may have never had access to before. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing them more opportunities in the lanes that work for your company. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers and shippers) as it scales. Emerge is hiring: Emerge Careers Learn More About It’s Not the Market, It’s Your Procurement Andrew Haverkampf's LinkedIn Emerge's LinkedIn Emerge Job openings RFP Overview The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/23/2022 • 45 minutes, 25 seconds
The Freight Caviar Story with Paul Jaroslawski
The Freight Caviar Story with Paul Jaroslawski Paul Jaroslawski and Joe Lynch discuss the Freight Caviar story. Paul is the Founder & President of Freight Caviar, a company that brings humor to the logistics industry through memes and videos, along with a podcast and newsletter that focuses on Eastern European outsourcing and the Freight Tech scene [podcast src="https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/22209302/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/706aff/" height="90" width="100%" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="https://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thelolpodcast/The_Freight_Caviar_Story_with_Paul_Jaroslawski_mixdown.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="706aff" libsyn_item_id="22209302" /] About Paul Jaroslawski Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski is the Founder & President of Freight Caviar, LLC. Paul was born and raised in Chicago. In 2015, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and began his career in logistics. Two years into his career, Paul's employer, Everest Transportation System, sent him to Kyiv, Ukraine, to open and run an outsourced operation over there. From November 2017 till November 2020, Paul ran the outsourced office in Kyiv and grew it from four to almost a hundred people. After leaving Everest, Paul founded FreightCaviar and currently resides in Poland. About Freight Caviar Freight Caviar brings humor to the logistics industry through memes and videos, along with a podcast and newsletter that focuses on Eastern European outsourcing and the Freight Tech scene. It also provides marketing and advertising services to logistics companies in the US. Key Takeaways: The Freight Caviar Story Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski is the Founder and President of Freight Caviar, a popular social media site for logistics and transportation people. Freight Caviar provides a variety of content ranging from humorous memes to commentary on the industry’s most pressing matters. Paul also interviews industry leaders to better understand both the people and companies that make the freight business work. Because Paul is a Chicago born and raised freight broker, who now lives in Poland, he has unique insights on the outsourcing to Eastern Europe. (a good guy to know in these uncertain times). Freight Caviar provides a variety of digital marketing, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities to logistics and transportation companies. Learn More About The Freight Caviar Story Paul Jaroslawski's LinkedIn Freight Caviar's LinkedIn Freight Caviar Freight Caviar's Instagram Most Recent Email Newsletter Freight Caviar's YouTube Channel Freight Caviar's Podcast on Spotify The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/21/2022 • 33 minutes, 8 seconds
The Parade Story with Anthony Sutardja
The Parade Story with Anthony Sutardja Anthony Sutardja and Joe Lynch discuss the Parade story. Anthony is the CEO and co-founder of Parade, the leading truckload capacity management platform for freight brokers. About Anthony Sutardja As CEO & co-founder of Parade, Anthony leads product vision and strategy to enable logistics service providers to work smarter and faster with modern tools. His background in artificial intelligence, big data processing, and freight brokerage enables companies partnering with Parade to accelerate digital transformation by innovating with the status quo. Prior to Parade, Anthony worked on a small team at Uber tasked with high growth projects including the automation of driver background checks. Anthony has also worked at Yelp building user signup flows at scale, and has worked at the U.S. Department of Energy building resource frameworks for the nation's supercomputers. Anthony earned both his Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of California, Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, with a focus on human-computer interaction and database systems. Anthony resides in and is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys sailing and exploring California. About Parade Parade is the leading truckload capacity management platform for freight brokers. Top freight brokerages build dedicated digital capacity and book more loads using Parade. Parade integrates with existing tools to source capacity, match freight, and manage relationships. Brokerages using Parade reutilize carriers, streamline workflows, price competitively, and automate load-bookingings. Key Takeaways: The Parade Story Anthony Sutardja is the Co-founder and CEO of Parade, a truckload capacity management platform for freight brokers. In the podcast interview, Anthony describes the founding of Parade and the opportunity that he and his co-founders saw in the truckload brokerage market. Anthony Sutardja, Preet Sivia, and Tony Wu started Parade in 2015 with the mission to enable and connect the transportation industry. Parade enables freight brokers to automatically find and book the best truckload carriers. Parade’s capacity management augments freight broker’s TMS to move more freight at higher margins by sourcing coverage inside and outside their carrier network. Parade helps broker better manage their carrier relationships Parade’s platform uses AI-enriched carrier profiles to determine lane eligibility. Store notes on carrier preferences, capabilities, and engagement to improve future booking decisions. And automatically send targeted opportunities to re-engage and reuse top carriers. Learn More About The Parade Story Anthony Sutardja's LinkedIn Parade's LinkedIn Parade Letter from the CEO: Parade's Series A Freight Tech Leaders Join Tier-1 VCs in Accelerating Parade’s Vision for Freight Why you Should Consider Implementing Parade at the Same Time as Your New TMS Build or Buy: Should you purchase your software or build your own 10 Questions You Should Be Asking Capacity Management Vendors What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 38 seconds
What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier
What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier and Joe Lynch answer the question what is dynamic pricing. Dawn is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai, a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. About Dawn Salvucci-Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai. She has spent the past 20 years leading Global Product Strategy & Management at major Transportation Management System (TMS) providers. In addition, Dawn was President & Chief Operation Officer at Shippers Commonwealth where she had full P&L management responsibilities for the $6 million, value-added service provider of logistics solutions. In each of these roles, Dawn was able to develop and execute a vision and strategy for delivering industry-leading technology solutions to the Logistics market. She also brings extensive 3PL & Shipper Logistics operations experience having spent time as Director of Logistics Services for NFI Interactive Logistics and starting her career in the inbound transportation management function at Staples, Inc and The TJX Companies. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. The company combines the power of aggregated market data and historical data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term, predictive freight market pricing specific to a company’s individual buying and selling behavior. Greenscreens.ai’s mission is to be the industry-leading neutral platform for market data aggregation, market intelligence, and dynamic pricing. Greenscreen’s Provide customers with high confidence, predictive buy rate guidance, and differentiated pricing strategies that are powered by the industry’s most up-to-date and contextually relevant dataset. Greenscreens.ai is fueled by transactional data from shippers, carriers, brokers, leading market data sources within the Greenscreens network and executed within the context of their existing technology ecosystem and workflow. Key Takeaways: What is Dynamic Pricing Dawn Salvucci-Favier is the CEO and Chief Product Officer at Greenscreens.ai. Dynamic pricing, also referred to as surge pricing, demand pricing, or time-based pricing is a pricing strategy in which businesses set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands. Businesses are able to change prices based on algorithms that take into account competitor pricing, supply and demand, and other external factors in the market. In the podcast interview, Dawn explained how freight brokers and 3PLs that use dynamic pricing are more competitive for the following reasons: Dynamic pricing developed by artificial intelligence is much faster than prices developed by people. Dynamic pricing is more accurate, meaning that price is more likely to win profitable business. Dynamic pricing is based on an algorithm that gets better every day, unlike human reasoning which typically has biases and blind spots. Greenscreens.ai was started in 2020 by a team of veterans who have collectively spent over 100 years in the supply chain industry who remember what it was like to operate with limited technology and market intelligence. That is why we named our company Greenscreens.ai. Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help brokers and 3PLs grow and protect their margins Learn More About What is Dynamic Pricing Dawn Salvucci-Favier Greenscreens.ai Machine Learning for Predictive Spot Market Pricing Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/16/2022 • 44 minutes, 40 seconds
The Parallel Systems Story with Matt Soule
The Parallel Systems Story with Matt Soule Matt Soule and Joe Lynch discuss the Parallel Systems story. Matt is the Co-founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, a company developing autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles to move more trucking activity to rail. About Matt Soule Matt Soule is the Co-founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, a company developing autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles to move more trucking activity to rail. The company is driven by its mission to decarbonize freight by building a cleaner, automated rail future. Parallel will achieve this by enabling railroads to open terminals for less and operate new transportation services alongside traditional freight trains. Matt has extensive experience using advanced technologies to disrupt established industries. Previously, he spent 13 years at SpaceX in various roles including Head of Avionics where he led a department of 300 people in the design and testing of space electronics. Prior to that, he held various engineering roles at Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Matt received a Master of Science in electrical engineering from University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Northwestern University. About Parallel Systems Parallel Systems is creating autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles to move shipping containers cleaner, faster, safer and more cost effectively. The company's zero-emissions railcars join together to form “platoons” to reduce energy consumption and can split off to multiple destinations while en route. Parallel's business model is to give railroads the tools to increase the utilization of today’s rail network and convert some of the $700 billion trucking industry to rail. Key Takeaways: The Parallel Systems Story Matt Soule is the Co-founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, a company developing autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles to move more trucking activity to rail. In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss Parallel System’s exciting mission along with Matt’s entrepreneurial journey. Matt Co-founded Parallel Systems with John Howard and Ben Stabler. Parallel Systems is decarbonizing freight by building a cleaner, automated rail future. Parallel’s zero-emissions rail vehicles are more flexible than traditional trains, allowing railroads to open new markets, increase infrastructure utilization, and improve service. We enable railroads to convert part of the $700 billion U.S trucking industry to rail. Parallel is developing a new patent-pending vehicle architecture to increase utilization of today's rail network. The autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles transport standard shipping containers as a single or double stacked load. The vehicles can self-assemble en route as platoons on the nation’s existing rail infrastructure. More flexible than traditional trains, the rail vehicles enable more responsive service and a wider range of routes. Learn More About The Parallel Systems Story Matt Soule's LinkedIn Parallel Systems' LinkedIn Parallel System The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/14/2022 • 57 minutes, 28 seconds
REPOST: The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch
The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch Andrew Lynch and Joe Lynch discuss the true cost of OTIF failure. OTIF means on time and in full, where the customer receives the completed order when they wanted it and, in the quantity, ordered. OTIF is a key supply chain metric. It is generally calculated as a percentage of total deliveries that were complete and on time. About Andrew Lynch Andrew Lynch is President and co-founder of Zipline Logistics, an award-winning North American 3PL that specializes exclusively in the transportation of retail consumer goods. He works alongside clients ranging from some of the largest food and beverage businesses in the world to the brightest up-and-coming CPG brands in North America. Lynch and his team leverage data intelligence and strong industry relationships to help clients uncover transportation savings, build scalable supply chain strategies, and ace retailer compliance programs. Starting his career in carrier procurement and management within a Fortune 100 logistics company, Lynch has held positions of responsibility in all areas of third-party logistics. About Zipline Logistics Zipline Logistics, founded in 2007, is a digitally enabled transportation partner specializing exclusively in serving the food, beverage, and consumer product manufacturers. Managing hundreds of thousands of shipments, Zipline Logistics proudly serves clients ranging from some of the largest retail organizations in the world to the brightest up-and-coming food and beverage brands in North America. The 3PL’s capacity procurement team utilizes a proprietary qualification process to identify and contract the highest quality providers to operate within its network. This selectively procured carrier group is leveraged, along with Zipline Logistics’ proprietary data analytics software, a retail-trained operations staff, and service-first organizational culture, to deliver the absolute best client experience in transportation. Zipline Logistics was selected as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company for 8 years, is a 9-time winner of the Columbus Business First Fast 50 Award and is consistently recognized as a Top 100 3PL by trusted outlets such as Food Logistics Magazine and Transport Topics. Key Takeaways: The True Cost of OTIF Failure OTIF is the acronym for on time and in full, which is supply chain measurement that is usually expressed as a percentage. In recent years, many large retailers began using OTIF to measure their supplier’s performance. Typically, the retailer will set a minimum service level for OTIF deliveries. The minimum OTIF percentage varies by industry. Suppliers who do not meet the minimum OTIF service level are often fined by the retailer. In the podcast interview, Andrew Lynch explained that the fines are only part of the total cost of OTIF failure. The true cost of OTIF failure would also include the following costs: Lost sales. If the product isn’t on the shelf, it can’t be sold. Relationships with the retailer are hurt. Fail the customer too many times and the business will be lost. Lost customers. Disappoint the customer enough times and they may stop buying your product. Involuntary sampling. When customers can’t find your product, they many be begin sampling your competition’s product and you could potentially lose that customer. Operational problems. Too many OTIF failures may point to larger supply chain issues in the organization that are far more costly than OTIF failure. Learn More About the True Cost of OTIF Failure Andrew Lynch Zipline Logistics White Paper - The 5 Best Practices for a Changing Retail Industry The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/11/2022 • 35 minutes, 50 seconds
Win Like a Navy Seal with Sean Matson
Win Like a Navy SEAL with Sean Matson Sean Matson and Joe Lynch discuss win like a Navy SEAL. Sean is a former Navy SEAL and the Founder/CEO of both CardoMax and MATBOCK. About Sean Matson Sean Matson is a serial entrepreneur who has Co-Founded multiple companies like MATBOCK & most recently CardoMax. He spent 13 years (2005 - 2018) as a Navy SEAL Officer, with multiple deployments in strategic locations. Mission focused on building an empire of disruptive technologies to the market while empowering others along their journey. He has been instrumental in the success of these companies by leveraging the leadership skills from his time on active duty. Lastly, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Samantha, and four children, Shelby, Tyler, Maverick and Emery. About CardoMax CardoMax is committed to producing the highest quality, liquid-based single serve supplements featuring clean ingredients. About MATBOCK MATBOCK's mission is to design lighter and more practical equipment for every environment. our personal experiences involving continued operations in multiple theaters have led to our basic foundation - ounces equal pounds and lighter warriors are faster warriors. we constantly strive to provide our warriors with the most effective and efficient gear possible. Key Takeaways: Win Like a Navy SEAL Sean Matson is a former Navy SEAL and the Founder/CEO of both CardoMax and MATBOCK. Many truck drivers are big fans of CardoMax’s supplements, especially the Energy Intensifier. In the podcast interview, Sean explains what it takes to win like a Navy SEAL. Below are 6 things that Sean…… #1 – An always “gonna try” attitude. Being confident in your abilities to solve problems and a willingness to always try will result in a lot more wins than losses. #2 – Treat failure as a learning opportunity. Either you win or you learn. Learning from failures rather than being defeated by them is one of the keys to success. #3 – Become comfortable being uncomfortable. Push yourself physically and mentally into situations that are uncomfortable. As time goes on, you will become more comfortable having tough conversations and doing the difficult work. Avoiding the hard work that leads to success to focus on lesser projects is a recipe for failure. #4 – Discipline. To be successful you must have the will to do the right thing. Discipline enables us to be systematic towards achieving our goals and ambitions. Becoming disciplined is a never ending journey – there will be lapses. The key is to always get back on track. #5 – Manage your time by focusing on the most important work. Control your calendar and schedule the things that need to be done. Scheduling your tasks is better than just adding another project to your to-do list. #6 – Ongoing training and personal development. Continuous improvement of your attitudes, skills, and knowledge is critical to your success in both your career and your life. Never stop growing. Learn More About Win Like a Navy SEAL Sean Matson's LinkedIn CardoMax MATBOCK The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/9/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 19 seconds
Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon
Key Takeaways from Manifest with Pam Simon Pam Simon and Joe Lynch discuss key takeaways from Manifest. Pam is the Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. About Pam Simon Pam Simon is a successful entrepreneur and business connector with more than 15 years of experience in event production, content creation, experiential marketing and angel investing. In 2019 Connectiv acquired her Future of Event series from Lab Ventures. She is the Conference Chair of Manifest a global logistics tech show bringing investors, leaders and innovators from around the world together. While a Partner at Lab Ventures Pam produced three major vertical technology summits ~ Future of Travel Tech, Future of Real Estate Tech and Future of Logistics Tech that bring new and emerging business to Miami. With her vast executive network and her ability to span many different worlds, she specializes in linking finance professionals with entrepreneurs to create lucrative new business opportunities. While living in Brazil she founded LATAM Founders Network (LFN), the largest private network of CEO’s, Founders and Investors focused on the technology sector in Latin America. In 2014, Pam launched the LATAM Founders Awards, now known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America’ an event that recognizes the most disruptive and innovative companies in the region. Pam is a George Washington University Graduate and an angel investor. She and her husband, Daniel Simon, have an 4 year old son, Hayden Storm Simon. About Manifest: The Future of Logistics The world of logistics is changing faster than ever. Technology advances plus rapidly changing consumer behavior has already dramatically changed how business gets done. Manifest will provide a focused look at what’s to come across the spectrum of LogisticsTech and which companies and technologies are transforming the way goods circumnavigate the globe. Manifest will help you forge new relationships, new alliances, and foster new strategies that help move your business forward and avoid falling into the traditional mindset. About Connectiv Connectiv is a live events studio that for the past decade has dedicated itself to creating industry leading gatherings. Our passion and our expertise is owning and operating at scale, vertical-specific conferences. The events we have created attract more than 15,000 people each year and touch on global industries impacting people's daily lives. Key Takeaways: Key Takeaways from Manifest Pam Simon is the EVP Programming & Content at Manifest, a conference designed for those at the forefront of the changing logistics landscape including industry executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. Manifest: The Future of Logistics was held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 25 to January 27, 2022. The following are Pam’s key takeaways from the event: Convergence of logistics, technology and investment professionals coming together to discuss the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. Sustainability is gaining momentum in the logistics space. Senior executives from the logistics industry presented their sustainability goals and investments, while innovative players from the industry showcased their product offerings that will enable a carbon neutral future. Really cool trucks were in attendance at Manifest including autonomous and electric vehicles. Attendees didn’t just get brochures and video demos about the future of trucking, they got to climb in the trucks and participate in ride-alongs. The Women’s Luncheon was a big hit at Manifest and not just with the ladies. Over 40% of the attendees were men which reflects the industry’s growing demand for female talent. Top logistics companies want to better recruit, develop, and retain women executives – and Manifest is a great place to connect with those talented ladies. Warehousing is increasingly a high tech business with the top companies investing in WMS, scanning technologies, robotics and automation. At the Manifest, top technology companies showed off their latest and great innovations. Logistics is global and so was the Manifest conference, which attracted people from over 27 countries. Many innovative companies from outside the USA were delighted to connect directly with American logistics professionals. Conversely, logistics professionals were thrilled to be exposed to technologies and service offerings that have not yet reached the US market. Ludacris was at Manifest Learn More About Key Takeaways from Manifest Pam Simon's LinkedIn Connectiv's LinkedIn Connectiv Manifest POD trucks that are EV and AV Forbes article The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/7/2022 • 39 minutes, 32 seconds
REPOST: Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates with Chris Pickett
Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates with Chris Pickett Joe Lynch and Chris Pickett discuss the rise and fall of truckload rates. In the podcast interview, Chris explains the predictable patterns and causes behind the rise and fall of truckload rates. About Chris Pickett Bio Chris Pickett is the Lead Market Analyst and Founder of Pickett Research, LLC – an independent market research firm focused exclusively on the dynamics that drive US truckload freight rates. From 2006 to 2020, Chris played key leadership roles (including Chief Strategy Officer from 2010-2020) at Coyote Logistics (a UPS Company), a leading provider of non-asset based 3PL solutions across North America and Europe. Over various periods along the way, he held operational responsibility for all activities related to North American Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain Engineering, and Pricing Strategy. Chris’ passion for understanding US Truckload Freight Market dynamics and predicting the direction of spot and contract rates stems from his work at Coyote over this period where long-term contract commitments were often made based on an expected long-term cost of capacity in the spot market. It has since become a borderline obsession, where his fascination in these market phenomena continues to drive the evolution of the market cycle framework and the predictive value it delivers. Before joining Coyote in 2006, Chris spent his early career in supply chain software development, network design, and consulting. He earned a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.Eng. in Logistics from MIT, and an MBA from Georgia Tech. About Pickett Research Pickett Research (PR) was established in 2020 to fill a void in the US Truckload Freight Marketplace for analysis, forecasting, and market guidance that is both objective and credible. The mission at Pickett Research is to fill that void by leveraging a unique market philosophy, framework, and forecasting methodology that was developed and refined over more than a decade of commercial market experience scaling one of the largest and fastest-growing truckload freight brokers and 3PLs in North America from scratch. PR’s flagship research product, The Pickett Line, launched January 2021 as a monthly publication available via paid annual subscription, provides an overview of current and expected future market conditions and a rolling forecast for national spot and contract truckload linehaul rates on a quarterly year-over-year basis for up to five years out. To learn more or to subscribe to the 2021-22 series, visit www.pickettresearch.com or connect via email at chris@pickettresearch.com. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates Chris’s website shares his philosophy about the rise and fall of truckload rates. The next 3 bullet points are cut and pasted from the Picket Research website While it remains exceedingly difficult to predict the behavior of any individual buyer or seller in the US Truckload Freight Market, the behavior of the herd has proven to be quite consistent over the past 15 years – through recessions, energy crises, natural disasters, and even a global pandemic. When demand exceeds supply, rates move higher. As rates move higher, net Class 8 tractor orders spike, and incremental capacity enters. And in a market governed by human beings making financial decisions, we always overshoot. We always overdo it. Too much capacity enters relative to demand, rates hit a peak then collapse – along with Class 8 tractor orders – towards a deflationary trough. From there, the cycle reverses, unprofitable capacity exits, everyone forgets about the last cycle, and history repeats itself. And as long as the market remains structured in the same way, with fragmented supply making decisions in silos based on individual best interests, the cycle is doomed to repeat itself in perpetuity. While each cycle unfolds a little bit differently than the last as influenced by the nuances of the times, the pattern remains the same. Learn more about the rise and fall of truckload rates here: The Pickett Line Learn More About Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates Chris Pickett Pickett Research The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/4/2022 • 40 minutes, 20 seconds
REPOST: Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen
Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen Mike Mulqueen and Joe Lynch discuss freight tech trends. Mike is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at JBF Consulting a company that integrates a supply chain execution strategy and systems for logistics-intensive companies. About Mike Mulqueen Mike Mulqueen is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at JBF Consulting. Mike is a leading expert in logistics technology solutions with over 30 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport systems. His functional expertise is in Multi-modal Transportation Management, Supply Chain Visibility, and Transportation Modeling. Mike earned a Master of Engineering degree from MIT and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from the University of Maryland. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF’s background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: Freight Tech Trends Mike Mulqueen and the team at JBF Consulting advise and consult the very largest shippers on transportation management systems and technology. Typically, JBF customers spend over $100 million per year on transportation. Because of their large spend, JBF’s customers usually buy their own transportation management systems. In the interview, Mike discussed the largest TMS companies and some of the recent mergers and acquisitions. Mike also highlighted the 3 freight tech trends that he thinks are relevant right now. Trend 1: Mergers and acquisitions in the TMS business mean some shippers will find themselves with a new TMS provider, who may not support their application. Some large shippers are faced with painful integrations and implementations that they had not planned as a result of their TMS provider getting acquired or merging with another provider. Trend 2: Migration of on-premise solutions to the cloud. Many large shippers are using transportation management systems that are on-premise solutions, which is installed on the customer’s server. As TMS providers migrate their systems to the cloud, some shippers are experiencing disruptions. Many companies using on-premise solutions are very large shippers so any interruption of service can be very costly. Migration to the cloud is also expensive, and time-consuming for very large shippers. Because the migration to the cloud is often like starting over, many large shippers decide to re-evaluate their TMS providers before moving to the cloud. Trend 3: Transportation management systems are evolving to become easier to integrate and implement. TMS solutions are also focusing on being expert at one function (inch wide – mile deep) rather than being mediocre at many functions (mile wide – inch deep). Integrations will still be necessary, but hopefully they will get easier. Companies like Turvo are unifying systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end platform, which enables companies to use the very best system for the job, while seamlessly connecting to the platform. Learn More About Freight Tech Trends Mike Mulqueen JBF Consulting FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
2/2/2022 • 48 minutes, 32 seconds
Cold Chain Basics with Andy Bahr
Cold Chain Basics with Andy Bahr Andy Bahr and Joe Lynch discuss cold chain basics. Andy is the Founder and CEO of Bahr Transportation, a FTL brokerage, focused primarily on serving the food & beverage industry, in the USA & Canada. About Andy Bahr Andy Bahr is the Founder and President of Bahr Transportation, a FTL brokerage focused primarily on serving the food & beverage industry, in refrigerated freight. Prior to starting Bahr Transportation, Andy worked at a large brokerage for four years, in Chicago, IL. Andy completed his undergrad at Miami of Ohio, and his masters at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL in 2012. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his yellow lab, Charlie. Andy is hungry to deliver value to everyone he meets, has a passion for the logistics profession, and truly looks for win-win partnerships. About Bahr Transportation Bahr Transportation is a FTL brokerage, focused primarily on serving the food & beverage industry, in the USA & Canada. While most of their work is in the chilled/frozen space, they do handle dry FTL shipments, as well as dry LTL. Bahr Transportation’s cornerstone is service, dependability, and proactive communication. The company holds a strict vetting process for onboarding the right carrier partners, and takes pride in knowing they work with the best professionals in the space. Whether you are a large or small company, east coast or west coast, Bahr Transportation has you covered. Key Takeaways: Cold Chain Basics Andy Bahr is the Founder and CEO of Bahr Transportation, a freight brokerage that specializes in refrigerated truckload shipments (reefers). In the podcast interview, Andy and Joe discuss cold chain basics and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) The FSMA was signed into law Jan. 4, 2011 and is the biggest overall in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in history. Ensures safety and security of the food and feed supply to protect human and animal health. Assess and mitigate food safety risk from farm to fork – treat it like chain of custody FSMA in a nutshell Written food safety plan Identify potential hazards / risks Implement preventative control to mitigate risks Monitor controls to ensure they are done Training Documentation Types of food subject to FSMA Food transported in bulk, where the food touches the walls of the vehicle (Example: juices) Packaged foods not fully enclosed by a container (Example: fresh produce) Food that require temperature control for safety (Example: beef) Cold Chain Basics A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable food products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals in order to maintain their quality and increase their shelf-life. A cold chain is essential because it: Reduces food loss due to spoilage Enhances food safety and quality Balances and manages the supply and demand of food Cold chain includes: Precooling facilities: Ex: Produce Coolers Refrigerated Storage: Coolers or Freezers Refrigerated Transport = Designed to maintain a cool/frozen temperature Temperature sensing technologies like Tive Information flow Learn More About Cold Chain Basics Andy Bahr Bahr Transportation Podcast – Food & Beverage Leaders Podcast – Carrier Conversations The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/31/2022 • 43 minutes, 23 seconds
REPOST: Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella
Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella Felipe Capella and Joe Lynch discuss beyond cost per load. Felipe believes that while cost per load will continue to be important, savvy shippers will look for 3PLs who use technology and people to bring additional value to the shipping function. About Felipe Capella Felipe Capella is President, COO and Co-founder of Loadsmart, a leading digital freight technology company. Previously advised companies on corporate strategy and M&A in Brazil and New York for 8 years. Joined the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington to advise on sovereign guaranteed development projects for Latin American countries. Founded, developed and launched an online contest startup. Co-founded Loadsmart to help build a revolutionary product. Felipe holds Master degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (valedictorian), from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain - full scholarship) and an MBA from Fundacao Getulio Vargas (Brazil). He taught Enterprise Recovery and Restructuring for senior students during 2 years at the Federal University of Santa Catarina at age 25, where he was granted a Professorship Honor from the students. Passed the Brazilian Bar Exam among the top 6% and the New York Bar Exam among the Top 3%, working for one of the Top 5 most prestigious law firms in the United States. About Loadsmart Transforming the future of freight, Loadsmart leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to automate how freight is priced, booked and shipped. Pairing advanced technologies with deep-seated industry expertise, Loadsmart fuels growth, simplifies operational complexity and bolsters efficiency for carriers and shippers alike. Key Takeaways: Beyond Cost Per Load In the podcast interview, Felipe explains how technology-based companies like Loadsmart are using technology to automate many aspects of the shipping process, however the focus should not be solely on cost per load. Savvy shippers and carriers will look for 3PL partners who can not only automate the life of the load, but also provide additional value via analysis, business intelligence, and market insights. To increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, companies like Loadsmart are automating the shipping process (life of the load): Quotation and booking Scheduling for pickup and delivery locations Carrier identification Carrier transaction Tracking and tracing Exception management Documentation and billing Each process step above has its own unique challenges, but increasingly, these steps are automated. Last year, 85% of Loadsmart’s revenue came from fully automated transactions. While, Loadsmart is one of the leaders in Freight Tech, don’t be surprised if automated shipments become commonplace. In addition to automating the shipping process, Felipe believes that Freight Tech leaders should focus on creating additional value for shippers including: Multimodal optimization for every shipment – fully automated. Automated scheduling updates that accommodate all the last-minute problems in the shipping business. Business intelligence that enable and empower humans to make better decisions. Smart tools that organize and analyze information in new and useful ways. Data insights powered by up-to-minute information that is only possible when systems are fully integrated. Learn More About Beyond Cost Per Load Felipe Capella Felipe Capella Loadsmart The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/28/2022 • 34 minutes, 1 second
The Metafora Story with Peter Rentschler
The Metafora Story with Peter Rentschler Peter Rentschler and Joe Lynch discuss the Metafora story. Peter is CEO of Metafora, a management consulting and technology delivery firm focused on transportation, logistics, and supply chain. About Peter Rentschler Peter Rentschler is the CEO of Metafora, an industry-leading management consulting and software development firm. Peter leads client service and engagement delivery. He has advised carriers and 3PLs to create and implement long-term strategies enabled through organizational change and operational efficiency. Having worked for enterprise and boutique consulting firms, Peter has worked with clients across multiple industries including transportation, retail, technology, insurance, and finance. Passionate about the future of freight, Peter and Metafora are moved by the impact people and technology have on businesses, and the ability each have to make substantial impacts tomorrow. About Metafora Metafora, previously “CarrierDirect”, is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. They partner with carriers, shippers, and freight tech vendors to help them optimize their business and build software to fuel their growth. Welcome to the new way forward. Welcome to Metafora. Key Takeaways: The Metafora Story Peter Rentschler is the CEO of Metafora, , previously “CarrierDirect”, which is the leading business consulting and software development firm that exclusively serves the Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain space. In the podcast interview, Peter and Joe discuss Metafora’s meteoric rise and some of the lessons that Peter and his team learned along the way. Metafora has a deep knowledge of the components that contribute to growth and profitability for transportation and logistics companies at all stages of your journey. Metafora is a trusted partner who will jump at the chance to help carriers, freight brokers, shippers, and tech vendors do great things. At Metafora, they are experts in all things transportation, logistics and supply chain strategy and technology. Their mission is to help your business overcome roadblocks toward progress and growth, so we can contribute to a more efficient world together. For the carriers, 3PLs, and brokers who are ready to go the extra mile towards growth, profitability, and overall improvement: it’s time to consider Metafora. Learn More About The Metafora Story Peter Rentschler LinkedIn Metafora LinkedIn Metafora website Metafora Services Full press release The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/26/2022 • 48 minutes, 45 seconds
The FlavorCloud Story with Rathna Sharad
The FlavorCloud Story with Rathna Sharad Rathna Sharad and Joe Lynch discuss the FlavorCloud story. Rathna is the founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, an end-to-end cross-border logistics platform for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, ecommerce retailers, and marketplaces. About Rathna Sharad Rathna Sharad, founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, has 20+ years of experience working in global supply chain and international trade logistics as well as 10+ years of e-commerce enablement experience which has positioned her perfectly to create an “anywhere to anywhere” logistics solution that enables any brand to go global. Indeed FlavorCloud, founded in 2018, is a cross-border shipping logistics platform that removes international shipping friction for mid-sized DTC brands enabling them - for the first time - to keep pace with the accelerated demand of international e-commerce. As a founding member of the ad platform team at Microsoft and product leader for Bing Ads, Sharad first saw the signs - with a 2006-era bird’s-eye view of the search ad ecosystem across publishers; it was clear to her: cross-border is the way of the future. She carried her vision into Runway2Street, which she co-founded in 2012, hoping to revolutionize B2C consumer purchasing for good, but in pursuit of that goal, stumbled on an opportunity far greater: solving international shipping for all. This remains Sharad’s focus today at FlavorCloud, where she is defining global e-commerce and trade landscape by making international shipping as simple as domestic, allowing the pathways of modern consumer shopping behavior to operate as organically as our social communities and connections online already do. About FlavorCloud FlavorCloud is an end-to-end cross-border logistics platform for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, ecommerce retailers, and marketplaces. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, FlavorCloud makes international shipping and returns easy, affordable, and friction-free, enabling brands and 3PLs (Third Party Logistics Providers) to go global in any part of the world. FlavorCloud’s algorithm and technology auto-optimizes the best rates and services through the largest global cross-border network as well as automating the complex world of global trade and regulatory compliance. Key Takeaways: The FlavorCloud Story Rathna Sharad, founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, an end-to-end cross-border logistics platform for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, ecommerce retailers, and marketplaces. In the podcast interview, Rathna describes her successful career and her entrepreneurial journey. FlavorCloud is a cloud-based cross border logistics platform that powers international shipping FlavorCloud is made up of cross border logistics experts with technology DNA and deep operational expertise in international eCommerce and global trade. FlavorCloud is an “anywhere to anywhere” logistics platform built to solve the enormous challenges of navigating the antiquated, manual and deeply fragmented, global shipping and trade landscape. FlavorCloud makes international shipping and returns easy, affordable and friction-free, enabling retailers and brands in any part of the world go global. Learn More About The FlavorCloud Story Rathna’s LinkedIn FlavorCloud's LinkedIn FlavorCloud's Website The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/24/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 50 seconds
Winning on LinkedIn with Judi Hays
Winning on LinkedIn with Judi Hays Judi Hays and Joe Lynch discuss winning on LinkedIn. Judi is a LinkedIn strategist who helps busy executives increase online visibility using a proven strategy that converts connections into targeted buyers. About Judi Hays Judi Hays is a sought-after LinkedIn expert who helps busy executives increase online visibility using a proven strategy that converts connections into targeted buyers. She turns underperforming LinkedIn profiles into prospect-attracting powerhouses. Judi consults with B2B businesses in professional service industries, all selling high-ticket services in high-trust selling environments. She guides her clients to elevate their LinkedIn personal brand, identify and expand their audience and engage in insightful conversations, which ultimately lead to increased revenue. As a Forbes contributor and author of 'Elevate, Expand, Engage,' a Refreshingly Different Approach to Winning on LinkedIn, Judi’s proprietary methods are shared through workshops, trade industry associations, seminars, consulting, and white glove ‘done-for-you’ services for her clients. About Judi Hays. Inc Judi Hays, Inc, established in 2019, works exclusively with professional service companies who sell in the B2B space. Judi Hays and her team provide white glove level services for LinkedIn marketing strategy and prospecting to generate results. Key Takeaways: Winning on LinkedIn Judi Hays is a LinkedIn strategist and author of the book, 'Elevate, Expand, Engage,' a Refreshingly Different Approach to Winning on LinkedIn'. In the podcast interview, Judi and Joe discuss strategies and tactics for winning on Linkedin. Below is summary of Judi’s approach to winning on LinkedIn. Elevate Your Brand Amplifying Your Profile Building Your Credibility Crafting Content That Builds Your Bottom Line Expand Your Network Nurturing Your Most Valuable Connections Growing Your Business By Building Your Network 109 Activating New Connections 117 Engage Your Most Powerful Relationships Working The Virtual Room What NOT To Do (These May SurpriseYou!) Seal The Deal Put Practice Into Action Judi works with her clients to determine their goals, ideal target audience, and what is required to reach them. Judi’s approach is unique. She developed it after years as a marketing executive and strategist for large corporations, small businesses, and trade associations alike, creating big plans for product launches and campaigns. Learn More About Winning on LinkedIn Judi Hays on LinkedIn Judi Hays, Inc on LinkedIn Judi’s website Judi’s articles in Forbes Judi's book: 'Elevate, Expand, Engage,' a Refreshingly Different Approach to Winning on LinkedIn. Top Podcasts for Logistics Industry The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/21/2022 • 54 minutes, 5 seconds
REPOST: LTL: Then and Now with David Ross
LTL: Then and Now with David Ross David Ross and Joe Lynch discuss LTL: then and now. David is the Executive Vice President of Roadrunner Freight, a leading less-than-truckload carrier offering high quality and reliable LTL services About David Ross David Ross is the Executive Vice President of Roadrunner Freight. Mr. Ross was most recently Managing Director and Group Head of Stifel’s Global Transportation & Logistics Equity Research practice. During his tenure at Stifel, his awards included ranking #1 in stock picking multiple times in the Wall Street Journal's Best on the Street Analysts Survey and in Financial Times/StarMine America’s Top Analysts report. He is the former author of the monthly Cass Transportation Index Report, speaks regularly at industry conferences, and has advised supply chain leaders and executives of both public and private carriers, shippers, and 3PLs on operations and strategy. Before joining Stifel in 2005, he was an analyst with Legg Mason Capital Markets, worked briefly in the industry at RailWorks Corp., and began his career as an analyst in the global investment banking division of Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown. Mr. Ross received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and is a CFA charterholder. In addition, he serves on the Ubuntu Council for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), and the Board of Directors for the Carson Scholars Fund, The Fountainhead Residency, and the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He also sits on the Advisory Boards for PICKUP Now, Inc. and EmergeTech, LLC. About Roadrunner Freight Roadrunner Freight is a leading less-than-truckload provider offering high quality, reliable LTL services. Roadrunner’s “Ship It Like You Own It” commitment guides the company to provide unparalleled service and reliable LTL solutions for customers. With 31 service centers and strategic partnerships across the country, Roadrunner delivers expansive long-haul metro to metro service connecting major U.S. markets. For more information, please visit www.shiproadrunnerfreight.com. For information on joining the Roadrunner Freight team, please contact rr-humanresources@rrts.com. Independent Contractors and Owner Operators interested in driving and lease purchase opportunities can call 888-874-9174 or email ltlrecruiting@rrts.com to learn more. Key Takeaways - LTL: Then and Now History of LTL Less-than-truckload carriers began operating in the 1920's when the economy was very spread out and driven by manufacturing. Overtime the less-than-truckload business has shifted from a heavily unionized industry to a mostly non-union industry. When deregulation of the trucking industry occurred in 1980, 55 of the top 60 less-than-truckload carriers were union, today only 3 of the top 60 less-than-truckload carriers are union. The LTL market is about one tenth the size of the truckload market. Only 5 carriers control about 60% of the less-than-truckload freight market: FedEx, Old Dominion, XPO, Estes, and TForce Freight (which acquired UPS Freight). LTL Future: Pricing The less-than-truckload pricing is complex and the industry is slowing moving to a new pricing model that will be simpler. The outdated tariff model is going away as smart carriers adopt technology and dimensioners that enable them to better cost the freight. LTL Future: Modal Mix The LTL industry is right between the small package market (UPS, FedEx) and the truckload market. In the past, the small package and truckload carriers were able to win some of the business that would have normally gone to the LTL carriers. Today, the modal mix is very favorable to LTL carriers because truckload carriers and the small package providers are swamped and they can't compete with the LTL pricing. LTL Future: Ecommerce Ecommerce and the Amazon effect has sped up the entire supply chain, which is good for the less-than-truckload business. Ecommerce fulfillment centers often need more frequent replenishment of smaller quantity sizes. As a result, ecommerce has been very beneficial for the less-than-truckload business. To support same-day and next-day shipments, there is a trend of fulfillment centers being smaller and closer to consumers. This trend will be very advantageous for the less-than-truckload industry. LTL Future: Labor Less-than-truckload Truck drivers are generally paid more thank truckload drivers. The less-than-truckload industry is facing a serious shortage of drivers and dock workers. The Biden administration is pro-union, which could potentially impact the less-than-truckload industry. Less-than-truckload shippers and carriers are learning the importance of making the job more attractive for drivers and dock workers. Learn More About LTL: Then and Now Roadrunner Freight David Ross David is active in the following charities, check them out: Fountain Head Africa Outreach Project Humane Society of Greater Miami Carson Scholars Fund Other Podcasts About LTL A New Model for LTL Shipping with Keith Farnsworth LTL Basics with Doug Sartain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/19/2022 • 40 minutes
REPOST: The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto
The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Joe Lynch and Andrew Leto discuss Andrews's entrepreneurial journey and the Emerge story. Joe and Andrew also discuss Andrew’s earlier business ventures, Globaltranz and 10-4 Systems. About Andrew Leto Andrew Leto, is the Founder and CEO of Emerge, which is a digital freight marketplace. Andrew has been in the logistics industry since 2003 when he founded GlobalTranz after serving five honorable years in the U.S. Navy. Having built a reputation for providing some of the best technology in the industry, GlobalTranz quickly became one of the top-10 Truckload and LTL brokers in the U.S. with over a billion dollars in sales. Andrew also founded 10-4 Systems, a truckload and visibility platform which sold to Trimble in 2016. Andrew resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two children. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Learn More About the Emerge Market Story with Andrew Leto Andrew Leto Emerge Company Page on LinkedIn Emerge Podcast White Paper: How to Manage Through FTL Market Transitions Other Podcast Interviews with Founders Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story Will Chu and the Vector Story Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/17/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 23 seconds
The SwanLeap Story with Brad Hollister
The SwanLeap Story with Brad Hollister Brad Hollister and Joe Lynch discuss the SwanLeap story. Brad is the Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of SwanLeap, a leading transportation, consulting, and technology firm specializing in supply chain best practices and cost reduction strategies. About Brad Hollister Brad Hollister is the Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of SwanLeap. Under Hollister’s leadership, SwanLeap delivered an unprecedented 75,660.8 percent growth in revenue in the past three years, catapulting the 5-year-old software company to the No. 1 spot on both the 2018 Inc. 5000 list and the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. A life-long entrepreneur passionate about improving the world, Hollister is the visionary behind SwanLeap’s next generation technology. With extensive experience in transportation, logistics and supply chain, Hollister’s leadership and institutional expertise solidify SwanLeap’s position as the leading provider of end-to-end transportation technology. Hollister is a guest lecturer for the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a sought-after speaker on the advancement and disruption of the transportation industry. About SwanLeap Founded in 2013, SwanLeap is a leading transportation, consulting, and technology firm specializing in supply chain best practices and cost reduction strategies. Historically, brokers and 3PL (Third Party Logistics) firms, as a result of their safe relationships with corporate shippers, have intentionally kept pricing and discounts as abstract as possible to maintain a false sense of savings for the end user. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, SwanLeap is delivering clarity and control to each of their customers, saving them time and money. Backed by a wealth of transportation industry expertise in niche areas, SwanLeap leverages the power Artificial Intelligence to turn shipping into a profit center. SwanLeap was acquired by Transportation Insight HoldCo in November, 2021. About Transportation Insight HoldCo Transportation Insight HoldCo serves customers through logistics provider Transportation Insight, LLC, and freight brokerage Nolan Transportation Group. Together, these companies help shippers and carriers engineer efficient supply chain networks. Combined, the $4.3 billion TI Holdco organization serves more than 10,000 clients and over 50,000 carriers with logistics management services that include domestic transportation (TL, LTL, Parcel), e-commerce solutions, supply chain analytics, international transportation, warehouse sourcing, LEAN consulting and supply chain sourcing. Key Takeaways: The SwanLeap Story Brad Hollister is the Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of SwanLeap. SwapLeap is a next generation TMS and the #1 company on the 2018 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies. SwanLeap was acquired by Transportation Insight HoldCo in November, 2021. In the podcast interview, Brad shares his story of entrepreneurship, the good, the bad, and the ugly (it was mostly good – really good). SwanLeap’s transportation management system (TMS) works for all shipping modes: parcel, LTL, truckload, intermodal, ocean, and air. Transportation Insight was founded in 2000 as a non-asset based third-party logistics (3PL) provider focused on your success. TI started in LTL transportation and expanded into one of North America’s leading provider of unique supply chain solutions, ranging from domestic transportation to full-scale international logistics. Learn More About The SwanLeap Story Brad Hollister LinkedIn SwanLeap LinkedIn SwanLeap Transportation Insight HoldCo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/14/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 7 seconds
The Box that Changed the World with Richard Danderline
The Box that Changed the World with Richard Danderline Richard Danderline and Joe Lynch discuss the box that changed the world. Richard is the Co-Founder and CFO of Staxxon, a shipping container company that has developed an innovative shipping container that is poised to revolutionize the space. About Richard Danderline Richard Danderline, has over 35 years of executive level financial and operating experience, primarily in the fashion footwear and apparel businesses. He has served as COO/CFO of several large fashion companies, including Marc Fisher Footwear, Aerogroup International (Aerosoles brand), Kenneth Cole and Iconix Brand Group ( a publicly traded company that was a pioneer of the fashion brand management/licensing business model ). Mr. Danderline began his career with Touche Ross & Co.(predecessor to Deloitte & Touche) and is a graduate of St. Francis College in Brooklyn NY. He and George Kochanowski , CEO of Staxxon, co-founded the Company in 2011. About Staxxon Staxxon, LLC is a Delaware Limited Liability company based in New Jersey. It operates as a technology and intellectual property licensing company. The company outsources its manufacturing to third party Staxxon certified manufacturing partners and parts suppliers. Staxxon has developed, patented, and certified a new design for ISO (International Organization for Standardization) shipping containers. The technology is the first to enable containers to fold upright, like an accordion. Staxxon’s upright system allows up to five empty containers to be folded, bundled, and moved together as a single container. The load bearing strength of the upright design also allows the container to be placed anywhere from top to bottom in a shipboard stack. Whether fully loaded or bundled together when empty, the Company anticipates that its containers will be 100% interchangeable with standard ISO container fleets. Container owners stand to benefit through substantially reduced operating costs and increased efficiency. Additionally, improved logistics in the handling of empties should materially mitigate global port congestion and environmental pollution. The Company is privately owned and financed by a small group of investors including the current management team. Key Takeaways: The Box that Changed the World Richard Danderline is the Co-Founder and CFO of Staxxon, a shipping container company that has developed an innovative shipping container that is poised to revolutionize the space. In the podcast interview, Joe and Richard discuss the box that changed the world – that box is the shipping container that was developed in the 1950’s by Malcom McLean. The Staxxon team believes their box (shipping container) is going to make containerized shipping even more effective and efficient. The shipping container drastically reduced the time and cost associated with loading and unloading ships. The shipping container reduced the cost of shipping significantly and enabled the rapid growth of world trade in the past generation. However, there are still issues with global trade – mainly the trade imbalances that leads to empty containers being shipped around the world – at great cost to shippers and the environment. In the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, up 78% of the containers leaving the ports for Asia are empty. In some cases, agricultural exports from the USA are not shipped overseas because the demand for empty containers back to Asia is so great. As a result, agricultural exports and profits were down in 2021. Staxxon has developed the world's only upright folding shipping container, which enables shippers the ability to fold the Staxxon container like an accordion. Up to 5 Staxxon containers can be transported in the space required for one traditional container. Until now, an empty container took up just as much space as a full container. Staxxon shipping containers enables shippers to free up valuable space in warehouses and ports. It also frees up capacity on ships, rail, and drayage trucks. Staxxon’s foldable shipping containers reduces the cost of shipping empty containers and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Staxxon frees up capacity and lessens port congestion. Learn More About The Box that Changed the World Richard Danderline LinkedIn Staxxon Linkedin Staxxon The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/12/2022 • 40 minutes, 3 seconds
Fulfillment Success with Steve Shebuski
Fulfillment Success with Steve Shebuski Steve Shebuski and Joe Lynch discuss fulfillment success. Steve is the Vice President of Digital Strategy at Blue Horseshoe, part of Accenture, a company that helps companies reimage fulfillment operations to align with business goals, address market trends, and meet customer demands. About Steve Shebuski Steve Shebuski is the Vice President of Digital Strategy at Blue Horseshoe, part of Accenture. Steve has 20+ years of experience as a Program Manager/Design Lead/Project Manager implementing both Microsoft Dynamics AX / Dynamics 365 as well as tier I and tier II warehouse management and transportation software solutions. Steve's deep knowledge within the distribution industry and his innovative approach to solution architecture are the backbone of the solutions being implemented and deployed by Blue Horseshoe. He attended Michigan State University where he received his bachelor of science in chemical engineering. About Blue Horseshoe, Part of Accenture Blue Horseshoe, part of Accenture, helps companies reimage fulfillment operations to align with business goals, address market trends, and meet customer demands. By connecting physical assets with digital intelligence, we help companies: - Engineer operational designs that connect processes and equipment with assets, people, and data - Guide application selection and enable digital connections that share data across enterprise systems - Create efficiency with warehouse hardware, automation equipment, and mobile devices - Provide implementation and support services that generate quicker time to value Key Takeaways: Fulfillment Success Steve Shebuski is the Vice President of Digital Strategy at Blue Horseshoe, a supply chain technology company that helps their customer drive value through greater efficiencies and productivity. In the podcast interview, Steve describes 6 things that drive fulfillment success: #1 - Technology platform that seamlessly connect the fulfillment company to customers, suppliers, and technology providers. A connected platform enables companies to easily communicate, collaborate, and efficiently manage exceptions. #2 - In-depth understanding of the customer profile is required to set-up the facility for success The facility, systems, processes, and talent are organized to support the customer’s order profile (volume, pallet vs unit, SKU count, etc..) #3 - Business applications must be aligned to customer’s objectives. Configure the technologies (WMS, TMS) to support operational effectiveness and efficiency. #4 - The right hardware, technology, and automations to serve their customers. The use of automation, robotics, and scanning technology enable workers to accomplish more, which is increasingly important with the labor shortage. #5 - Data insights Real-time reports and dashboards that enable the entire supply chain to monitor performance. #6 – Partnerships Developing and managing partnerships is one of the keys to success in the 3PL business. Blue Horseshoe helps companies define and plan their enterprise strategy, connect and collaborate with business applications, and optimize and execute supply chain operations. Learn More About Fulfillment Success Steve Shebuski LinkedIn Blue Horseshoe Blue Horseshoe at Modex Blue Horseshoe Supply Chain Cloud Videos The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/10/2022 • 54 minutes, 17 seconds
Winning the Logistics Talent War with Radu Palamariu
Winning the Logistics Talent War with Radu Palamariu Radu Palamariu and Joe Lynch discuss winning the logistics talent war. Radu is the Managing Director Asia Pacific & Europe of Alcott Global and the Global Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Practice. Alcott Global provides Executive Search solutions for the world’s top companies in eCommerce, supply chain, logistics, and tech in transportation. About Radu Palamariu Radu is the Managing Director Asia Pacific & Europe of Alcott Global and the Global Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Practice. He has been working on C-level and top management executive search assignments with Top Fortune 500 companies and local Asia conglomerates, particularly for manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chain management and ecommerce. A frequent speaker at industry conferences across the region, he is a contributor on latest technologies shaping supply chains, as well as human resources trends and developments. He is the host of the “Leaders in Supply Chain” Podcast, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 global industry podcasts. Radu has been featured in Bloomberg, Logistics Insight Asia, Bangkok Post as well as the MIT Supply Chain Talent Magazine. And has been named as one of the top 3 Global Supply Chain Influencers on LinkedIn. About Alcott Global Alcott Global provides Executive Search solutions for the world’s top companies in eCommerce, supply chain, logistics, and tech in transportation. We are aware that attracting and retaining talent in the supply chain space is more than challenging. We invested a few years and a lot of energy to create and nurture a great network in this sector. We are certain we can connect you with the right person to solve your supply chain problems. We decided to focus our efforts at a global level, focusing on the US, European and Asian markets, since our global clients have different challenges according to each region. We aim to become your long-term partner in attracting, retaining and developing supply chain and logistics talent. Key Takeaways: Winning the Logistics Talent War Radu Palamariu is the Managing Director Asia Pacific & Europe of Alcott Global and the Global Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Practice. He has been working on C-level and top management executive search assignments with Top Fortune 500 companies and local Asia conglomerates, particularly for manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chain management and ecommerce. In the podcast interview, Radu and Joe discuss winning the talent war and the talent challenges facing logistics and supply chain companies. Challenge #1 – Recruiting Top Logistics and Supply Chain Talent Challenge #2 – Educating and Upskilling Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals Challenge #3 – Surviving The Great Resignation Alcott Global provides Executive Search solutions for the world’s top companies in ecommerce, supply chain, logistics, and tech in transportation. Alcott’s business is attracting, retaining and developing supply chain and logistics talent. They work with the leading companies in the supply chain and logistics space. Alcott’s develops customized program to address the following business needs: Digital Transformation – an introduction to how everything aligns together when any part of the Supply Chain organization goes through digitalization. Integrated Business Planning - Aligning new initiatives, current products, demand, supply, and financial plans over at least a 24-month planning horizon. Logistics / Ecommerce Transformation – Defining measures of success and tranform the way the organization inherently works. This track goes in-depth into the Collaboration pillar of the 3 Cs of Supply Chain Leadership. Learn More About Winning the Logistics Talent War Radu Palamariu LikedIn Alcott Global LinkedIn Alcott Global Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/7/2022 • 51 minutes, 28 seconds
Becoming a Sales Hunter with Mark Hunter
Becoming a Sales Hunter with Mark Hunter Mark Hunter and Joe Lynch discuss becoming a Sales Hunter. Mark also known as "The Sales Hunter” helps companies and salespeople find and retain better prospects they can close at full price. About Mark Hunter Mark Hunter is recognized as one of the top 50 most influential sales and marketing leaders in the world. He is author of three books, “High-Profit Prospecting” and “High-Profit Selling” and his newest “A Mind for Sales.” His integrity centered communication strategies are used each day by thousands of people from “Fortune 100” firms to small start-ups. Clients include, American Express, Chubb Insurance, Farm Bureau, Great Western Bank and hundreds more. These same strategies are found in The Sales Hunter University on-line program which in 2020, was ranked as one of the top 10 sales learning programs due its unique style of coaching and engagement with Mark Hunter. Mark has spoken in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and travels more than 200 days per year working with people helping to show them how to find and retain better clients. He’s known for his engaging style that empowers others to move to a higher level. He doesn’t view what he does as a job, he views it as a lifestyle. He believes when you live life helping others you have the ability to create deep relationships that impact others. His mission is to help others see sales in this manner to allow them to increase their influence and impact. Key Takeaways: Becoming a Sales Hunter Mark Hunter, also known as "The Sales Hunter” helps companies and salespeople find and retain better prospects they can close at full price. In the podcast interview, Mark and Joe discuss becoming a sales hunter. During the interview, Mark shares some of the sales strategies he uses in his sales consulting and training practice. Strategy #1 – Know Your Ideal Prospect. Pick a niche and develop a profile for your ideal customer. Stay in your lane – become very knowledgeable in your chosen niche. Strategy #2 – Understand Your Customer’s Problem and How You Solve it. Become an expert in your customer’s problems and your solutions to those problems. Use your new found expertise to engage with similar customers. Strategy #3 – Land and Expand. When you land a new account, you are not closing a deal, you are opening a relationship. Constantly find ways to add more value and to win more business within existing accounts. Strategy #4 – Maintain Profitability. Lowering margins to win business seldom works out for the customer or the salesperson. The Sales Hunter teaches his client how to avoid negotiating and finding serious prospects – ones who not just shopping for price. Mark Hunter has literally written the book(s) on sales. If you want to improve your sale performance connect with Mark or read one of his books: A Mind for Sales High Profit Prospecting High-Profit Selling: Win the Sale Without Compromising on Price Learn More About Becoming a Sales Hunter Mark Hunter LinkedIn The Sales Hunter LinkedIn The Sales Hunter A Mind of Sales High Profit Prospecting Photos The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/5/2022 • 51 minutes, 53 seconds
The TextLocate Story with Ryan Rogers
The TextLocate Story with Ryan Rogers Ryan Rogers and Joe Lynch discuss the TextLocate story. Ryan is the Founder and CEO of TextLocate which provides a freight location tracking and communication solution for brokers and partner carriers. About Ryan Rogers Ryan Rogers is the Founder and CEO of logistics tech startup TextLocate. TextLocate bridges the gap between truck drivers and logistics professionals by creating a simple way to locate freight through a proprietary text message platform that has taken the logistics industry by storm. Prior to founding TextLocate, Ryan’s extensive experience dates back over 20+ years and includes stints with Amazon as well as both Covenant Logistics and U.S. Xpress--two top trucking firms headquartered in Chattanooga. At Covenant, Ryan had direct responsibility for technology, continuous improvement, mergers and acquisitions, innovation and strategic planning across the Covenant enterprise. His experience at U.S. Xpress included time spent as corporate treasurer and Chief Operating Officer at the company’s logistics division during a time of extensive growth in revenue. He also served as a transportation executive at Amazon.com, leading procurement and carrier development at a time when e-commerce – led by companies like Amazon -- turned heads around the transportation and logistics industry with increasing sales and demand for capacity. He currently serves as a mentor at Chattanooga-based transportation and logistics incubator Dynamo and is a member of the Chattanooga Technology Council. Ryan holds an MBA and undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he and his wife, Nicole, have chosen to make their home in the ‘gig city’ with their children, Kate and Jack. About TextLocate TextLocate is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was founded in 2021 by logistics technology executive Ryan Rogers as the solution to freight location tracking and communication for brokers and partner carriers. Rogers, a Chattanooga native, has formerly held executive positions with Amazon.com and Chattanooga transportation companies U.S. Xpress and Covenant Logistics. Key Takeaways: The TextLocate Story Ryan Rogers is the Founder and CEO of freight tech firm, TextLocate which provides a freight location tracking and communication solution for brokers and partner carriers. In the podcast interview, Ryan describes his successful career in the logistics business and his entrepreneurial journey. TextLocate is a simple method for check call updates with partner carriers. TextLocate simplifies the process using TextLocate’s custom one-time location update from your partner carrier’s driver with one simple text message. Ryan’s vision for TextLocate is to complement existing visibility platforms using a one-time text message that is more agreeable to some drivers who resist using apps and other visibility systems. TextLocate’s automation makes it very easy for users to make check calls to drivers. Drivers love it because there is no app to download and they are not constantly tracked. With TextLocate, users request a one-time location update as a text message sent to the driver. The message includes company name and unique load ID. All the driver has to do is click the hyperlink within the text and approve the one-time location update. The response updates TextLocate dashboard with the driver’s current city, state and zip code. The process is convenient for the operations team to request and simple for the driver to respond without a phone call interruption. TextLocate offers an easy to implement, simple to use process for communicating with drivers. The process is safe, convenient, cost effective, and uses texting technology so there is no training and no learning curve. TextLocate has a free option so users can get started by signing up for a free account. Learn More About The TextLocate Story Ryan Rogers LinkedIn TextLocate LinkedIn TextLocate Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
1/3/2022 • 54 minutes, 49 seconds
REPOST: Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson
Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Joe Lynch and Rick Watson discuss Amazon vs Target vs Walmart and their strengths and weaknesses in the areas of ecommerce, fulfillment, distribution, and logistics. About Rick Watson Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company’s flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company’s product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com. About RMW Commerce Consulting RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Key Takeaways: Amazon vs Target vs Walmart The lines have blurred when it comes to retail and ecommerce. In the past, consumers either bought online or bought from their local retailers. Today, consumer expectations have risen in large part because companies like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have created such a wonderful customer experience. During the discussion, Rick talked about each company’s business model, along with their relative strengths and weaknesses in the areas of customer experience, fulfillment, and delivery. Amazon Amazon is a pioneer in the ecommerce space, but to ensure that the customer experience, delivery, and fulfillment is world-class, Amazon has invested heavily in fulfillment centers close to consumers. The fulfillment centers enable Amazon to store inventory close to consumers which allows for fast delivery and even same-day / next-day delivery. Amazon has raised the bar on digital communication with customers and their accurate, on-time home deliveries set the benchmark for the rest of the industry. To further cement their position as the leader in-home delivery, Amazon has started an asset-based logistics company to keep the packages moving. Amazon is first and foremost a technology company and they will use their superior tech capability to stay a leader in the business. Target Target started as an old-school retailer with virtually no technology or online presence. In terms of selling online, Target had a very late start. Target was not equipped to manage an online store and they even had Amazon manage their online sales for a short time. As a traditional retailer, Target couldn’t just copy Amazon’s strategy. Target ultimately decided to invest in their stores. They made each store a fulfillment center and today, 90% of Target’s online orders are fulfilled by their stores. Additionally, Target has pioneered several purchasing/fulfillment options including BOPAC (Buy online and pick up at curb) BOPIS (Buy online and pick up in store), and same-day / next-day deliveries via Shipt (an independent subsidiary of Target). Shipt facilitates same-day delivery from various retailers to its members through either phone apps or via their website. Shipt has over 200,000 personal shoppers delivering products to homes. Walmart Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue, with over $524 billion USD in 2020. Walmart is also the also the biggest food retailer in the USA. Walmart is a juggernaut when comes to sales and operational excellence. Walmart’s inventory management, distribution, and logistics are arguably the best in the retail world. Obviously, the company understands retailing, but they struggled with their transition to online sales. Walmart was late to the online party and they had a few missteps. In recent years, Walmart has made major investments that enable their stores to be fulfillment centers. With over 11,500 stores worldwide, Walmart has locations close to the world’s population centers. In addition to their store and fulfillment center investment, Walmart purchased Jet.com to gain the experience and resources of a web-native ecommerce company. Learn More About Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Rick Watson RMW Commerce The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/31/2021 • 39 minutes, 59 seconds
Understanding Conrail with Brian Gorton
Understanding Conrail with Brian Gorton Brian Gorton and Joe Lynch discuss understanding Conrail. Brian is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets, which serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. About Brian Gorton Brian E. Gorton joined Conrail in 1987 as a conductor. He advanced to the position of Assistant Terminal Superintendent before departing Conrail prior to the CSXT and Norfolk Southern acquisition of Conrail in 1998. After his departure from Conrail, he worked at the Union Pacific Railroad where he held various positions in the Transportation Department including General Manager of UP’s Houston and Gulf Coast Service Units. On April 19, 2021, Brian rejoined Conrail and was appointed President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, bringing with him over 30 years of railroad experience and expertise. About Conrail Conrail is an American railroad company. It operates three networks—the North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit Shared Assets Areas, where it serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. Customers located along Conrail's lines have access to the national rail network through either railway. As a local rail service provider, it's Conrail’s job to make sure that customers' freight shipments are safely and efficiently moved between their rail sidings and the long-distance freight trains operated by CSX and Norfolk Southern. CSX and Norfolk Southern handle all commercial matters for customers. However, Conrail plays a critical role in serving shippers and receivers as a service provider for our owners. Key Takeaways: Understanding Conrail Brian Gorton is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets, which serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. In the podcast interview, Brian explains Conrail’s capabilities, service area, history, operations, and the advantages that rail brings to high-volume shippers. In the spring of 1997, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) and CSX Corporation (CSX) agreed to acquire Conrail through a joint stock purchase. CSX and NS split most of the Company’s assets between them. The approved merger plan restructured Conrail into a Switching and Terminal Railroad operating about 1,200 miles of track in three regional areas. On June 1, 1999, Conrail began operating as a Switching and Terminal Railroad for its owners, NS and CSX, in the three geographical areas of Northern New Jersey, Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, it expanded its operations from Northern New Jersey to Staten Island, New York. Advantages of rail transport: Cost effective. Shippers often save money by switching from truck to rail. Sustainability. Rail transport is more environmentally friendly and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than over the road trucking. Great option for high-volume shippers. A double-stacked train can move more freight than hundreds of trucks. Reliability. Trains run on a track and on a schedule, so traffic and weather are seldom an issue. Access to capacity. Many shippers use rail as an alternative to the driver and truck constrained over the road market. Intermodal shipping which utilizes rail transport is often the most efficient transportation mode for shippers, particularly high-volume shippers. Learn More About Understanding Conrail Brian Gorton Conrail The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/29/2021 • 42 minutes, 39 seconds
Where Business is Done with Thibault Serlet
Where Business is Done with Thibault Serlet Thibault Serlet and Joe Lynch discuss where business is done. Thibault is the Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). About Thibault Serlet Thibault Serletis Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, where he assisted in building the recently launched Open Zone Map, the world’s largest and most extensive dataset on Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He is an expert on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and is the Founder of Startup Societies Foundation, a Utah based non-profit think tank that studies Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and publishes an academic journal. He is on the board of advisors of the Center for Innovative Governance Research, and has worked at several startups in the cybersecurity, hardware, and blockchain fields. In addition to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Thibault studies the history of banking, medieval history, and charter cities, and is a black belt in Kempo Karate. About The Adrianople Group The Adrianople Group is a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Adrianople Group launched the Open Zone Map, the first map encompassing all Special Economic Zones (SEZs) globally. Leading organizations including McKinsey & Company, PwC, and World Wildlife Foundation rely on the company’s data to make impactful decisions. The Adrianople Group’s data around Special Economic Zones (SEZs) provides geopolitical market research and business intelligence solutions to investors, government officials, academics, and others interested in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Adrianople team members and associates consist of a staggeringly diverse array of doers and thinkers, located everywhere from San Francisco to Singapore, London to Lagos. Key Takeaways: Where Business is Done Thibault Serlet is Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In the podcast interview, Thibault and Joe discuss where business is done. The answer is special economic zones. A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in a country that is subject to different legal and economic regulations than other regions within the same country. Special economic zones (SEZs) are typically created in order to facilitate rapid economic growth by leveraging tax incentives to attract foreign investment and spark technological advancement. Thibault Serlet and the team at Adrianople Group recognized that information about special economic zones is scarce and hard to find. The Adrianople Group is on a mission to radically increase the quality and amount of data about Special Economic Zones and related projects. While exact numbers are not available, Thibault believes that the majority of supply chains past through special economic zones. The Open Zone Map is the world’s first comprehensive attempt at mapping every single Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The map includes all known SEZs, capitals, airports, and ports. The map was created to improve public understanding of SEZs. The goal is to inspire other researchers studying SEZs to create their own data sets, sparking a knowledge revolution. The Adrianople Group is a research and business advisory services provider focused primarily on Special Economic Zones and similar projects. Learn More About Where Business is Done Thibault Serlet The Adrianople Group Open Zone Map The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/27/2021 • 38 minutes, 20 seconds
REPOST: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins
The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Bob Elkins and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of dedicated contract carriage. As the SVP of Ruan, a company that specializes in dedicated, Bob has a deep understanding of the service and the value it provides to shippers. About Bob Elkins Bob Elkins serves Ruan as Senior Vice President, Industry Vertical Operations. Bob has almost 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including global account management, operations leadership and commercial services. Prior to joining Ruan, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dedicated Services, Logistics, and first-to-final mile for Schneider National. Bob also served in the United States Army 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and early on in his transportation career he was an owner-operator of a small trucking company. About Ruan Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. With more than 85 years of transportation experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates in 48 states, employs over 6,000 team members, and has more than 300 locations nationwide. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) is a third-party service that provides dedicated equipment (vehicles) and drivers to a single customer for its exclusive use on a contractual basis. DCC is a flexible service that offers all the service advantages of a private fleet and the convenience of a for-hire carrier. DCC in a sense outsources many of the challenging functions associated with managing a fleet. Services and materials provided may include but are not limited to ongoing operations management, technology, drivers, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pickup and delivery instructions. Shippers who previously depended on carriers, 3PLs, and brokers switch to DCC to gain additional control, avoid price fluctuations and disruptions in the trucking market. Additionally, these shippers switch to DCC because they want the truck and driver branding that comes with a private fleet without the hassles of managing one. Shippers who previously owned their own fleet switch to DCC so they can focus on their core competencies and business. Companies that provide DCC, like Ruan are much better suited to manage the ongoing driver training, compliance and management. Additionally, the DCC provider is responsible for investing in new equipment, technology and ongoing maintenance. With dedicated contract carriage, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer's company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer's brand. The advantages of dedicated contract carriage include: improved on-time performance and service along with reduced cost and hassle. Learn More: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Bob Elkins Ruan Ruan - Red Magazine White Paper - Five Lingering Headaches to Address for Healthier Supply Chain in 2021 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/22/2021 • 30 minutes, 46 seconds
5 Reasons You Lose Customers with Paula Courtney
5 Reasons You Lose Customers with Paula Courtney Paula Courtney and Joe Lynch discuss 5 reasons you lose customers. Paula is the CEO of The Verde Group, a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). About Paula Courtney A passionate change agent and entrepreneur, she believes that organizations remain competitive and profitable when they are brilliant at the basics of service delivery. As President of The Verde Group, a global market research consultancy specializing in helping companies improve customer retention, Paula leads the development of new research methods for helping companies quantify the financial impact of their customer experience. The Verde Group’s Canadian and US retail studies have been published globally in over 35 publications including Business Week, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and Fortune. A frequent conference presenter, Paula has delivered keynote presentations for various industry and professional associations and is also a regular guest lecturer at the Wharton School of Business. Paula also sits on the board of Covenant House, Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk. Paula holds a BSc in Psychology and a post graduate certification in Personnel & Industrial Relations (CPIR) from the University of Toronto. Paula is also fluent in French, Spanish and Portuguese. About The Verde Group The Verde Group is a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). Our proprietary experience analysis methodology is known as Revenue@Risk Analysis. Based on decades of social science academic research and practical in-market business application, Revenue@Risk uses dissatisfaction analysis of problem experiences to understand why customers behave in a certain way and what actions to take to alter those behaviours. Verde Group has applied Revenue@Risk successfully for nearly 20 years with Fortune 500 clients in technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, and financial services categories. Their practice is roughly 65% B2B and 35% B2C. Key Takeaways: 5 Reasons You Lose Customers Paula Courtney is the President of The Verde Group, a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). In the podcast interview, Paula explains the 5 reasons you lose customers. Reason 1 – Lack of customer support. When customers don’t receive the customer support that they expect, they may begin looking for alternatives. Poor follow-up, getting the run-around, and being transferred by phone repeatedly without resolution is frustrating and damaging to customer relationships. Reason 2 – Ineffective problem resolution. There are more channels for customers to connect than ever before, however, if the customer is not able to get quick and effective resolution to their problems, they will move on. Reason 3 – Digital tools that are overly complicated or don’t meet customer expectations. Technology that is supposed to improve the customer experience can sometimes be overly difficult to use and actually negatively impact the experience. Reason 4 – Lack of consistency across channels. Technology has enabled companies to engage with their customers in multiple channels (website, social media, phone, email, app, etc..) and the policies, procedures, experience, and outcomes must be consistent. When customers have different experiences across different channels, they lose faith in the company. Reason 5 – Lack of proactivity. Customer expectations are always rising and successful companies will always look for ways to deliver more for their customers. Get closer to your customer and find new ways to add value. Key areas associated with revenue growth: Frictionless experience Effective recovery from problems Engagement with customers The Verde Group helps their clients prioritize and tackle the customer experience problems that negatively impact their business. The Verde Group utilizes a unique non-traditional customer dissatisfaction research and social science-based Attitude-Behavior Consistency Model, which enables them to to isolate the most business-critical pain points across the customer journey, financially quantify revenue at risk, and reverse your customers’ most damaging experiences. Learn More About 5 Reasons You Lose Customers Paula Courtney LinkedIn The Verde Group Logistics case study HBR Article The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/20/2021 • 41 minutes, 59 seconds
The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain with Dyci Sfregola
The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain with Dyci Sfregola Dyci Sfregola and Joe Lynch discuss the promise of the digital supply chain. Dyci is the Founder and Managing Director of New Gen Architects, a consulting company that helps their clients transform their supply chains. About Dyci Sfregola When it comes to supply chain and product operations, Dyci Sfregola’s experience is that most organizations are leaving money on the table due to disorganized processes. She founded New Gen Architects in 2020 to show companies how to transform business operations starting with their supply chain. Leveraging her business acumen and technical expertise, Dyci’s vision is to empower clients to be customer-centric and scale intelligently. Through business and digital architecture advisory services, she directs clients on how to establish efficient processes, identify and implement digital technologies, and effectively engage people as a roadmap for success. Dyci holds a Master's in Engineering Management from Kennesaw State University where she also studied Industrial Engineering. She also completed her undergraduate studies in Spanish at the University of Georgia. About New Gen Architects New Gen Architects bridges the gap between business and technology to help companies achieve successful supply chain transformation. We advise clients on their corporate evolution, rooted in business continuity planning. As a thought partner and facilitator, we set-up clients with a secure foundation and layer in ownership. Our team guides clients on technology tool selection, project management and transformation road mapping. We support scalable and efficient supply chain transformation, making us industry change-makers. We are business and digital architecture advisors to companies seeking to scale their retail and direct-to-consumer operations through supply chain transformation. Key Takeaways: The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain Dyci is the Founder and Managing Director of New Gen Architects, a consulting company that helps their clients transform their supply chains. In the podcast interview, Joe and Dyci discuss the promise of the digital supply chain. A digital supply chain ideally would be more agile, more resilient, and faster than a traditional supply chain. A digital supply chains are more efficient, more effective, and make their companies more competitive and more profitable. Digital supply chains are able to respond quickly to changes in demand and supply. Digital supply chains also utilize labor saving automations like optical character recognition (OCR) and robotic process automation (RPA). Dyci believes that more firms will invest in the technology for their supply chains once they recognize the value and ROI of investing in the right supply chain technology. Dyci and her team works with clients to analyze financial and operational data to determine the optimal timeline for change and works alongside them throughout their journey to help keep external partners accountable and internal stakeholders on board. New Gen Architects makes sure you know how to ask the right questions and sift through the buzzwords to make sure the technology selected is the best fit for their use case and will deliver the expected ROI. Learn More About The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain Dyci Sfregola LinkedIn New Gen Architects Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/17/2021 • 59 minutes, 53 seconds
The Transfix Story with Drew McElroy
The Transfix Story with Drew McElroy Drew McElroy and Joe Lynch discuss the Transfix story. Drew is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. About Drew McElroy Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix. After seeding the idea of the first freight marketplace, Drew has helped Transfix mature from an industry upstart into Forbes’ “Next Billion Dollar company. Prior to founding Transfix in 2013, Drew was the President of Priority Distribution Inc. (PDI), a mid-market transportation management and third-party logistics provider (3PL). He officially joined the company as Director of Business Development in May 2004 but had been working with his parents at PDI over the summer since he was 12. He helped the company scale from three people to 20 people, grew revenue by 4x, and was one of the first 3PL to work with SaaS and TMS solutions. Drew also previously served as the President of the New Jersey Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and International Business from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He currently resides in Manhattan. About Transfix Transfix is a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. The company combines deep industry expertise and a world-class class carrier network with advanced technology. The result? Competitive pricing, superior service and reliability, and an intelligent platform designed to optimize the supply chain from start to finish. Today, some of the world's most recognized brands rely on Transfix's trusted carrier network. Transfix was named one of Forbes' "Next Billion-Dollar Startups" and is headquartered in the heart of New York City. Key Takeaways: The Transfix Story Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. In the podcast interview, Drew describes his personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges he and his Co-founder, Jonathan Salama have experienced since starting Transfix. Transfix is a leading freight marketplace connecting shippers to a national network of reliable carriers. Fortune 500 companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Unilever, and Target rely on Transfix to handle their most important FTL freight needs. With instant pricing tools, guaranteed capacity, data-driven insights, and reliable service, Transfix is changing the world of transportation one load at a time. Transfix’s technology can quote thousands of loads in under a minute and manage the entire process from beginning to delivery-- saving shippers hours each day. Transfix was named one of Forbes' "Next Billion-Dollar Company" in 2018. Learn More About The Transfix Story Drew McElroy LinkedIn Transfix LinkedIn Transfix website Transfix Market Updates The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/15/2021 • 59 minutes, 32 seconds
The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL with Esther Kestenbaum Prozan
The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL with Esther Kestenbaum Prozan Esther Kestenbaum Prozan and Joe Lynch discuss the pain of picking the wrong 3pl. Esther is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. About Esther Kestenbaum Prozan Esther Kestenbaum Prozan is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. During her tenure at Ruby Has, the company has experienced a period of unprecedented growth, and tripled in size since the Covid pandemic began. Its best-in-class automation and integration technologies have catapulted Ruby Has to one of the top fulfillment providers in the industry. In her role as president, Esther draws on more than 20 years of leadership and C-Suite roles within venture-backed ecommerce startups and retail technology companies, including several exits – both acquisitions and IPOs. Prior to joining Ruby Has, Esther was CEO of DayOne, a baby and prenatal services company operating in ecommerce, retail and B2B channels. Prior to that, she was founder and CEO of TheShops.TV, an ecommerce company leveraging QVC-style video. Esther has also held SVP and VP roles with retail marketing technology companies specializing in mobile, ad tech and data analytics. About Ruby Has Fulfillment Ruby Has Fulfillment is one of the fastest growing ecommerce fulfillment and logistics providers for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. With a strategically located international footprint of distribution centers in the United States, Canada, and the UK, Ruby Has Fulfillment is a company in hyper-growth. The logistics leader has been ranked by Crain's Fast 50 since 2018 and Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years. It leads the 3PL industry with cutting-edge technology, seamless integration, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that empowers ecommerce brands to scale with efficiency and speed. Key Takeaways: The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL Esther Kestenbaum Prozan is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. In the podcast interview, Esther and Joe discuss the pain of picking the wrong 3PL. Picking the wrong the 3PL to manage transportation and logistics is a big hassle, but picking the wrong 3PL to manage your direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipments is a disaster. A 3PL that manages your DTC shipments has your inventory in their building and in their control. Breaking up is costly, emotionally upsetting, and may lead to service failures and dissatisfied customers. The best way to avoid the pain of picking the wrong 3PL is to spend the time to select the right 3PL. The right 3PL has the culture, leadership, processes, technologies, team, facilities, and locations to effectively manage your business. Developing a win-win relationship between the 3PL and the shipper will pay long-term dividends. Ruby Has Fulfillment provides accurate pick and pack, efficient 3PL, and quality fulfillment of all ecommerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento and more. Locations across the U.S. and Canada allow DTC ecommerce brands and retailers to ship faster and reduce freight costs. Fulfillment locations include New York, California, New Jersey, Kentucky, Nevada, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Learn More About The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL Esther Kestenbaum Prozan LinkedIn Ruby Has Fulfillment The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/13/2021 • 50 minutes, 16 seconds
Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution with Eduardo Silva
Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution with Eduardo Silva Eduardo Silva and Joe Lynch discuss Home Depot's empty mile solution. Eduardo is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart, a digital freight brokerage that leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help shippers and carriers move more with less. About Eduardo Eduardo Silva is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart. He oversees a team of product managers that are building automated solutions that make it easier for shippers and Loadsmart’s internal teams to price, book, schedule, move, track, pay and charge for freight. Eduardo has extensive experience developing software products for different verticals like construction and insurance. He has also worked on digital transformation, helping companies to change their priorities and use technology as a core competency - instead of as a cost center. After spending his time consulting large insurtech companies, Eduardo joined Loadsmart and has spent the past three years helping the company to reduce waste in trucking. Eduardo is leading the team that’s co-developing Flatbed Messenger About Loadsmart Loadsmart is a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. By bringing shippers, carriers, and warehouses together on a connected platform, Loadsmart is helping to solve deep-rooted inefficiencies in transportation. Loadsmart’s Flatbed Messenger leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to bring the first supply-led marketplace. Flatbed Messenger eliminates empty miles by matching Home Depot’s dedicated capacity to Loadsmart shippers who need flatbed services. Enterprise brands looking to reduce empty miles from their dedicated/private flatbed capacity can reach out directly to flatbedmessenger@loadsmart.com for more information. Key Takeaways: Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution Eduardo Silva is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart, a digital freight brokerage that leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help shippers and carriers move more with less. In the podcast, Eduardo and Joe discuss Home’s Depot’s empty mile solution, which is powered by Loadsmart’s flatbed capacity platform. The term “empty miles” is used to describe the miles a truck drives with an empty trailer. Approximately 79% of truck miles are with full (or relatively full) trailers, meaning the 21% of the miles are empty. Empty miles are a major problem for the trucking business for the following reasons: Shippers pay more for trucking services, especially, if there lanes require the truck to drive home empty due to the nature of the freight or lack of available backhauls Empty miles account for about 1.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. With the driver shortage more evident than ever, driving empty miles makes even less sense. Drivers and trucks driving empty miles represents capacity that is wasted, which is crazy considering how valuable capacity is right now. Empty miles are an even bigger problem when it comes to specialized equipment like flatbeds. Flatbed transportation has even more challenges as the work is more dangerous, weather is a big factor, drivers are harder to find, and the flatbed carrier market is even more fragmented than the dry van market. Home Depot is one of the country's largest flatbed shippers and they contracted with multiple dedicated carriers for their flatbed capacity. Loadsmart launched an automated supply-led flatbed platform that pairs capacity and price to a shipment. Flatbed Messenger combines Loadsmart’s advanced algorithms with dedicated capacity from The Home Depot to help other shippers find flatbed capacity at lower rates. The platform allows shippers access to flatbed capacity that was previously earmarked for a dedicated shipper. Shippers also gain visibility into lower flatbed rates through more affordable backhauls. Learn More About Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution Eduardo Silva LinkedIn Loadsmart homepage Enterprise Shipper Small Business Shipper Carrier Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella What Will Tomorrow’s Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/10/2021 • 46 minutes, 9 seconds
REPOST: Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares
Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares Eric Ristow, Luis Pajares, and Joe Lynch discuss reimagining the food supply chain. The food supply chain has many challenges including poor customer experience, disconnected cold storage networks, and a lack of system integration resulting in limited visibility. About Eric Ristow Eric Ristow serves as Vice President of Product and Application Management at Lineage Logistics. In this role, he ensures custom-built software, as well as SaaS applications, meet the needs of Lineage’s customers. This includes identifying discrete business problems within the temperature-controlled logistics space and developing the requisite applications to enable the safe and efficient storage and transportation of food. As a technology leader for the world’s largest cold-chain provider, Eric is passionate about building more effective food management and delivery solutions for Lineage’s customers to improve the resiliency of the food supply chain in an increasingly challenging global environment. Prior to joining Lineage in 2014, Eric spent 7 years as a management consulting within the healthcare, pharmaceutical and retail spaces. These efforts include the large-scale post-merger integration of technical assets, deployment of global asset management programs, the integration of regulatory content systems, and the development of an enterprise resource planning program to support the strategic staffing of all IT projects, comprising an annual budget of $180 million and 2,500 global team members. Eric holds a BA in history from Dartmouth College and a JD/MBA from Emory University. About Lineage Logistics Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase the efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain. Lineage has grown its cubic feet by 60% annually since 2008 to 1.9 billion cubic feet, making it the largest global temperature-controlled industrial REIT. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations, Lineage was recognized as the No 1. Data Science company on Fast Company’s Annual list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2019, in addition to ranking 23rd overall in an evaluation of thousands of companies worldwide. About Luis Pajares Luis Pajares serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo. He brings over 30 years of experience in software and cloud technologies in both large publicly traded and start-up companies. Luis’s career has been focused on finding and developing disruptive technologies that modernize industries. At Turvo Luis is focused on applying his knowledge and experience in digital transformation to the logistics industry to create the world’s first collaborative logistics solution to unify every person, system, and organization in the supply chain. In his previous role as Group Vice President for Oracle Communications, he was a senior member of the leadership team responsible for strategy with oversight of worldwide sales, alliances and partnerships. Luis holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Dallas. About Turvo Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Reimagining the Food Supply Chain Food producers, especially those that require temperature control have traditionally depended on a hodge-podge collection of 3PLs to store and transport their product. Since no one 3PL had the service footprint (warehousing locations) adequate to service the entire country, food producers used multiple cold storage suppliers, which resulted in disparate systems and processes. Predictably, using multiple cold storage facilities led to inefficiency and waste, specifically wasted food. Meanwhile, the bar has raised for food producers. Due to customer demand for faster transit times, food inventory must be stored closer to customers. Additionally, everyone in the food supply chain wants fast, accurate, actionable data. Lastly, food waste has become recognized as a problem. Dumping food into a landfill when there may be hungry people in the community is a problem that must be addressed. Lineage Logistics is transforming the food supply chain. Lineage has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a national footprint that will enable food producers to utilize one 3PL for all their storage, logistics, and transportation needs. Today, Lineage Logistics moves approximately 30% of temperature-controlled food in the U.S. and nearly 10% worldwide. Link to Lineage’s acquisitions. In addition to their impressive service footprint (warehouse locations), Lineage has partnered with Turvo to launch Lineage Link. Lineage Link, powered by Turvo, is a unified and fully integrated supply-chain technology solution that seamlessly connects the Lineage network, driving collaboration, performance, and efficiency for all supply chain participants. The platform gives customers an unprecedented level of insight and control to enable more agile and informed decisions, providing visibility across locations, orders, inventories, transportation, and warehouse appointment scheduling. Learn More About Reimagining the Food Supply Chain Lineage Logistics Partners with Turvo to Launch Lineage Link Eric Ristow Lineage Logistics Luis Pajares Turvo Logistics Frictionless Logistics: It’s the Collaboration, Stupid with Ketan Karkhanis The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/8/2021 • 29 minutes, 50 seconds
Solving the Port Problem with Lauren Beagen
Solving the Port Problem with Lauren Beagen Lauren Beagen and Joe Lynch discuss solving the port problem. Lauren is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. About Lauren Beagen Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, LLC. Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by major media networks, including recent features on CNBC and FreightWaves. Ms. Beagen has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce and maritime law, with specific emphasis on maritime transportation, Shipping Act issues, supply chain management, international antitrust law, and port and terminal operations. Notable appointments include work in the federal government as Attorney-Advisor (International Affairs) in the Office of the General Counsel at the Federal Maritime Commission and work at a public port authority as Maritime Project Manager for the Port of Boston at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Ms. Beagen received a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Science and International Studies from Hope College, a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is an avid sailor and recreational fisherman and holds a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (50 ton) for Great Lakes and Inland Waters. About Squall Strategies Squall Strategies is a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. Whether you're a small, local business or a multinational corporation, we can help you reach new levels of success. Squall Strategies is available for advice and consultation on potential federal regulatory impacts on your business, federal regulatory review and analysis, advice and consultation on supply chain and ocean freight movement, Federal Maritime Commission related inquiries (including FMC mock audit/review), advice and consultation on demurrage, tariff/schedule reviews, cargo movement and shipping insight, foreign tariff and trade expertise, and emerging markets and offshore wind analysis. Our team is also available for advisory boards, leadership recruitment, and corporate speaking engagements. Key Takeaways: Solving The Port Problem Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, which is a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. In the podcast interview, Joe and Lauren discuss solving the port problem. The number of ships waiting to enter the biggest U.S. gateway for trade with Asia reached the highest since the pandemic began, exacerbating delays for companies trying to replenish inventories during one of the busiest times of the year for seaborne freight. The port problem first became noticeable in the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, the ports where the majority of shipments from Asia are received. Other ports around the USA have also seen delays and disruptions. The port problem was caused by the following factors: Increased demand by US consumers who went on a buying spree. Because restaurants were closed, vacation travel restricted, and many big purchases delayed because of pandemic-driven shortages – bored, house-bound consumers bought a lot of stuff that had to be made in Asia and shipped to America’s West coast ports (Los Angeles and Long Beach). Consumer spending also received a bump from government money that was generously distributed during the first year of the pandemic. While American consumers went shopping, particularly online, the Asian factories and supply chains that produce the goods were broken due to labor and materials shortages. Access to vaccines, medical care, and family issues contributed to the shortages. Labor problems in the USA exacerbated the problem as people left the workforce in large numbers due to COVID infection, money from the government, homeschooling of children, and caring for family members. The port congestion may have also been caused by a lack of digitization and technology at the ports. The National Shipper Advisory Committee (NSAC) is a team made up of both public and private sectors organizations tasked with solving the port problems. The NSAC is led by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The NSAC is actively working to identify and eliminate bottlenecks. The NSAC is also working on a number of initiatives to improve the ports including: demurrage/detention standards, data standards, transparency, and digitization. Lauren and the Squall Strategies team helps shippers and logistics providers navigate Federal Maritime Commission related issues (including FMC mock audit/review), federal regulatory reviews, advice and consultation on potential federal regulatory impacts, general maritime consulting, advice and consultation on demurrage, cargo movement and shipping insight, foreign tariff and trade expertise, and emerging markets and offshore wind analysis. Learn More About Solving The Port Problem Lauren Beagen LinkedIn Squall Strategies LinkedIn Squall Strategies Website Squall Strategies Captain's Log - YouTube Channel Captain's Log: Demurrage... aka keep 'er movin' "How Amazon Beat Supply Chain Chaos With Ships, Containers and Planes", CNBC (Beagen as featured industry expert) Federal Maritime Commission The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/6/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 36 seconds
The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni
The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni Krenar Komoni and Joe Lynch discuss the Tive story. Krenar is the CEO and founder of Tive, a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments' location and condition. About Krenar Komoni Krenar Komoni has developed breakthrough ideas in data analytics, logistics, and electronics design for nearly 20 years. As an innovator and market leader, he has successfully developed and led cross-functional teams while enhancing business performance in sales, finance, supply chain logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. Most recently, Krenar founded the Global Supply Chain Visibility company Tive and serves in the CEO role. Tive is a cloud-based platform that uses IoT sensors to capture critical real-time shipment sensor data as products are shipped worldwide. Krenar embodies the leadership, management, and vision necessary to deliver market innovation, drive growth, and unlock hidden potential. Previously, Krenar worked at BitWave Semiconductor, developing the world’s first software-defined radio (SDR), Eta Devices, an MIT-based startup developing highly efficient cellular base stations, and has provided consulting services for various Fortune 500 companies on chip and system-level wireless design. About Tive Tive is a leading provider of real-time supply chain visibility insights that help logistics professionals actively manage their in-transit shipments' location and condition. With Tive, shippers and logistics service providers (LSP) eliminate preventable delays, damage, and shipment failures. Tive's solution provides data generated by its industry-leading trackers allowing clients to actively optimize their shipments, improve their customers' experience, and unlock supply chain insights in an actionable real-time manner. Key Takeaways: The Tive Story Krenar Komoni is the Founder and CEO of Tive, a company that is re-imagining supply chain visibility with sensor-driven awareness and analysis tools of in-transit goods, from start to finish. In the podcast interview, Krenar and Joe discuss Krenar’s life, career, and his entrepreneurial journey at Tive. Tive in-transit visibility solutions help shipping and logistics professionals manage their shipments and eliminate preventable delays and damage. Tive’s sensors provide the next level in visibility including: Real-Time Data. Tive has developed a proprietary sensor + software solution enabling supply chain managers to get real-time insight into the location and condition of their shipments. Complete Sensing Solution. A multi-sensor tracker sends location and condition data to the cloud, where it can be accessed from the Tive software platform in real time. Configurable Location Alerts. Managers can configure customizable alerts to trigger notifications based on geofences or other significant events. The Problem: When it comes to shipping critical materials or equipment, timing is everything. An early arrival may mean no one is available to receive the shipment, while a late arrival can result in field installation personnel billing for a wasted trip. Lack of coordination between the shipping and receiving teams leads to excessive cost, waste, and delay. The Solution: Tive helps ensure that equipment arrives before the installer with real-time asset location tracking. With precise insight into the location and expected arrival of critical goods, including notifications if the shipment is not proceeding according to schedule, managers can cut waste and improve efficiency along complex, interdependent supply chains. Tive provides Flexible, scalable solutions bringing end-to-end visibility to your supply chain. Tive provides solutions for the following supply chain problem areas: Location Tracking for High-Value Goods Chemicals Condition Monitoring Handling Damage Monitoring Damage Alerts for Electronics Shipments Port Delays Pharmaceutical Temperature Monitoring Environmental Monitoring for Perishables Equipment Delivery Monitoring Automotive Supply Chain Optimization Learn More About The Tive Story Krenar Komoni LinkedIn Tive website Tive LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/3/2021 • 53 minutes, 53 seconds
Understanding Uber Freight with Raj Subbiah
Understanding Uber Freight with Raj Subbiah Raj Subbiah and Joe Lynch discuss understanding Uber Freight. Raj is Head of Product for Uber Freight, a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. About Raj Subbiah Raj Subbiah is Head of Product for Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business that seamlessly connects shippers and carriers across the US, Canada, and Europe. Raj comes to Uber from Yelp, where he led a range of product teams for over five years, most recently as VP of Marketplaces for the global review platform. Prior to Yelp, Raj served for nearly five years at Microsoft, improving the relevance, recall and user experience of the Bing search product. Raj holds a Master's degree in computer science from Texas A&M University, an MBA from the University of California Berkeley, and a computational mathematics and statistics degree from the University of Washington. About Uber Freight Uber Freight is a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. Since launching in 2017, Uber Freight has built one of the world’s largest digitally-enabled carrier networks and transformed entrenched practices around pricing and booking freight to reduce inefficiencies and increase opportunities for business growth and industry collaboration. Today, the business counts over 100,000 carriers in its network and thousands of shippers as customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, including AB Inbev, Nestle, LG, Land O’Lakes and many more. Key Takeaways: Understanding Uber Freight Raj Subbiah is Head of Product for Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business that seamlessly connects shippers and carriers across the US, Canada, and Europe. In the podcast interview, Raj Subbiah helps the audience gain a better understanding of Uber Freight. Problems in the transportation and logistics business: Logistics has traditionally been underserved by technology perhaps because of the decentralized nature of the industry – lots of different shippers, carriers, brokers, etc. Too many manual functions where decisions lead to “local optimum.” Local optimum is the best solution to a problem within a small neighborhood of possible solutions. This concept is in contrast to the global optimum, which is the optimal solution when every possible solution is considered. Lots of tribal knowledge, which by it’s nature is not distributed throughout the organization. Ideally, tribal knowledge is captured, verified, and codified so it can be used by the whole organization. Shipper expectations are rising. Shippers informed by consumer technology expect a superior customer experience enabled by intuitive technology. Shippers are also increasingly interested in sustainability. Supply chains are responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions – consumers and regulators want the freight industry to literally clean up their act. Freight’s fundamental matching problem: Only 79% of miles are loaded. Empty miles are about 1.5% of US greenhouse gas emissions. Supply chains have been volatile since the beginning of the pandemic, with elevated rates and fragile capacity highlighting the need for innovative procurement solutions. Raj and the Uber Freight team believe they can address and solve many of the problems listed above. Uber Freight is a logistics platform built on the power of Uber with the goal to reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers. Since launching in 2017, Uber Freight has built one of the world’s largest digitally enabled carrier networks and transformed entrenched practices around pricing and booking freight to reduce inefficiencies and increase opportunities for business growth and industry collaboration. Today, the business counts over 100,000 carriers in its network and thousands of shippers as customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, including AB InBev, Land O’Lakes, LG, Nestlé and many more. Learn More About Understanding Uber Freight Raj Subbiah LinkedIn Uber Freight Uber Freight's blog with latest news/developments Uber Freight Launches Market Access, a strategic procurement channel that enables shippers to meet evolving demands and reliably source capacity directly on the Uber Freight marketplace Uber Freight Expands into Less than Truckload (LTL) Uber Freight Launches Self-Service Shipper Platform in Canada Uber Freight Opens Chicago Office The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
12/1/2021 • 55 minutes, 24 seconds
The New Customer Journey with Chris Jolly
The New Customer Journey with Chris Jolly Joe Lynch and Chris Jolly discuss the new customer journey. Chris is the founder of The Freight Coach, a company that stages transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. About Chris Jolly Chris Jolly is the founder of The Freight Coach and the host of Coffee w/#TheFreightCoach podcast. Chris has over 14 years of experience in transportation with the bulk of his experience in freight brokerage. His experience within freight brokerage includes operations, sales, and leadership ranging from start-ups to one of the largest brokerages in the transportation industry. His passion is the training and development of sales and operations professionals in the brokerage business. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stout located in Menomonie, WI and holds an associate in Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. About The Freight Coach The Freight Coach partners with growth stage transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. Our main objective is to utilize niche-specific transportation training methods to improve efficiencies within the sales process and use our experience to enhance your operations team to execute your freight mix at a higher level. The Freight Coach provides one on one training with leadership as well as carrier and customer sales representatives to ensure that they overcome the barriers they are facing now to pave the way for greater success. Key Takeaways: The New Customer Journey Chris Jolly is the founder of CJolly Freight Consulting and the host of Coffee w/#TheFreightCoach podcast. In this podcast interview, Chris and Joe discuss the new customer journey which refers to the way that shippers and supply chain professionals research and buy 3rd party logistics services. Prospective customers are rejecting the sales process and instead defining their own buying process. Prospects are educating themselves by consuming content (articles, social media, podcasts, etc..) rather than engaging directly with sales and marketing people. In this new environment, the rules of (customer) engagement have shifted. Social media is still an important element of the new customer journey, however, Chris believes that 3PLs and brokers need to up their social media game. Ideally, brands can better communicate their values and what they stand for online. Many companies and individuals are blurring the lines between formal and informal communication – people are showing more of their authentic selves, and sharing their personal lives. This shift is kind of scary for larger brands who are reluctant to takes big risks with brands that have been built over many years. Chris believes that buyers are attracted to companies and brands that lead with authenticity and openness. The dark funnel is a customer’s purchasing journey that occurs off-site through social, paid, competitive, influencer and other channels not controlled or visible to the brand. In recent years, marketers have come to rely on sales funnels that culminate in a marketing generated lead, but increasingly savvy customers are avoiding the tactics and methods (webinars, white papers, cold calls, etc..) that put them in the sales funnel. Recent research by Sirius Decisions and Forrester suggests that 67% to 90% of the customer’s purchasing journey is in the dark funnel – consuming off-site content. If your marketing feels like marketing you are doing it wrong. People love to buy, but they don’t want to be sold to. As buyers became increasingly savvy and sophisticated they resist anything that feels salesy. Sales and marketing teams need to find ways to engage with prospects in ways that fits their buying process. Learn More About The New Customer Journey Chris Jolly The Freight Coach Coffee with The Freight Coach Podcast (Chris Jolly) Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly Why Cold Callers Fail with Chris Jolly REAL AF with Andy Frisella on Apple Podcasts The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/29/2021 • 45 minutes, 46 seconds
REPOST: Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto
Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto Michael Leto and Joe Lynch talk about building a freight juggernaut again. Michael is the CEO of Emerge, a digital freight marketplace that was built specifically for carriers and shippers. The platform enables carriers to bid on spot and contract business that they wouldn't otherwise have access to. Additionally, Emerge enables shippers to choose from thousands of vetted carriers or better manage their RFP communication with their existing carriers. About Michael Leto Michael Leto, CEO of Emerge, has been in the transportation industry for over 21 years and played an active role in creating one of the largest and fastest-growing 3PLs in the country. He has been recognized as one of Arizona's "Top 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger" by AZ Central, “40 Under 40” by Phoenix Business Journal, and creating a culture awarded "Best Places to Work". He has a proven track record of building and scaling successful e-commerce platforms and assimilating teams to drive results and execute strategic initiatives. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Key Takeaways: Building a Freight Juggernaut Again Michael Leto and his brother Andrew built the freight juggernaut, GlobalTranz. The brothers and their team pioneered a new way of managing freight. Their innovative approach enabled them to grow quickly and become one of the most successful 3PLs in the country. GlobalTranz developed a transportation management system at a time when few companies understood the power of the new technology. Additionally, GlobalTranz treated their carriers (and agents) as customers while many freight brokers had adversarial relationships with carriers. After their successful exit at GlobalTranz, Andrew and Michael founded Emerge with the goal of transforming the freight marketplace again. Emerge is a free freight marketplace built for both shippers and carriers. With Emerge, shippers can ditch the blast emails to carriers and the mind-numbing Excel spreadsheets and upgrade to an advanced procurement tool for managing both spot and contract relationships. The Emerge Marketplace gives shippers access to the lowest rates on live capacity with just a few clicks. Emerge enables shippers to grow their partner network by connecting to thousands of verified carriers and brokers to ensure their loads are always covered. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they would not otherwise have access to. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing more opportunities for carriers to work in their preferred lanes. Learn More About Building a Freight Juggernaut Again Michael Leto Emerge How to Manage Through FTL Market Transitions The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto The State Of The Industry with George Abernathy The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/26/2021 • 53 minutes, 36 seconds
Surviving The LTL Market with Todd Trompeter
Surviving The LTL Market with Todd Trompeter Todd Trompeter and Joe Lynch discuss surviving the LTL market. Todd is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics, a company that offers customizable transportation management solutions as a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend through industry leading technology with a large network of established carriers to customers across the country. About Todd Trompeter Todd Trompeter is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics overseeing the implementation and operations of the organization’s Managed Logistics customers, in turn driving process, strategy and retention for these clients. Trompeter graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management and began his logistics career working for a small 3PL concentrating in the automotive industry. Working to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive customers, Trompeter quickly learned the transportation market and held roles in operations management, procurement, and solutions. He spent many years at mid to large sized 3PL’s prior to his move to BlueGrace Logistics. Trompeter resides in Huntington Woods, MI with his wife, three kids and their golden retriever. He enjoys to skiing, playing hockey and attending family sporting events on the weekends About BlueGrace Logistics BlueGrace Logistics offers customizable transportation management solutions as a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend through industry leading technology with a large network of established carriers to customers across the country. BlueGrace is based in Tampa, FL, where CEO Bobby Harris was named one of Florida’s most influential executives in transportation for 2021. With 12 offices located strategically in major transportation hubs across the U.S., BlueGrace serves over 10,000 customers annually through its proprietary technology platform, BlueShip®, that has connectivity with more than 250,000 carrier suppliers. BlueGrace is part of the technology portfolio of Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. Key Takeaways: Surviving The LTL Market Todd Trompeter is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics, a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend. In the podcast interview, Todd and Joe discuss surviving the LTL market, which has become very difficult for shippers, carriers, and 3PLs. Less-than-Truckload or LTL shipments are palletized or loose shipments weighing between 150 lbs. and 15000 lbs. LTL makes up for the majority of B2B shipments throughout the United States. Many carriers operate LTL Networks that consist of multiple points of consolidation and deconsolidation to complete each shipment. Even before these extraordinary times, LTL shipping can be challenging. During the pandemic, the LTL carriers have suffered from a severe labor shortage. They are having trouble hiring and retaining drivers, dock workers, operational, and administrative workers. As a result of the labor shortage, LTL services are more expensive and service is likely to be spotty. LTL carriers are imposing embargoes – not moving freight in lanes where they are behind and or can’t provide the proper service. To survive the LTL market, Todd suggests that shippers do the following: Collaborate with your carriers and 3PL partners who may have ideas and options that you have not considered Encourage creativity among your logistics teams and partners Utilize new options for moving freight like combining LTL shipments into truckloads, volume LTL shipments, new carriers, etc.. BlueGrace specializes in LTL freight and has built much of their technology and support systems around the complexity of LTL. Their customer support teams are experts in LTL and understand the most effective options for any type of business. Their BlueShip software is free for customers and allows shippers to quote, track or control invoicing of your LTL shipments, while having access to the best nationwide carrier network and rates. Learn More About Surviving The LTL Market Todd Trompeter LinkedIn BlueGrace LinkedIn BlueGrace Logistics BlueGrace Open Job Positions White paper resources on industry topics BlueGrace Logistics Blog The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/24/2021 • 40 minutes, 55 seconds
Demand Planning in VUCA Times with Ali Raza
Demand Planning in VUCA Times with Ali Raza Ali Raza and Joe Lynch discuss demand planning in VUCA times. Ali is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, where he and his team help companies realize greater output and free cash flow. About Ali Raza Ali Raza is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, Inc., an AI-Powered software to help companies run leaner, faster, smoother, and safer operations out of the box. Ali comes from a deep academic and real-world industrial operations in process simulations and operations management. He has managed onshore/offshore/war zone logistics as well as batch, continuous, and discrete manufacturing setups. At Schlumberger, he became one of the youngest Geomarket Production Services, pioneering 3 projects and serving 50+ industrial clients. His production teams were responsible for billions of dollars of hydrocarbon output to the global economy. Ali joined his first tech startup while still an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, he has been eliminating one global bottleneck after another, with his current focus on optimizing supply chains that extend to Mars. About ThroughPut, Inc. ThroughPut Inc. is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supply Chain pioneer that enables companies to optimize their Operations by leveraging their existing Data Systems to increase Output, Quality and Profitability across their entire enterprise. ThroughPut's AI software, ELI, includes the only Bottleneck Management System (BMS) that utilizes existing enterprise data systems, such as ERP, MES, IMS, TMS, WMS, PLC, EAM, POS, CRM, SCADA, Historian, and other data systems, to solve for the $25 Trillion of annual Waste across global supply chains already today. Such constraints to the $90 Trillion global Economy could otherwise be dedicated to more productive, useful and sustainable purposes for the benefit of all stakeholders and communities. ThroughPut's AI software is designed by Fortune 500 Supply Chain & Logistics leaders, Silicon Valley AI and Analytics pioneers, and top global Operations Experts in the areas of the Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain Automation, Total Quality Management, and over four-dozen other leading best practices now digitized as part of the ELI software, with hundreds of years of hands-on experience in the space. Key Takeaways: Demand Planning in VUCA Times Ali Raza is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, where he and his team help companies realize greater output and free cash flow. This episode is actually a webinar hosted by Joe Lynch, featuring Ali Raza discussing demand planning in VUCA times. Demand planning is a supply chain management process that enables a company to project future demand and successfully customize company output — be it toilet paper, laptops or truck capacity — according to those projections. The demand planning process typically involves: Collecting, organizing and preparing data Creating a preliminary forecast Integrating market data Reconciling bottom-up and top-down forecasts Creating a final forecast Using analytics to monitor forecast vs actual and adjust accordingly Demand planning is never easy, but in VUCA times, it becomes practically impossible because the demand and capacity signals are subject to Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). In the webinar, Ali Raza, Founder and CEO of ThroughPut explains how demand sensing with real-time intelligence can be used to create better demand forecasts. With demand sensing, companies can easily predict near-future demand patterns to streamline the flow of materials, processes, output, and free cash flow across your integrated supply chain. Regardless of whether you sell trucking services, or tomatoes, there is a better way to predict demand and then reorient capacity accordingly. To optimize demand planning, companies need to utilize demand sensing will: Harmonize the right product-mix to extract greater profits Optimize replenishment and distribution targets to create a perfect pull system Achieve accurate inventory availability across locations with predicted customer demand Throughput’s Demand Sensing module enables Demand Planners, S&OP Professionals and Supply Chain Managers to rapidly free up existing manufacturing capacity, gain additional throughput potential, create concrete productivity gains and boost financial impact amidst ever-growing supply and demand uncertainty. Learn More About Demand Planning in VUCA Times Ali Raza ThroughPut Inc Throughput Economics: Making Good Management Decisions Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot with Ali Raza The New Retail Paradigm with Ali Raza Supply Chain: Cash or Trash with Seth Page The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/22/2021 • 42 minutes, 54 seconds
A New Model for Grocery Delivery with Sean Coakley
A New Model for Grocery Delivery with Sean Coakley Sean Coakley and Joe Lynch discuss a new model for grocery delivery. Sean is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. About Sean Coakley Sean Coakley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. He is responsible for helping the company continue its rapid growth across its end-to-end logistics services offering. Previously, Sean held supply chain operations, design, consulting, and sales roles with companies such as EDS, Arthur Anderson, Ryder, and Kenco. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in International Business Administration from Central Michigan University. About Capstone Logistics Capstone Logistics is the leader in providing specialized, technology-enabled solutions for the most challenging supply chains. Powered by an interconnected platform, Capstone creates end-to-end efficiencies and cost-savings that help suppliers, distributors, and retailers exceed customer expectations. From performance-driven labor solutions to high-touch transportation and fulfillment, Capstone delivers the scale, accountability, and continuity that enables modern supply chains to compete in an ever-evolving environment. Key Takeaways: A New Model for Grocery Delivery Sean Coakley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Capstone Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled warehouse services, freight management, and last mile distribution solutions. In the podcast interview, Sean and Joe discuss the new model for grocery delivery, which might also be called the “revenge of the retailers.” Prior to the pandemic, grocery retailers were slowly dipping their toes into ecommerce and grocery delivery. The sales and associated infrastructure were very small. The pandemic changed everything for grocery retailers – suddenly, consumers wanted to order their groceries online and get them delivered. Many grocery retailers didn’t have their own ecommerce sites, fulfillment, and delivery services. Enter the grocery delivery services like Shipt, Instacart, and others who provide a ready-made solution for the grocery delivery challenge. These companies provide the consumer interface, ecommerce technology, integrations, and personal shoppers perfect for grocery retailers who wanted to accommodate their house-bound customers. Consumers loved it – a record amount of consumers took advantage of this wonderful new service. Grocery shopping will never be the same and research suggests that 20% of groceries will be sold online by 2025. The only problem is grocery retailers don’t like it. They no longer have a direct relationship with their customers who use the grocery apps. They also lose control of the data and the customer experience. Worst of all, many grocery retailers lose money on home delivery transactions. A new model for grocery delivery has emerged. Grocery retailers are creating their own ecommerce sites and partnering with logistics companies to manage fulfillment and delivery. The new model has promise because grocery retailers will own the customer relationship and experience along with valuable data and insights. Best of all, grocery stores can be profitable on their fastest growing customer segment – home delivery. Additionally, the logistics providers will optimize the fulfillment and delivery service under a white label service. All communication, personnel, and vehicles carry the grocery store brand. Capstone’s Last Mile service has the operational expertise and technology that gives grocery retailers an advantage over crowd-sourced delivery apps. Their solutions enhance the customer experience and give retailers more control, increased efficiency, and improved profitability. Learn More About A New Model for Grocery Delivery Sean Coakley LinkedIn Capstone Logistics Capstone Grocery Delivery Services Cub case study Integrated End-to-End Supply Chain Solutions End-to-End Logistics Solutions The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/19/2021 • 50 minutes, 44 seconds
The State Of The Industry with George Abernathy
The State Of The Industry with George Abernathy George Abernathy and Joe Lynch discuss the state of the industry. George is the President of Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. that is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About George Abernathy George Abernathy, Emerge President and Board Member, has more than 30 years of supply chain and technology experience. Notably, George is the former President of leading industry publication FreightWaves where he was responsible for all revenue and commercial efforts, including SaaS, media, and virtual & physical events. George has a breadth of direct industry background, having held executive leadership positions at Transplace, J.B. Hunt, Logistics.com and Sabre Logistics. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Key Takeaways: The State Of The Industry George Abernathy is the President and a Board Member of Emerge. Emerge is reinventing freight procurement by providing access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings.In the podcast interview, George and Joe discuss 3 important trends that are impacting the logistics and transportation industry. Trend #1 – Technology is separating the industry between companies that are investing heavily in technology and those that are unable or unwilling to make technology investments. The tech-centric players are lowering their costs, improving the customer experience, and redeploying headcount from manual functions as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation perform the clerk work. Trend #2 – End-to-End visibility (from order to cash) is enabling logistics and supply chain professionals to make better decisions. While visibility is great, the ultimate goal is to improved collaboration and higher profits. “Where’s my money?” is just as important as “Where’s my stuff?” Trend #3 – 3rd party logistics companies are increasingly developing specializations or niches. As shippers and supply chain companies demand expect (demand) more from their 3PLs, companies are investing in areas where they can be most competitive. An inch wide and a mile deep is waaay better than a mile wide and an inch deep. Emerge welcomes George Abernathy as its new President. George has more than 30 years of supply chain and transportation industry leadership experience with carrier, broker, and technology companies. George will help guide the company to the next level of success. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers, shippers, agents) as it scales. Emerge is hiring: Emerge Careers Emerge also has a tremendous Agent Program Learn More About The State Of The Industry George Abernathy LinkedIn Emerge Job openings RFP Overview The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/17/2021 • 59 minutes, 2 seconds
REPOST: 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena
3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena Robert Cadena and Joe Lynch provide an introduction to 3rd party logistics. 3rd party logistics services include 5 major categories: 1.) Transportation 2.) Warehousing 3.) Logistics 4.) Technology and 5.) Special Services. Robert is the Co-Founder and CEO of a company that provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 3PLs, so he has a very thorough understanding of the business. About Robert Cadena Robert Cadena is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lean Staffing Solutions, which provides operational, marketing, sales, and technology services to the logistics and transportation industry. Prior to the founding of Lean, Robert was the Founder and CEO of Chain Express, Corp, a full-service transportation brokerage specializing in LTL, volume, and truckload transportation. Robert's experience and expertise in transportation, logistics, technology, and executive leadership make him uniquely qualified to run one of America's fastest-growing companies. Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Florida International University. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 290 customers in logistics and 320 total To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win, Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 290 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics According to CSCMP, a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) is a company that provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers. Sometimes 3rd party logistics companies are described as: Asset-based – companies that own actual assets like trucks, boats, planes, warehouses Non-asset based – companies that don’t own assets like brokerages, service providers, etc.. these companies tend to invest in technology Asset light – companies with assets and brokerage capabilities The definitions are confusing because the space is so dynamic and ever-changing. The easiest way to look at 3rd party logistics is by the service they provide, which fall into 5 buckets: 1.) Transportation 2.) Logistics 3.) Warehousing 4.) Technology 5.) Special Services Transportation Services Small Package Air Cargo Less Than Truckload (LTL) Truckload Intermodal Ocean Rail Bulk Dedicated Contract Carriage Field Acquisition Equipment / Drivers Final Mile Warehousing Services Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly Cross-docking Distribution Center Management Site Location Transloading Vendor Managed Inventory Fulfillment Logistics Services LLP/4th Party Logistics Integrated Logistics Just-in-Time (JIT) Global Trade Svcs Inbound Logistics Logistics Process Reengineering Payment Auditing / Processing Inventory Management Vendor Management Shared Services Technology Services Customer / Supplier Management EDI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Freight Payment / Claims Auditing Global Trade Management (GTM) Optimization Predictive Analytics SC Design Sustainability Transportation Management System (TMS) Visibility Warehouse Management System (WMS) Special Services Direct to Store Direct to Home Foreign Trade Zone Import / Export / Customs Reverse Logistics / Product Lifecycle Management Marketing / Customer Service Global Expansion Supply Chain Security Analysis Contingency / Crisis Planning Logistics/Transportation Consulting Labor Management Sustainability and Green Logistics Learn More: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics Robert Cadena Lean Solutions Group The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/15/2021 • 50 minutes, 20 seconds
Is Sustainability Really a Problem with Matt McLelland
Is Sustainability Really a Problem with Matt McLelland Matt McLelland and Joe Lynch discuss is sustainability really a problem. Matt is the VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Transport Services, a premium service provider of transportation services with focus on temperature controlled products, regional, and long haul delivery. About Matt McLelland For the first 15 years of his professional career Matt focused on information technology - working for a large silicon valley software companies to data center startups to a brief stint with a family foundation who, unlike his previous employers, existed to give all their money away. In early 2000 he entered the world of logistics - mostly implementing large software systems but due to his professional curiosity consistently asked to look at innovations in trucking and warehousing. In mid-2015 his employer opened one of the first industry "Innovation Labs" - a loosely structured group with the single purpose to research and test early-stage supply chain innovations. From inventory counting drones, robotic automation, human exo-skeletons, and virtual reality applications - these were just a few of the many solutions they regularly explored. In early 2018 Matt tried to leave the logistics industry and start building outdoor adventure vans (that's another story) but was given a unique opportunity to join Covenant Logistics - a premium service provider of transportation and warehousing services. In his role as VP of Sustainability and Innovation he works directly with senior leadership to research future trends in the logistics industry and evaluate their applicability to Covenant's strategy of providing more affordable, safer, cleaner delivery of product. Lately he's been spending most of his time looking at Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental / Social Governance (ESG) as many supply chain companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints using everything from alternative fuels like Battery Electric and Hydrogen to autonomous vehicles to optimization software. When not at work, Matt spends most of his time outdoors and travelling with his family in their DIY converted 2017 Sprinter Van, fondly christened "Chad The Van" by his teenage son. Chadthevan regularly transports both the family and outdoor gear to their frequent outdoor activities - you can follow their adventures on Instagram at @chadthevan About Covenant Covenant Logistics provides transportation and logistics services in the United States. It operates through four segments: Expedited, Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing. The Expedited segment primarily provides truckload services to customers with high service freight and delivery standards. The Dedicated segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over contracted periods using equipment either owned or leased by the company. The Managed Freight segment offers brokerage services, including logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third parties; and transport management services, such as logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs. The Warehousing segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers. The segment also provides shuttle and switching services to shuttling containers and trailers. The company also engages in used equipment sales and leasing business. It serves transportation companies, such as parcel freight forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers; and traditional truckload customers, including manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers. Covenant Logistics was founded in 1986 and is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Key Takeaways: Is Sustainability Really a Problem Matt McLelland is the VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Transport Services, a premium service provider of transportation services with focus on temperature controlled products, regional, and long haul delivery. In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss whether sustainability is really a problem – or just a lot of hype and corporate posturing. Matt makes a very convincing argument that sustainability is a very real concern for transportation and logistics providers because 1.) Shippers (customers) increasingly expect or even require their logistics partners to provide services with less environment impact. 2.) State and federal regulators are focusing their efforts on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the trucking business is responsible for approximately 5% of those emissions. The Boston Consulting Group published a report that suggests 80% of GHG emissions are a result of supply chains – so manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and their logistics partners will come under pressure to reduce their environmental impact, especially GHG emissions. Matt noted that there are some ways to reduce GHG emissions that are relatively easy (low hanging fruit) and other ways that require larger investments and a bigger commitment from both the logistics companies and their customers. The low hanging fruit opportunities include retiring old trucks with newer fuel efficient trucks, carbon capture systems like Remora and making trucks more aerodynamic with aftermarket systems like Truck Wings. For companies that want to greatly reduce GHG emissions, investments in new technologies like electric, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas trucks may be necessary. These technologies are available, however they are all have limitations. There are lots of ways transportation and l Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Grossogistics companies can get started on sustainability including: reducing empty miles, more efficient routing, maximizing trailer space, joining SmartWay, adding a sustainability KPI to standard reporting., etc. Learn More About Is Sustainability Really a Problem Matt McLelland LinkedIn Matt McLelland Instagram Covenant Corporate Social Responsibility Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Gross Why Your Truck Needs Wings with Dan Burrows CSR vs. ESG – the 101 The EPA and GHG What is Scope 1,2,3 The USA’s electricity mix The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/12/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 2 seconds
Supply Chain: Cash or Trash with Seth Page
Supply Chain: Cash or Trash with Seth Page Seth Page and Joe Lynch discuss supply chain: cash or trash. Seth is the COO of TroughPut.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain pioneer that enables companies to detect, prioritize and alleviate dynamic operational bottlenecks in real-time. Webinar - Demand Planning in VUCA Times with Ali Raza About Seth Page Seth Page is a senior technology executive, 8x entrepreneur, operator and cross-border deal-making expert who seamlessly bridges the worlds of technology, operations and finance. An expert in equity investments and scaling start-ups to venture-capital backed high-growth companies and into successful exits, divestitures, and IPO trajectories. Deep, hands-on technology roots underpin over two decades of business development, operations and venture activity. Tech pioneer and founder providing deal flow origination for angels, venture capital firms, corporations and family offices in diverse yet interconnected areas including Industrial AI, IOT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Operations Technology, Enterprise, Telecommunications, Security & Access Control. He has founded, funded, scaled and exited multiple start-ups for investors, including: ThroughPut.ai; DataRPM (acquired: Progress); UniKey; PV Media Group (acquired: RhythmOne / Blinkx); RayV (acquired: Yahoo); Oyster Optics (acquired: Techquity); AdOnNetwork (acquired: PVMG); Trade.com (acquired: ABM AMRO); as well as deals including Xoom.com (IPO & acquired: NBC); LendingTree (IPO & acquired: IAC); Fetchback (acquired: eBay / GSI); Samsung (acquired: mSpot); xanox (joint acquisition by Axel Springer and PubliGroupe); Litronic (acquired Pulsar & IPO), and many other transactions. Seth earned an Executive MBA with honors in International Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, as well as a BS in Economics and a BS in German Linguistics & Literature, both from the University of California, Irvine, as well as a scholarship to study Volkswirtschaft and Germanistik at the Georg-August-Universität in Göttingen, Germany. About ThroughPut Inc ThroughPut.ai is a Silicon Valley-based Supply Chain AI leader that puts Industrial Material Flow on Autopilot by leveraging existing Enterprise Data to achieve superior Business, Operations, Financial and Sustainability Results. ThroughPut’s AI-powered Supply Chain software predicts Demand, reorients Production Capacity, reassigns Warehouse Space, and reorders Materials optimally, so businesses minimize overpromising and under-delivering. By way of ThroughPut’s Supply Chain AI Orchestration software that sits on top of existing data architectures, ThroughPut improves material flow and free-cash-flow across the entire end-to-end value chain more than 5-times faster than leading contemporary solutions. The founding team is led by seasoned serial entrepreneurs with real-world AI, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Transportation and Operational experience, from the shop-floor to the top-floor, at leading Fortune 500 Industrial Companies & pioneering Enterprise Technology companies. Key Takeaways: Supply Chain: Cash or Trash Seth Page is the COO of ThroughPut.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain pioneer that enables companies to detect, prioritize and alleviate dynamic operational bottlenecks in real-time. In the podcast interview, Joe and Seth discuss the enormous waste in supply chains. While supply chains create all the wonderful goods and services we enjoy, they also produce a lot of waste. Approximately one-third of supply chain output is waste – it adds no value for anyone. The waste is horrible for bottom lines and the environment. According to Boston Consulting Group’s recent report, 80% of greenhouse gases are created by supply chains so to improve sustainability and profitability, companies must address the waste in the supply chain. The waste occurs because supply chain data is in separate silos and decisions are made to optimize locally – not globally. In other words, each player in the supply chain makes a rational decision based on the information that they have. While that decision might be good for their organization, it might be a bad for the end-to-end supply chain. Supply chain practitioners make decisions using faulty forecasts, old assumptions, and outdated tools. ThroughPut provides an integrated view of company-wide operations by pulling data from all of your disparate systems. Throughput can identify and manage constraints to free cash flow, while meeting revenue targets with output. To make better decisions, supply chain practitioners need demand sensing with real-time intelligence that can be used to create better demand forecasts. With demand sensing, companies can easily predict near-future demand patterns to streamline the flow of materials, processes, output, and free cash flow across your integrated supply chain. Seth and the team at ThroughPut unlock operations agility and efficiency, to meet unpredictable customer demands, while creating uninterrupted flow of materials through supply chain networks. This approach minimizes waste and maximizes profitability. Learn More About Supply Chain: Cash or Trash Seth Page LinkedIn Throughput.ai The New Retail Paradigm with Ali Raza Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot with Ali Raza Webinar - Demand Planning in VUCA Times with Ali Raza The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/10/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 27 seconds
The New World Of Warehousing with Matt Fain
The New World Of Warehousing with Matt Fain Matt Fain and Joe Lynch discuss the new world of warehousing. Matt is the Co-Founder and CEO of popcapacity, which is dedicated to simplifying the process for sourcing warehouse space. About Matt Fain Matt Fain is the Co-Founder and CEO of popcapacity™, which provides a cloud-based platform that enables shipper and suppliers to seamlessly connect. Matt started his career as an electrician, and quickly found himself selling the products he once installed. He fell in love with the “Art of Sales” and found himself eventually owning a 3PL logistics franchise with Bluegrace Logistics. After some very successful years Matt decided to sell the company and shifted his focus to asset-based trucking. Matt started a company called GO Expedited, which primarily focused on high-value, time-critical, urgent freight. This is where he started to see the massive change in final mile logistics, warehousing, and fulfilment and what the future may hold. After several confirming conversations Matt and his partner, Derek Loftus decided to start popcapacity™ in 2021 with the vision of delivering frictionless warehouse and fulfillment capacity by leveraging a digital marketplace, AI and virtual touring. About popcapacity™ Popcapacity™ is the first true digital marketplace for warehousing and fulfillment space. By leveraging AI and virtual touring technology, they have accelerated and enhanced the way shippers and suppliers directly connect on amazing opportunities! The popcapacity™ marketplace allows suppliers a digital way to showcase their space and receive opportunities from customers that make sense for their business. Shippers leveraging the popcapacity™ marketplace gain access to over 30,000,000 million square feet of warehousing and fulfilment capacity at their fingertips. Fully equipped with “Digital Space Matching” technology and virtual touring to ensure you are connecting with the perfect partner. Popcapacity is Supply Chain’s AirBnb for Warehousing & Fulfillment space. Key Takeaways: The New World Of Warehousing Matt Fain is the Co-Founder and CEO of popcapacity, which is dedicated to simplifying the process for sourcing warehouse space. In the podcast interview, Joe and Matt discuss the new world of warehousing. Below are the changes that were reviewed on the podcast: Nano-fulfillment / Micro-fulfillment. To support same-day, next-day shipping, some companies are opening warehouses that are smaller and located closer to population centers. Labor crisis. As ecommerce fulfillment booms, some warehousing companies are struggling to find good talent willing to work in warehousing. Productivity improvement / technology investment. As ecommerce fulfillment becomes an increasingly important part of the economy, warehousing companies are investing in technology to increase productivity. New tech-centric competitors entering the market with innovative business models. Companies like Ware2Go, Flexe, STORD and popcapacity are transforming the warehousing business with technology that greatly improves the customer experience. Just-in-time vs just-in-case. Many companies, especially manufacturers, utilize a just-in-time (JIT) approach to inventory management. With the delays caused by the pandemic and the port congestion, some JIT practitioners are adding more inventory just-in-case. Sustainability. Consumers and shippers are now expecting their logistics partners to offer more sustainable solutions. The largest logistics companies are investing heavily in sustainability which will force the whole industry to invest to keep up. Customer experience. Technology companies, led by Amazon, are creating a superior customer experience. Example: Ware2Go is providing on demand warehousing, so companies can scale with on‑demand warehousing and a nationwide fulfillment network. Matt and his team at popcapacity leverage proprietary technology to streamline the process of procuring warehouse space, while also understanding the power of relationships in supply chain. Learn More About The New World Of Warehousing Matt Fain LinkedIn popcapacity popcapacity LinkedIn The Ware2Go Story with Steve Denton The Flexe Story with Dave Glick The STORD Story with Sean Henry The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/8/2021 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
FreightTech Meets FinTech with Victor Ofstein
FreightTech Meets FinTech with Victor Ofstein Joe Lynch and Victor Ofstein discuss freight-tech meets fin-tech. Victor is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Melio where he brings Melio's seamless online payments to the logistics and transportation industry. About Victor Ofstein Victor Ofstein heads Melio's Freight and Logistics practice, introducing innovative digital payment solutions to brokers, carriers, forwarders, factors and shippers. Prior to joining Melio, he was a founding team member of Freightos, the online digital marketplace for international freight, and served for 7 years as their COO, playing a key role in streamlining and digitizing back office logistics operations such as quoting, pricing and payments. His career has spanned two decades at the intersection of software, services and billing, leading large scale customer engagements at IBM (IBM), Amdocs (DOX) and Accenture (ACN). In his precious free-time, Victor enjoys hiking and camping with his wife and six kids. About Melio Melio is a payment solution that streamlines your workflow and helps you manage cash flow. Pay business bills the way that suits your business best. With Melio, you can pay all your shippers, carriers and factors with ACH, check, debit or a credit card - even if they don’t accept cards. Melio integrates fully with QuickBooks, so you can manage and track every payment in one place. Key Takeaways: FreightTech Meet FinTech with Victor Ofstein Victor Ofstein is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Melio, a company that is bringing fin-tech to freight-tech. According to Victor, the number one question in transportation and logistics is “Where is my stuff?” The number two question in transportation and logistics is “Where is my money?” Victor and the team at Melio are making it easier for transportation and logistics companies to make and receive payments. In our personal lives, we have gotten use to consumer payment technologies that make getting and receiving money very easy. In our professional lives, payments are often a hassle with an over-reliance on checks and snail mail. Given the importance of cash flow and on-time payments to carriers, brokers, and 3PLs partners, companies need the flexibility, speed, and convenience of fin-tech – similar to the consumer experience. Melio is the simplest way to pay vendors and contractors. With Melio, companies can pay any invoice with a bank transfer for free, or use their credit card to defer payment (2.9% fee). Vendors receive a check or a bank deposit. In addition, Melio’s technology integrates into transportation management systems which makes payments and accounting even easier. Learn More: FreightTech Meets FinTech Victor Ofstein LinkedIn Melio The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/5/2021 • 36 minutes, 17 seconds
DTC Frozen Food with Richard Gray
DTC Frozen Food with Richard Gray Richard Gray and Joe Lynch discuss DTC frozen food. Richard is the founder and CEO of Gray Growth Strategies, a consulting company that provides custom-tailored solutions for refrigerated or frozen food fulfillment needs. About Richard Gray Richard Gray is a leading strategist in global direct-to-consumer marketing and business model development. An expert brand marketer across multi-channel environments, he achieves results quickly and within optimized budgets. His expertise lies in frozen food logistics, and he is well versed in operations, supply chain, manufacturing, administrative, and more, with a deep understanding of how to pull the end product through the marketplace. Richard understands the process of structuring a business around a product, service or concept full circle and has developed deep experience in a broad range of industries in most every possible trade class: manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, multi-level, retail, and D-T- C. His primary focus is now helping food & beverage brands both large and small, launch and/ or scale in the fast-paced world of ecommerce. He’s helped develop DTC programs for some of the leading Ecommerce food and meal delivery services in the country. About Gray Growth Strategies Gray Growth Strategies provides custom-tailored solutions for refrigerated or frozen food fulfillment needs. Their specialty is shipping services for e-commerce companies selling frozen food products on platforms such as Amazon and Shopify. If you need help figuring out the logistics of DTC frozen foods, they are here to help you. With strategically placed frozen food fulfillment centers, you can ship your products quickly and affordably to your customers. They'll help you with a full logistics strategy to ensure your customers get the perfect product efficiently. Their relationships with the top shipping partners and leading cold storage companies become your assets. They’ve developed all the necessary relationships to provide you with the perfect solution for your DTC frozen food business. If you’re looking for a partner to help with the logistics and e-commerce implementation of your DTC frozen food product, they’re ready to go to work for you. Key Takeaways: DTC Frozen Food Richard Gray is the Founder and CEO of Gray Growth Strategies, a consultancy that develops custom-tailored solutions for refrigerated or frozen food shippers. DTC frozen food is one of the biggest fulfillment and logistics challenge. DTC = direct to consumer, usually direct to the consumers home. Direct to consumer (DTC) frozen food has the following challenges: Ensuring the business case is feasible and profitable DTC is not a winning strategy for many products Customer acquisition Getting new customers is difficult and expensive Keeping customers / Repeat business Customers must receive their shipment in pristine condition or they will not reorder The cost of refunds and or a poor experience is a lost customer Transportation costs Small parcel costs may be as high at 30-40% of the total cost Cash flow problems Transportation, fulfillment, packaging, and inventory in multiple locations can create cash flow problems so proper funding is key Richard and his team at Gray Growth Strategies works with frozen food companies that need a winning direct-to-consumer strategy. Gray Growth Strategies has the strategic, marketing, and operational experience and expertise to ensure that DTC shipper succeed. Gray Growth Strategies provides turnkey refrigerated and frozen food logistics solutions for ecommerce brands. Learn More About DTC Frozen Food Richard Gray LinkedIn Gray Growth Strategies Gray Growth Strategies flyer White Paper The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/3/2021 • 41 minutes, 59 seconds
Disruptive Tech in The Supply Chain with Charley Dehoney
Disruptive Tech In The Supply Chain with Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney and Joe Lynch discuss disruptive tech in the supply chain. Charley is the Vice President of ZEBOX AMERICA, an international incubator and accelerator of innovative startups focused on two sectoral areas: transport, mobilities, logistics and industry. About Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney is the Vice-President of ZEBOX AMERICA, an international incubator & accelerator for innovative startups, focuses on two sectoral areas: transport, mobilities, logistics on the one hand & Industry 4.0 on the other hand. Following his studies at San Jose State University, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Charley naturally started his career in 2003 in the field of supply chain and logistic technologies, working in the sales teams of companies such as Fusion Logistics, Cargomatic and ShipHawk. Then, he acquired and managed Manning's Truck Brokerage, a 50-year-old, private equity-backed logistics company, which he successfully digitalized and sold in 2020 to FitzMark. After, he was the CEO of Freight Mango, a Global Digital Freight Marketplace focused on streamlining and automating global trade. Since August 2021, he has built and lead ZEBOX AMERICA, based in Arlington, Virginia. As a seasoned entrepreneur, investor and executive in logistics technology, Charley’s mission is to connect the most innovative startups to corporate partners through ZEBOX. Being a lifelong athlete, Charley is passionate about coaching. Over the years, Charley also followed an entrepreneurial path and has been a dedicated mentor, coach and angel investor for many entrepreneurs in the field of logistic innovation. About ZEBOX ZEBOX is the international incubator and accelerator of innovative startups founded on the initiative of Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM and led by Matthieu Somekh, an expert on entrepreneurship and innovation. ZEBOX focuses on two sectoral areas: transport, mobilities, logistics and industry X.0 with at the heart of each project, advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, robotics, cybersecurity and virtual or augmented reality. ZEBOX is zeplace to be for innovative projects related to new techs enablers. ZEBOX offers startups two tailor-made support programs, adapted according to the progress of their project. Thanks to its international network of corporate partners (CMA CGM, Accenture, BNP Paribas, EY, Centrimex, CEVA) and opening to the world, ZEBOX offers an outstanding framework to build future interactions between startups, corporates, academics and investors. Key Takeaways: Disruptive Tech In The Supply Chain Technology is having a huge impact on the logistics and supply chain. Most technology projects deliver incremental improvement, while others are disruptive (in a good way) and change the way we do business. Increasingly, technology leaders are transforming businesses and industries by providing a superior customer experience. In the podcast interview, Charley Dehoney, Vice President of ZEBOX, an international incubator and accelerator, explains how ZEBOX is helping innovative startups launch and scale. ZEBOX offers startups with technological innovation in the sectors of transport, logistics and mobility two support programs: an incubation program and an acceleration program. The transport and logistics sectors are facing major transformation challenges where innovation plays a key role. More digitalization, more automation, more transparency, more traceability, and more sustainable development are all examples where startups can bring real added value and disrupt a market that has long been dominated by a few giants. The 3 main selection criteria to join ZEBOX are the sector of activity, the technology and the stage of maturity of the startup. The founding team which play a leading role in the success of a startup is of course added to this. ZEBOX was founded two years ago in Marseilles (France), by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, alongside other noted leaders in the field such as GTT, CEVA Logistics, CIMC, BNP Paribas, Centrimex and INFOSYS. CMA CGM will invest a projected $36 million to expand operations in Hampton Roads Virginia, reinforce its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, and establish the American hub of ZEBOX in Arlington County, a startup incubator and accelerator. CMA CGM and ZEBOX will be in good company as Amazon’s second HQ will be located in the same complex. Learn More About Disruptive Tech In The Supply Chain Charley Dehoney LinkedIn ZEBOX ZEBOX LinkedIn Top Trends in Supply Chain Tech with Charley Dehoney How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
11/1/2021 • 33 minutes, 29 seconds
The ROAR Logistics Story with Robert Rich
The ROAR Logistics Story with Robert Rich Bob Rich and Joe Lynch discuss the ROAR Logistics story. Bob is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a based logistics company that delivers world-class service by rail, ocean, air or road. About Bob Rich Bob Rich is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a Buffalo based logistics company that lives up to its name by delivering world-class service by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road (ROAR). Prior to founding ROAR with 3 associates in 2003, Bob held a series of positions with increasing responsibilities at both Rich’s (his family’s business) and other logistics companies. ROAR has enjoyed rapid growth and now has 8 locations within the USA. Bob gives all the credit to the ROAR team and the culture they have created. Bob earned a BS in Environmental Psychology from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from the Richard J. Wehle School of Business, Canisius College. When he is not busy leading the charge at ROAR, Bob is a family man who has diverse interests including acting, music, and volunteering in the Buffalo community. About ROAR Logistics Founded in 2003, ROAR Logistics entered the transportation industry as an upstart Intermodal Marketing Company (IMC), approaching an old industry with a fresh, innovative attitude. Pioneering a much-needed transformation in transportation services, Founder & President, Bob Rich III, set out with two associates and a vision to change the logistics landscape – placing shippers at the forefront of its mission to build a “World Class” logistics company. October 2018 marked the beginning of ROAR’s 15th year in business and, today, the company continues to be recognized as a world-class industry leader in domestic truckload & LTL freight brokerage, intermodal marketing services, international freight forwarding, NVOCC and US-licensed customs brokerage services. Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, ROAR continues to grow successfully, with ten operations throughout the United States and a global network of agents providing comprehensive transportation services in over 150 countries worldwide. ROAR prides itself on delivering an extensive portfolio of award-winning transportation and logistics solutions – whether by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road – to a diverse clientele across a broad spectrum of industries. Key Takeaways: The ROAR Logistics Story Bob Rich is the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics, a Buffalo based logistics company that lives up to its name by delivering world-class service by Rail, Ocean, Air or Road (ROAR). In the podcast interview, Bob and Joe discuss Bob’s life, career, and his role as the Founder and President of ROAR Logistics. Bob comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs and Bob grew up working in the family business. Bob started ROAR Logistics in 2003 with Tony Barnes, Beth Grieshober, and Guy Gessner. ROAR’s first load booked was a rail shipment and was handled by Tony Barnes. Today ROAR has sales in excess of $315M and 180 associates in 10 offices nationwide. Bob believes that ROAR Logistics success is because of the people and the culture. Click here to see ROAR’s Philosophy. Learn More Bob Rich on LinkedIn ROAR Logistics Rich’s (Bob’s family business) Robert Rich III IMDb (Bob is a musician, actor and film producer on the side) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/29/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 1 second
The Great Logistics Industry Consolidation with Chris Wofford
The Great Logistics Industry Consolidation with Chris Wofford Chris Wofford and Joe Lynch discuss the great logistics industry consolidation. Chris is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wofford Advisors LLC, a strategic advisory boutique that provides best-in-class strategic advice to clients competing in the global supply chain, which includes all forms of transport, logistics, B2B and B2C movements of goods — and increasingly tech-enabled consumer and industrial services. About Chris Wofford Chris Wofford is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wofford Advisors LLC, an independent, strategic advisory boutique focused on M&A transactions in B2B and B2C movement of goods in the global supply chain. Chris started his career in the M&A group at DLJ-LA under Ken Moelis. His career path is unusual for having spent 10 years as a M&A banker prior to becoming the lead coverage officer in T&L. As a senior banker, he has run numerous industry groups at major investment banks for the past 30 years. He has executed over $120bn of buyside and sellside M&A assignments, including numerous cross-border transactions. Chris earned an MBA, Finance & Strategy, Booth School of Business from University of Chicago and a BA, History & East Asian Studies at Oberlin College. While at Oberlin Chris was All-Conference & Most Valuable Offensive Lineman, Varsity Football Team; Twice All-Conference & Captain, Varsity Lacrosse Team. About Wofford Advisors Wofford Advisors is an independent advisory firm focused on strategic idea generation and M&A transaction execution within the global supply chain and tech-enabled services sectors. We have a proven track-record of delivering successful outcomes for large public companies, family-owned businesses, as well as financial sponsors. Our team's M&A expertise ranges in size from $50 million to $50 billion enterprise value and encompasses contested and cross-border transactions. Founded by Chris Wofford, former head of Transport & Logistics Investment Banking at large financial institutions, such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Macquarie Capital, the firm reunites former colleagues from the earlier Bear Stearns M&A days, where Chris was a Senior Managing Director. During his 30+ year career, Chris has represented major corporations, such as UPS, FedEx, Ryder, Neptune Orient Lines (APL Logistics), GENCO, Norbert Dentressangle (now part of XPO/GXO), Ozburn-Hessey (now part of Geodis) and many others. Wofford Advisors' core services include Buyside Advisory, Sellside Advisory, Strategic Consulting and Complex and Cross Border Transactions. Please visit our website for a more comprehensive explanation of our credentials and capabilities. Key Takeaways: The Great Logistics Industry Consolidation Chris Wofford is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wofford Advisors, an independent, strategic advisory boutique focused on M&A transactions in B2B and B2C movement of goods in the global supply chain. Chris Wofford explains what’s driving the great logistics industry consolidation, along with who is buying and who is selling. The great logistics industry consolidation is being driven by: The growth of ecommerce and home delivery (B2B shift to B2C) Tech disruption especially by companies backed by venture capital Low cost of borrowing money The hot logistics market is enabling financial buyers to buy, grow, and sell companies in a much faster time period (2-3 years instead of 5-7 years) Who is buying? Private equity companies who buy, grow, and sell logistics and transportation companies Larger companies that want to better serve their customers by adding new services, geographic footprint, capability, etc. Big logistics and transportation companies often face the choice of building new divisions/services or buying a company to gain those services Who is selling? Private equity companies who buy, grow, and sell logistics and transportation companies Entrepreneurs and family owned companies looking to exit Wofford Advisors was established as a platform to provide best-in-class strategic advice to clients competing in the global supply chain, which includes all forms of transport, logistics, B2B and B2C movements of goods — and increasingly tech-enabled consumer and industrial services. Learn More About The Great Logistics Industry Consolidation Chris Wofford LinkedIn Woffor Advisors LinkedIn Wofford Advisors The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/27/2021 • 43 minutes, 35 seconds
Different and Better with Nick Dangles
Different and Better with Nick Dangles Nick Dangles and Joe Lynch discuss different and better. Nick is the Co-founder of Kinetic, a company that helps freight tech companies increase sales, generate more effective marketing and drive long-term adoption of their product. About Nick Dangles Nick Dangles is the Co-founder of Kinetic, a company that helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. Nick is a tenured veteran of full truckload freight brokerage who has firsthand knowledge of technology’s power in the freight industry. Nick’s operational focus and capacity to find a path forward, no matter the challenge, make his skills indispensable when working on a project, problem, or idea. Nick received his degree in Philosophy from The University of Illinois and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. About Kinetic Kinetic helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. It’s not enough to simply build a great product. To succeed, both startups and companies at scale need to make decisions about how to effectively acquire new customers and address their target audience. By leveraging our network and transportation experience, we assess the current market understanding of your product to help find product-market-fit and provide support to your sales and marketing teams. We also partner with your company to build and deliver effective training materials, drive adoption throughout an organization, and provide basic customer support. Key Takeaways: Different and Better Nick Dangles is the Co-founder of Kinetic, a company that helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. In the podcast interview, Nick and Joe discuss what it takes to be different and better. One way to win new sales is to be seen as different and better by prospective customers. In the transportation and logistics space, many companies feel like their service has been commoditized. A commodity is an economic good, usually a resource, that has full or substantial fungibility: that is, the market treats instances of the good as equivalent or nearly so with no regard to who produced them. To be different and better, companies can do the following: Develop a specialty, a market niche where … Use technology as a way to reduce cost, streamline the process, and deliver a better customer experience. Leverage social media to communicate, connect, and persuade prospective customers. Create great content via articles, blog posts, videos, podcasts, etc.. Nick and the Kinetic team helps companies define and execute marketing strategies that work, whether you are a freight broker or freight technology provider. Learn More About Different and Better Nick Dangles Kinetic Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles Better Customer Conversations with Tim Riesterer The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/25/2021 • 49 minutes, 40 seconds
The Dark Funnel with Tom Augenthaler
The Dark Funnel with Tom Augenthaler Tom Augenthaler and Joe Lynch discuss the dark funnel. As the founder of an influencer marketing company, Tom helps companies tell stories that make the customer the hero. Having customers and influencers talk positively about your company is one of the best ways to attract and win new business. About Tom Augenthaler Tom Augenthaler is the Founder and CEO of The Influence Marketer. On the website, Tom shares his ideas and knowledge of influencer marketing with others looking to learn about this powerful strategy. Tom is a pioneer in the space and has been working with influencers since 2007 while with Hewlett Packard, and as a consultant helping corporate clients since 2009. He is an international speaker, corporate trainer, and recognized as one of the Top 50 experts in the field by Talking Influence. Tom writes for several media outlets including Social Media Examiner and Social Media Today. Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Gettysburg College and a Master of Liberal Arts in English and American Lit from Harvard University. About 551 Media and The Influence Marketer The Influence Marketer is the best place to learn about B2B influencer marketing. Tom Augenthaler has been helping top brands utilize B2B influencer marketing since 2007, he is a true pioneer in the space. The Influencer Marketer provides lots of free content on influencer marketing and is the place to go for any company looking to start or improve their use of influencer marketing. Tom offers full team training on the many different aspects of the process, one on one mentoring, or strategy calls. He consults digitally and in-person to help B2B businesses build a marketing strategy that is right for them. Key Takeaways: The Dark Funnel Tom Augenthaler is the Founder and CEO of 551 Media, where he helps B2B companies build brand affinity with influencers. In the podcast interview, Tom explains that the dark funnel is a customer’s purchasing journey that occurs off-site through social, paid, competitive, influencer and other channels not controlled or visible to the brand. In recent years, marketers have come to rely on sales funnels that culminate in a marketing generated lead, but increasingly savvy customers are avoiding the tactics and methods (webinars, white papers, cold calls, etc..) that put them in the sales funnel. Instead customers are educating themselves about their buying options via articles, blog posts, social media, videos, influencers, etc.. outside the view of the sales and marketing team. Prospects from the dark funnel often contact companies with a good understanding of the company’s service offering and very close to making their buying decision. Marketing tools that enable marketers to engage, track, and contact prospects are great, however, some brands have been over-zealous and savvy customers are keeping themselves off the radar and in the dark funnel. Recent research by Sirius Decisions and Forrester suggests that 67% to 90% of the customer’s purchasing journey is in the dark funnel - consuming off-site content. Tom and his team help companies navigate the dark funnel. They empower businesses to inspire, educate, and persuade through influencers. Learn More Tom Augenthaler Linkedin Tom Augenthaler Twitter The Influence Marketer A Better Way to Reach Your Target Market with Tom Augenthaler The Customer is the Hero with Tom Augenthaler The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/22/2021 • 48 minutes, 28 seconds
Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon
Owning The Customer Experience with Larry Gordon Larry Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss owning the customer experience. Larry is is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital, a global technology services company that provides digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients across multiple industries. About Larry Gordon Larry Gordon is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital. Prior to joining Emtec, Larry has held senior leadership positions at Cognizant and Capgemini and has founded and led IT services and software companies in the security, devops and digital transformation segments. He has also been a successful angel investor in the energy and cloud spaces. About Emtec Emtec is a global IT consultancy dedicated to helping world class organizations in the enterprise, education, and government markets drive transformation and growth by employing the latest enterprise technologies and innovative business processes. We empower our clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences to better compete and ultimately lead in their industry. Our “Client for Life” approach is built upon over 20 years of delivering rapid, meaningful, and lasting business value. Our offerings span the IT spectrum from Advisory, Applications (Enterprise, Custom, Mobile and Cloud) as well as Intelligent Automation, Analytic, Cyber Security and Infrastructure Services. Key Takeaways: Owning The Customer Experience Larry Gordon is the Managing Director, GTM, Emtec Digital, a firm that empowers their transportation and logistics clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences. In the podcast interview, Larry explains how the customer experience is increasingly enabled by technology. Consumer technology companies like Amazon have raised the bar on customer experience. Leading transportation, logistics, and warehousing companies are investing to deliver the best customer experience. The 3PL market is separating between the “haves” who have game-changing technology and the “have-nots” who are unable or unwilling to invest in technology. In the past, IT service companies developed systems that were focused on operational and financial functions that were not seen or use by the firm’s customers. Today, IT service companies are not just not just developing systems that streamline the process – they are delivering customer experiences. When the customer is regularly interacting with the technology, the bar is very high. IT services companies who are developing customer experiences, work closely with customers (end customers) to understand their unique preferences. Emtec develops digital products or platforms that are customer facing – products that have the ability to delight customers and give your company a competitive advantage. Emtec is a global technology services company providing digital software engineering and transformation solutions to clients in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. Emtec also works some of the leading technology companies in the freight tech space. Learn More About Owning The Customer Experience Larry Gordon LinkedIn Emtec Emtec Digital The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/20/2021 • 46 minutes, 42 seconds
3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends with Steve Elwell
3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends with Steve Elwell Joe Lynch and Steve Elwell discuss 3 emerging supply chain trends. Steve helps businesses manage challenges through improvements to leadership, liquidity, sales, and costs. About Steve Elwell Steve Elwell is the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is an expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 6 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and an MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About iDev Partners iDev Partners provides growth and turnaround services to owners and executives of small and medium-sized automotive, industrial, and technology businesses. Areas of focus include new market entry, new product development, sales effectiveness, partnerships and alliances, operational excellence, and financial management. Key Takeaways: 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends Steve Elwell is the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. In this podcast, Joe and Steve discuss 3 emerging supply chain trends. Trend #1: China represent a higher supply chain risk There is significant political risk with the current Chinese government leadership. An older, more expensive population means China is not a low-cost country for business. The housing/financial issues within China threaten the country’s financial stability. Ongoing infrastructure and water issues has the potential to disrupt supply chains. Trend #2: Near sourcing and shorter supply chains Many companies are moving to supply chain partners located in North America to reduce supply chain risk, transportation costs, transportation time, and environmental impact. The port congestion and challenges caused by the pandemic highlighted the problem with suppliers from Asia. Trend #3: Better decision making enabled by end-to-end connectivity, transparency, and visibility. Investment in technology is enabling companies to make better decisions because they have visibility into their supply chains. Soon, supply chains will be connected from order-to-cash or end-to-end, which that there will be a “digital twin” that represents the physical supply chain (reality). Top supply chains practitioners are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to run millions of possible SC scenarios with the goal of reducing risk, while increasing resiliency, and profits. Learn More About 3 Emerging Supply Chain Trends Steve Elwell iDev Partners Previous Podcasts with Steve Elwell: Make Heroes, Make Money with Steve Elwell Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/18/2021 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
The Warehousing Crisis with Chuck Coxhead
The Warehousing Crisis with Chuck Coxhead Chuck Coxhead and Joe Lynch discuss the warehousing crisis. Chuck is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Procensis, a leading mobility solutions provider focused on the latest technologies to help you achieve the most effective workflows on the distribution and manufacturing floor. About Chuck Coxhead Chuck Coxhead is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Procensis. He is a passionate Sales and Marketing professional experienced in complex solution sales delivering results to demanding defense and telecommunications programs. From his early career as an Industrial Engineer, Chuck has developed a comprehensive understanding of value and cutting edge technologies and applied them to enable innovations, such as digital radar, quantum computing, chipless RFID, fiber-optic transmission, and millimeter-wave scanning. Chuck has developed new and stagnant organizations into thriving and respected brands with outstanding year over year sales growth. He has led teams to realize new and recognized brands with impressive recognition. With an unrelenting desire to identify new business, coach teams, and drive sales; Chuck is absolutely committed to delighting customers, successful partners, and profitable results. About Procensis Procensis is a leading mobility solutions provider focused on the latest technologies to help you achieve the most effective workflows on the distribution and manufacturing floor. Our collective experience in the design and deployment enables newfound productivity within your existing warehouse workforce, applying mobile and wearable computing to interface with the leading Warehouse Management Systems. With ruggedized mobile computing for industry, optimized user interface, and voice-enabled transactions; warehouses using Procensis’ Visual-Voice-Scan solutions can reduce barcode scanning speeds up to 30% and achieve 99% accuracy. Wearable computing and scanning provide improved dexterity, reduced distractions, and greater focus contributing to a more safe and satisfying user experience. Moreover, our intuitive solutions enable fast on-boarding with return on investment commencing within minutes. Key Takeaways: The Warehousing Crisis Chuck Coxhead is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Procensis, a dynamic end-to-end provider of our visual-voice-scan mobile computing and scanning solutions. The warehousing crisis that we are currently experiencing is caused by surging ecommerce volumes and a labor shortage caused by the pandemic. The warehousing crisis is made worse because many warehousing companies have underinvested in warehouse technology. The lack of technology has caused issues with accuracy, worker safety, injuries, onboarding new employees, worker productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Chuck and the Procensis team help warehousing companies to become more productive, safer and ultimately more profitable. By providing cutting edge software along with wearable, mobile, hands-free technology, Procensis is creating warehouse superheroes and streamlining operational processes. With over 25 years of warehouse, distribution, logistics, and warehouse management system (WMS) experience; Procensis creates outstanding business outcomes delivering improved worker experience, speed, accuracy, fast onboarding, and safety. Learn More About The Warehousing Crisis Chuck Coxhead LinkedIn Procensis Procensis LIVE! Tailgate Tour The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/15/2021 • 55 minutes, 25 seconds
The Unsung Hero of Logistics with Jeff Booth
The Unsung Hero of Logistics with Jeff Booth Jeff Booth and Joe Lynch discuss the unsung hero of logistics. Jeff is the General Manager of Opendock, a leading software provider for dock scheduling for warehouses that helps provide visibility into truck arrivals. About Jeff Booth Jeff Booth is the General Manager of Opendock, a leading software provider for dock appointment scheduling. Jeff has had the opportunity to help lead a variety of different business units throughout his career including Circuit City stores, the world’s largest pet training service at Petsmart, analytics and strategy for a movie theater chain, and a carrier sales team at Globaltranz. At Globaltranz he experienced the pain of scheduling in logistics with seemingly endless first come first serve facilities and armies of people on the phone or e-mailing shippers to get appointments. If we never had appointments, how was everyone talking about on-time percentage? There had to be a better way to do all of this, so he joined the Opendock team two years ago to figure it out. About Opendock Opendock is a dock scheduling platform for warehouses that helps provide visibility into truck arrivals. By giving warehouses and carriers a shared schedule, Opendock reduces labor hours and eliminates back and forth emails with a self-serve platform that can be used by carriers to schedule appointments in real-time. With visibility into truck arrivals and detailed tracking of in and out times, Opendock helps facilities reduce detention times, identify dock bottlenecks, and leverage data to build programs that improve performance. Key Takeaways: The Unsung Hero of Logistics Jeff Booth is the General Manager of Opendock, which provide dock scheduling software for warehouses. The dock and the people who work on it are the unsung heroes of logistics. The dock is where shipping & receiving meets the trucking company – where rubber meets the road! Many critically important insights can be gained by understanding what’s happening on the dock. Insights including: planned pick up vs actual, loading/unloading time, dwell time, and detention. For all its importance, the dock is often overlooked when it comes to technology. Opendock is changing all that by delivering an industry leading dock scheduling software that is used by 30,000 plus carriers and 2,500 shipping locations. Opendock helps warehouses (and other shippers) save time and money by having their carriers book appointments online. Reduce labor costs by freeing up warehouse staff with fewer inbound calls and emails by letting carriers schedule online. Lower freight costs by decreasing detention fees with appointments and reducing rates by making it easier for drivers to pick up and deliver. Improve visibility with real-time status updates and dock appointment data that can be shared across the enterprise. Learn More About The Unsung Hero of Logistics Jeff Booth LinkedIn Opendock The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube Jeff Booth and Joe Lynch discuss the unsung hero of logistics. Jeff is the General Manager of Opendock, a leading software provider for dock scheduling for warehouses that helps provide visibility into truck arrivals. About Jeff Booth Jeff Booth is the General Manager of Opendock, a leading software provider for dock appointment scheduling. Jeff has had the opportunity to help lead a variety of different business units throughout his career including Circuit City stores, the world’s largest pet training service at Petsmart, analytics and strategy for a movie theater chain, and a carrier sales team at Globaltranz. At Globaltranz he experienced the pain of scheduling in logistics with seemingly endless first come first serve facilities and armies of people on the phone or e-mailing shippers to get appointments. If we never had appointments, how was everyone talking about on-time %? There had to be a better way to do all of this, so he joined the Opendock team two years ago to figure it out. About Opendock Opendock is a dock scheduling platform for warehouses that helps provide visibility into truck arrivals. By giving warehouses and carriers a shared schedule, Opendock reduces labor hours and eliminates back and forth emails with a self-serve platform that can be used by carriers to schedule appointments in real-time. With visibility into truck arrivals and detailed tracking of in and out times, Opendock helps facilities reduce detention times, identify dock bottlenecks, and leverage data to build programs that improve performance. Key Takeaways: The Unsung Hero of Logistics Jeff Booth is the General Manager of Opendock, which provide dock scheduling software for warehouses. The dock and the people who work on it are the unsung heroes of logistics. The dock is where shipping & receiving meets the trucking company – where rubber meets the road! Many critically important insights can be gained by understanding what’s happening on the dock. Insights including: planned pick up vs actual, loading/unloading time, dwell time, and detention. For all its importance, the dock is often overlooked when it comes to technology. Opendock is changing all that by delivering an industry leading dock scheduling software that is used by 30,000 plus carriers and 2,500 shipping locations. Opendock helps warehouses (and other shippers) save time and money by having their carriers book appointments online. Reduce labor costs by freeing up warehouse staff with fewer inbound calls and emails by letting carriers schedule online. Lower freight costs by decreasing detention fees with appointments and reducing rates by making it easier for drivers to pick up and deliver. Improve visibility with real-time status updates and dock appointment data that can be shared across the enterprise. Learn More About The Unsung Hero of Logistics Jeff Booth LinkedIn Opendock The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/13/2021 • 45 minutes, 34 seconds
Better Customer Conversations with Tim Riesterer
Better Customer Conversations with Tim Riesterer Tim Riesterer and Joe Lynch discuss better customer conversations. Tim is the Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions, a company that helps other companies to improve their conversations with prospects and customers to win more business. About Tim Riesterer Tim Riesterer, Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions, is dedicated to helping companies improve their conversations with prospects and customers to win more business. A visionary researcher, thought leader, keynote speaker, and practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and sales management, Riesterer is co-author of four books, including Customer Message Management, Conversations that Win the Complex Sale, The Three Value Conversations, and The Expansion Sale. About Corporate Visions Corporate Visions is the leading provider of science-backed sales, marketing, and customer success training and consulting services. Global B2B companies work with Corporate Visions to articulate value and promote growth in three ways: Make Value Situational by distinguishing your commercial programs between customer acquisition, retention, and expansion. Make Value Specific by creating and delivering customer conversations that communicate concrete value, change behavior, and motivate buying decisions. Make Value Systematic by equipping your commercial engine to deliver consistent and persistent touches across the entire Customer Deciding Journey. Key Takeaways: Better Customer Conversations Tim Riesterer is the Chief Strategy Officer of Corporate Visions, the leading provider of science-backed sales, marketing, and customer success training and consulting services. In the podcast interview, Tim explains why better customer conversations leads to more sales with existing and new customers. Tim and the team at Corporate Visions help their clients to articulate value in their customer conversations in three ways: Make Value Situational by distinguishing between customer acquisition and customer expansion. Make Value Specific by aligning conversations with the Customer Deciding Journey. Make Value Systematic by unifying marketing, sales, and customer success to speak in one voice. I was so impressed with the insights in this article, I asked Tim to come on my podcast: 10 surprisingly effective sales techniques, backed by research. I have since learned that the Corporate Visions website is full of valuable advice for sales and marketing professionals. Learn More About Better Customer Conversations Tim Riesterer LinkedIn Corporate Visions Book: The Expansion Sale E-book: Winning the Four Value Conversations E-book: Virtual is Vital The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/11/2021 • 51 minutes, 41 seconds
The Ware2Go Story with Steve Denton
The Ware2Go Story with Steve Denton Steve Denton and Joe Lynch discuss the Ware2Go story. Steve is the CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS company, hanging the traditional 3PL model to make one- to two-day delivery easy and affordable for all merchants by positioning products closer to end customers for a fast, inexpensive and reliable order-to-delivery experience. He is also a digital technology and AI executive. About Steve Denton Steve Denton is the CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS company, he is a digital technology and AI executive, Steve has spent 20 years reimagining digital sales channels to level the playing field for companies to compete and win. A serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in digital technology, ecommerce and AI and a proven track record of building high-performance organizations, Denton has now turned his focus to creating smarter fulfillment networks and democratizing 1 to 2-day delivery as the CEO of Ware2Go. Prior to joining Ware2Go, Denton was President and CRO of Collectivei, a company that uses B2B data to make sales organizations more informed, efficient and profitable. He served as CEO of GSI Media, which sold to eBay in 2011, then as GM and VP of eBay Enterprise Marketing Solutions, where he oversaw billions in ecommerce revenue and ran nine advertising and martech companies. He also served as President and CEO of Rakuten LinkShare after serving in multiple executive positions at LinkShare prior to its acquisition by Rakuten. Prior to his career in technology, Steve held leadership roles at FedEx and Pepsi. He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems and enable merchants of all sizes to compete in the new era of Business to Everyone (B2E). About Ware2Go Ware2Go, a UPS Company, is changing the traditional 3PL model to make one- to two-day delivery easy and affordable for all merchants by positioning products closer to end customers for a fast, inexpensive and reliable order-to-delivery experience. Ware2Go offers an integrated solution for warehousing, pick, pack and shipping services to businesses of all sizes through an intuitive cloud-based technology platform that makes it easy to extend your distribution footprint and scale up and down as your operational needs change. Ware2Go’s carbon offset shipping network enables merchants to meet customer expectations sustainably, and their technology integrates with all major sales channels from Amazon to Shopify to simplify fulfillment for multichannel merchants. Key Takeaways: The Ware2Go Story Steve Denton is the CEO of Ware2Go, a company that is simplifying the end-to-end supply chain across commerce to enable companies of all sizes to compete and grow. In the podcast interview, Steve and Joe discuss Steve’s life, career, and his role as the first CEO of Ware2Go. Ware2Go is an on-demand fulfillment platform owned by UPS (NYSE:UPS) that helps merchants enhance their delivery experience. Ware2Go has more than 50 warehouse facilities strategically placed around the country to give their customers a 1-2 day delivery footprint to 99% of residents in the continental US. Ware2Go provides cloud-based technology as part of the fulfillment solution for every customer. This solution can be accessed by multiple users within your company to maintain visibility to all the operations occurring across your network and sales channels. Ware2Go pricing is customized to each of their customers. Their fulfillment services and technology work together for a comprehensive supply chain solution that can pivot and adapt with strategic business decisions. The value of a partnership with Ware2Go is the potential for business growth. Ware2Go clients generally see a 20% increase in cart conversions and a 10% increase in average deal size by positioning themselves to better serve their customers. Since Ware2Go is a UPS company, customers can utilize not only UPS’s small parcel network, but also the scale, expertise, and experience of one of the world’s best supply chain companies. Learn More About The Ware2Go Story Steve Denton LinkedIn Steve’s Coyote Summit Keynote What is 3PL? The Complete Guide 2021 Ware2Go 2021 Guide to Warehousing 2021 Ultimate Multichannel Retailing Guide Carbon Neutral Shipping with Pachama The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/8/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds
Avoiding Port Congestion with Neel Jones Shah
Avoiding Port Congestion with Neel Jones Shah Neel Jones Shah and Joe Lynch discuss avoiding port congestion. Neel is the EVP and Global Head of Airfreight at Flexport, the platform for global logistics. About Neel Jones Shah Neel is the EVP and Global Head of Airfreight at Flexport, the platform for global logistics. A widely recognized leader in the global logistics industry, Neel was formerly SVP and Chief Cargo Officer at Delta Airlines and VP Sales and Marketing at United Airlines. He sits on the board of TIACA, Amerijet International and holds an MBA from Columbia University. About Flexport Flexport is the platform for global logistics. Companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to optimize their supply chains, and deliver for customers anywhere in the world. Flexport connects the entire ecosystem of global trade on the Flexport Platform, empowering buyers, sellers and logistics providers with the services and technology to grow and innovate. Key Takeaways: Avoiding Port Congestion Neel Jones Shah is EVP and Global Head of Airfreight at Flexport, the operating system for global trade. Flexport provides customers a strategic operating model that powers more transparent, more agile, more efficient, and more profitable global supply chains. There is unprecedented congestion at US and global ports that is delaying shipments, jeopardizing the holiday selling season, and potentially harming the economy. The congestion is caused by a combination of factors including: Increased consumer demand – especially ecommerce shopping. Consumers were unable to travel, eat out, or attend events (concerts, sports, cultural) so they spent online. At least some of the shopping was driven by COVID relief money from the government. The increased consumer demand was coupled with supply chain shortages including: manpower, containers, trucks, drayage, dock labor, rail, etc.. The world’s supply chain is a delicate balance – and it became unbalanced due to COVID. Shipping via ocean freight has become very difficult and expensive. The lack of ocean capacity is making traditional ocean shippers look for options to support the holiday season. Airfreight is an option, however it is more expensive and capacity is tight. Airfreight is 1% of the total volume and is 35% of the value. Airfreight is typically used for high value, time sensitive products like vaccines, pharma, consumer electronics, semiconductors, etc. Neel and his team at Flexport are seeing a lot more interest in airfreight from shippers who typically ship via ocean. These shippers recognize that paying extra for logistics is far better than disappointing customers during the holiday season. Larger freight forwarding companies like Flexport have purchased additional airfreight capacity to support their customers. Flexport delivers a best-in-class experience in airfreight, offering customers granular and end-to-end visibility, reliable service, and customized, data-driven supply chain solutions. Learn More About Avoiding Port Congestion with Neel Jones Shah Neel Jones Shah LinkedIn Flexport Flexport's upcoming customer conference, FORWARD21 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/6/2021 • 57 minutes, 3 seconds
Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto
Emerge Levels Up with Michael Leto Michael Leto and Joe Lynch discuss Emerge levels up, a phrase used at Emerge to describe the company’s rapid growth. Michael is the CEO of Emerge, one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. About Michael Leto Michael Leto, CEO of Emerge, has been in the transportation industry for over 21 years and played an active role in creating one of the largest and fastest-growing 3PLs in the country. He has been recognized as one of Arizona's "Top 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger" by AZ Central, “40 Under 40” by Phoenix Business Journal, and creating a culture awarded "Best Places to Work". He has a proven track record of building and scaling successful e-commerce platforms and assimilating teams to drive results and execute strategic initiatives. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Key Takeaways: Emerge Levels Up Michael Leto is Co-CEO at Emerge, a company that is reinventing freight procurement (RFP). Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Emerge is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its Digital Freight Marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. In the podcast interview, Michael discuss recent developments at Emerge including: Emerge has closed a $130 million Series B funding round led by 9Yards Capital, Tiger Global Management and The Spruce House Partnership. Existing investors New Road Capital Partners and Greycroft also participated in the round. The company expects to run about $4 billion in freight through its system in 2021 and wants to scale to $15 billion next year. John Paul Hampstead of FreightWaves wrote a great article about Emerge’s explosive growth and latest funding round. Emerge, the leading platform for freight procurement, has raised $130 million in a Series B funding round to expand product development and research while significantly scaling their enterprise sales efforts. Emerge welcomes George Abernathy as its new President. George George has more than 30 years of supply chain and transportation industry leadership experience with carrier, broker, and technology companies. George will help guide the company to the next level. Emerge uses a network model, which becomes increasingly valuable to users (carriers, shippers, agents) as it scales. Emerge is hiring: Emerge Careers Emerge also has a tremendous Agent Program Learn More About Emerge Levels Up Michael Leto Emerge How to Manage Through FTL Market Transitions The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/4/2021 • 45 minutes, 17 seconds
The Maven Story with Avi Geller
The Maven Story with Avi Geller Avi Geller and Joe Lynch discuss the Maven story. Avi is he founder and CEO of Maven a technology company that is reinventing transportation management. About Avi Geller Avi Geller is the founder and CEO of Maven Machines. Since 2014, Avi has led Maven’s growth as an IoT platform that serves the transportation industry through real-time, mobile cloud enterprise software. Avi originally hails from Palo Alto, California, but started Maven in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania due to the city’s impressive innovation and technology resources. Prior to founding Maven, he held international positions with SAP and contributed to the growth of several successful software companies and startups. Avi also has an engineering degree from MIT and an MBA from Northwestern University. About Maven Maven is reinventing transportation management. With Maven’s powerful, easy-to-use software platform, trucking and transportation fleets leverage mobile cloud and industrial IoT technologies to optimize efficiency, safety, and profitability. Maven utilizes machine learning and data analytics for real-time, automated dispatch, planning, route optimization, workflow, and fleet management solutions. Maven’s exponential growth is largely driven by close industry partnerships, empowering fleets to produce measurable results with innovative technological solutions. Key Takeaways: The Maven Story Avi Geller is the Founder and CEO of Maven, which is reinventing transportation management. In the podcast interview, Avi describes his personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges he has faced since starting Maven. Maven is reshaping the future of trucking and transportation by improving operational efficiency, driver safety, and maximizing profits. Fleets that rely on Maven to manage their operations are cutting route planning time in half, reducing the time spent managing log edits by over 50%, and seeing fewer HOS violations. Maven is a leading logistics software pioneer that solve complex operational problems across multiple industries, including LTL, Truckload, Parcel, Energy/Fuel, and Transportation. By leveraging mobile cloud, industrial IoT, and machine learning technologies, Maven provides premier Fleet, ELD, Workflow, Inbound Planning, and Dispatch solutions to over 300 fleets, including 1,000+ truck fleets. Learn More About The Maven Story Avi Geller LinkedIn Maven Maven Company News Yourga Trucking Optimizes Compliance, Safety, & Productivity with Maven’s Fleet Management Platform The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
10/1/2021 • 53 minutes, 2 seconds
The Secret to Improved Sales with Ann Holm
The Secret to Improved Sales with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss the secret to improved sales. Ann is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. About Ann Holm Ann Holm is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann Holm helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Connect with Ann at AnnHolm.net. Key Takeaways: The Secret to Improved Sales Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. In the podcast interview, Ann and Joe discussion the secret to improved sales. The secret is recognizing your prospects temperament and aligning your communication to their communication style. Temperament is a configuration of observable personality traits, such as habits of communication, patterns of action, and sets of characteristic attitudes, values, and talents. There are 4 different temperaments: Idealists are optimists who like to collaborate and communicate. Idealists make up about 15% of the population. Famous idealist: J.K. Rowling. Guardians are planful, time efficient, and detailed oriented. Guardians make up about 40% of the population. Famous guardian: Warren Buffett. Conceptualizers are future focused, logical, autonomous, and value mastery. Conceptualizers make up about 15% of the population. Famous conceptualizer: Elon Musk. Experiencers are detail oriented, flexible, problem solvers who are often playful. Experiencers make up about 30% of the population. Famous experiencers: Richard Branston, Ernest Hemingway, Ronald Reagan. Ann Holm has a training program where she teaches sales people to quickly recognize and adjust their communication to fit their prospect’s preferred communication style. Building Influence by Leveraging Your Strengths and Minimizing Your Blind Spots. To get 20% off on the course, use Coupon Code: LOLVIP. Learn More About The Secret to Improved Sales Ann Holm AnnHolm.net The Psychology of Solving Big Problems with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Developing Grit with Ann Holm Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm Becoming More Influential with Ann Holm Building Influence by Leveraging Your Strengths and Minimizing Your Blind Spots - To get 20% off on the course, use Coupon Code: LOLVIP The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/30/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 3 seconds
Last Mile Innovation with Emma Cosgrove
Last Mile Innovation with Emma Cosgrove Emma Cosgrove and Joe Lynch discuss last mile innovation. Emma is a Senior Reporter on the transportation desk at Business Insider, a global news and lifestyle publication with hundreds of journalists in London, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore and beyond. About Emma Cosgrove Emma Cosgrove is a Senior Reporter on Business Insider's transportation team. She covers logistics with a focus on ecommerce. From warehouse technology to delivery labor, she tries to spread a deeper understanding of the people and systems that bring goods to our doorsteps with ever-increasing speed. Emma previously covered supply chains and food and agriculture technology for Supply Chain Dive and AgFunder News. She was a freelance food industry reporter for several years with bylines in The Atlantic, The Counter, and Edible Manhattan Magazine. She started her journalism career as a financial reporter in Beirut, Lebanon. About The Business Insider Business Insider is a global news and lifestyle publication with hundreds of journalists in London, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore and beyond. Their mission is to inform and inspire you with news and stories you want and need to know. They strive to leave you with something valuable every time you finish reading, watching, or listening to our work. They know that we are just one of many publications seeking your attention in an increasingly busy world. Key Takeaways: Last Mile Innovation Emma Cosgrove is a Senior Reporter covering Logistics at Business Insider. Emma frequently writes about the innovation and innovators in the last mile space. In the podcast interview, Emma describes how the explosive growth of ecommerce has transformed the once sleepy last mile space into a booming market that has shippers searching for partners and capacity. Some highlights of Joe and Emma’s discussion below: Traditionally, last mile shipping has been serviced by UPS, FedEx, and United States Postal Service (USPS). UPS and FedEx experienced significant growth because of ecommerce, but not all of the business has been good business. FedEx stopped working with Amazon in 2019. UPS is reexamining their ecommerce business and pursuing a strategy of “better, not bigger.” Even though Amazon is not a small package company, their logistics services has rapidly grown to support their ecommerce business. Large shippers requiring last mile logistics and transportation service have struggled to find capacity. A variety of new businesses have emerged to fill the void. The FRONTdoor Collective (FDC) has created the first micro-last mile delivery network with the capacity to cover 90% of residences and businesses in the US and Canada. Roadie is a crowdsourced delivery platform. Roadie works with consumers, small businesses and big global brands across virtually every industry to provide a faster, cheaper, more scalable solution for scheduled, same-day and urgent delivery. With more than 200,000 active drivers nationwide, Roadie reaches more than 11,000 cities and 20,000 zip codes – the largest local same-day delivery footprint in the nation. There are dozens of other last mile logistics providers who are lesser known, but still a very important part of the last mile market. The direct to consumer (DTC) market is still growing and there will be growing pains that last mile shippers must address like sustainability, reverse logistics, and the profitability in this interesting new space. Learn More About Last Mile Innovation Emma Cosgrove's LinkedIn Business Insider Emma's work Regional carrier map The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/27/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
Amazon’s Retail Strategy with Rick Watson
Amazon’s Retail Strategy with Rick Watson Rick Watson and Joe Lynch discuss Amazon's retail strategy. Rick founded RMW Commerce Consulting, a boutique ecommerce consultancy that supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. About Rick Watson Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company’s flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company’s product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com. About RMW Commerce Consulting RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Key Takeaways: Amazon's Retail Strategy Rick Watson is the Founder and CEO of RMW Commerce Consulting, which helps companies accelerate their shift from retail to direct to consumer (ecommerce). In the podcast interview, Rick and Joe discuss Amazon’s retail strategy including their existing retail stores and their proposed “department” stores. Amazon currently has the following retail portfolio: Amazon has announced that they are opening a new “department store” which is most likely not the best description for Amazon’s new retail model, but the press has been using it as a placeholder. The new store concept is expected to be about the same size as Kohl’s department stores. Rick had the following thoughts about the new stores: The new retail stores will enable Amazon to move inventory closer to consumers to support retail sales, along with same day / next day deliveries. The new retail stores will most likely be designed to support both retail and ecommerce fulfillment. Note: Target currently supports most of their ecommerce sales via their retail locations, which may be appealing to Amazon. The new retail stores would enable easier returns and potentially reduce returns depending on what is sold at the new stores. Traditional retail stores have a 6% return rate, while DTC has a plus 30% return rate. Consumer data is very important to Amazon and the stores may enable them to collect more meaningful customer data through the stores. Amazon may want to use the stores to increase sales of their private label brands. Amazon will no doubt use their online data to select product SKUs and design the store layout. The merchandising and product placement/display will be even more data-driven than traditional retailers. Don’t think of Amazon as a retailer, ecommerce company, or logistics company – think of Amazon as a technology innovator that is always looking for opportunities to use technology to deliver a superior experience to consumers. Learn More About Amazon's Retail Strategy Rick Watson's LinkedIn RMW Commerce Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Watson Weekly Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/24/2021 • 47 minutes, 46 seconds
Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle
Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle Marty Wadle and Joe Lynch discuss transportation vs logistics. Marty is the Chief Commercial Officer of Ruan Transportation, a transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. About Marty Wadle Marty Wadle currently serves as Ruan’s Chief Commercial Officer leading the Commercial Solutions team, which includes sales, marketing, and solution engineering. Previously, Marty served as Senior Vice President of Ruan’s Supply Chain Solutions division, consisting of Value-Added Warehousing, Brokerage Support Services, and Managed Transportation. Ruan manages $1.35 billion in annual supply chain spend, employs 4,600 drivers, and operates 4,000 power units and 12,000 trailers out of 300 locations across the U.S. In addition, Ruan operates 1.5 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space and $500 million of managed transportation. Marty has held multiple positions at Ruan over his 25-year career that have given him a wide base of experience in sales and operations. Prior to Ruan, Marty worked for LTL carrier Central Transport and institutional food wholesaler Martin Brothers Distribution. Marty is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in transportation and logistics. He currently serves on the Iowa State University Supply Chain Forum. About Ruan Transportation Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 89 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 6,000 team members. Key Takeaways: Transportation vs Logistics Marty Wadle is the Chief Commercial Officer at Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. In the podcast interview, Joe and Marty discuss transportation vs logistics, even though those words are used interchangeably, they mean different things. According to Council of Supply Chain Professionals, a Third Party Logistics (3PL) Provider is “A firm which provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers, and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers.” There are 5 different categories of 3PL services: Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing, Special Services, and Technology. Logistics services add value through planning, while transportation services add value by executing those plans. Transportation services include: Small Package, Air Cargo, Ocean, Less Than Truckload, Truckload, Fleet Acquisition, Equipment / Drivers, Dedicated Contract Carriage, Intermodal, Final Mile, Rail. Logistics services include: 3rd party logistics, 3PL, 4th party logistics, 4PL, Just-in-Time (JIT), Payment Auditing, Freight Auditing, Payment Processing, Freight brokerage, Freight broker, Digital Freight Brokerage. Warehousing services include: Warehouse Storage, Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly, Site Location, Distribution Center Management, Inbound Shipping, Outbound shipping, Receiving, Putaway, Put-away, Order processing, Replenishment, Pulling, Restocking, Picking, Validation, Sorting, Distribution Center Management System (DCMS), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Inventory Management, Cross-docking, Cross-dock, Ecommerce Fulfillment, Packaging. Special services include: Direct to Home, Direct to Store, Sustainability, Green Logistics, Reverse Logistics, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Security Analysis, Contingency planning, Crisis Planning, Global Expansion, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), Logistics Consulting, Transportation Consulting, Import / Export, Customs, Labor Management, Marketing Services, Customer Service Technology services include: Supply Chain Technology, Freight technology, EDI, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Predictive Analytics, Technology Services, Web Services, Global Trade Management (GTM), Transportation Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Supplier Management, Customer Management, Cloud Based Solutions, Wireless. Learn More About Transportation vs Logistics Marty Wadle's LinkedIn Ruan Transportation Marty Wadle on Des Moines and Ruan Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Technology Alone Won’t Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Ruan White Paper: Selecting the Right 3PL Partner The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/22/2021 • 51 minutes, 41 seconds
The Women in Trucking Story with Ellen Voie
The Women in Trucking Story with Ellen Voie Ellen Voie and Joe Lynch discuss the Women in Trucking story. Ellen is the President/CEO and founder of the Women In Trucking Association, a non-profit organization whose mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. About Ellen Voie Ellen Voie is the President/CEO and founder of the Women In Trucking Association, formed to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, address obstacles and to celebrate the successes of its members. Voie’s prior role was Manager of Retention and Recruiting Programs at Schneider after serving as the Executive Director of Trucker Buddy International. Ellen is a Certified Association Executive. She holds a Class A CDL and a private pilot’s license. She earned her MA in Communication for the University of WI-Stevens Point. She has been honored by the White House as a Transportation Innovator Champion of Change. She received the 2015 “Distinguished Alumna of the Year” award the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Division of Communication. Voie was named one of Supply & Demand Chain Executives magazine’s “2016 Pros to Know.” In May, 2016, she was chosen as one of Fleet Owner’s Dozen Outstanding Women In Trucking. Ellen was appointed to the FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and Entry Level Driver Training Advisory Committee. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association and is a member of the Wisconsin DOT’s Motor Carrier Advisory Committee. About Women in Trucking Founded in 2007, the Women In Trucking Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. The mission of the Women In Trucking Association is to encourage employment, address obstacles and celebrate success. It's supported by a passionate leadership team, highly engaged members, and committed sponsors and partners. Women In Trucking continues to build a strong community among our members (primarily business professionals and professional drivers) who believe in and support our mission. Key Takeaways: The Women in Trucking Story Ellen Voie founded the non-profit organization, Women In Trucking Association Inc. to encourage and support women in the trucking industry. The mission is to make women aware of career opportunities and to mentor and assist them as they become more successful in their roles. Women In Trucking is not limited to women only, as 15 percent of its members are men who believe in the association's goals. In the podcast interview, Ellen describes her personal and professional journey as the founder of the Women in Trucking Associations. Ellen founded the organization in 2007 and has grown the membership to over 5,400 corporate and individual members in ten countries. The mission is to increase the ranks of women employed in transportation careers. Learn More About The Women in Trucking Story Ellen Voie's LinkedIn Women in Trucking Accelerate Conference and Expo by Women in Trucking The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/20/2021 • 44 minutes, 48 seconds
Why Your Truck Needs Wings with Dan Burrows
Why Your Truck Needs Wings with Dan Burrows Dan Burrows and Joe Lynch discuss why your truck needs wings. Dan is the founder and CEO of TruckLabs, a trucking technology company with a mission to transform the industry through a series of smart hardware and software product offerings. About Dan Burrows Daniel Burrows is the Founder and CEO of TruckLabs, which was founded in 2015 through Daniel's graduate work at Stanford University. Daniel was born in Baltimore, Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Physics from Imperial College in London. Daniel also received his M.B.A from Stanford University. Daniel is a reformed Venture Capitalist and management consultant and has worked with six different startups prior to TruckLabs, three of which were acquired. When Daniel started TruckLabs, it was vital to gain an intuitive understanding of how trucking works. After driving millions of miles, it was apparent that the truck and the driver should be at the heart of how to approach innovation and build products. Daniel also believes it’s the area that’s top of mind for their customers and the area that still has the most room for improvement. About TruckLabs TruckLabs is a trucking technology company with a mission to transform the industry through a series of smart hardware and software product offerings. They’re a team of highly experienced software developers, hardware engineers, and data scientists who are serious about solving the biggest challenges in the trucking industry from understanding and improving your fuel economy and profitability, to hiring and retaining the best drivers to identifying early indicators of maintenance issues. By building connected devices and using modern data science techniques, they derive key insights into opportunities for innovation. TruckLabs’ customers include UPS, Ryder, and a host of smaller fleets and their flagship technology, TruckWings has already covered over 300 million miles across the USA and Canada. Key Takeaways: Why Your Truck Needs Wings Dan Burrows is the Founder and CEO of TruckLabs, a trucking technology company with a mission to transform the industry through a series of smart hardware and software product offerings. In the podcast interview, Dan talks about TruckWings, one of Trucklab’s very successful product offerings. TruckWings are a tractor-mounted active aerodynamic device that automatically closes the gap between the cab and the trailer at highway speeds to reduce drag, improve handling, and save fuel. TruckWings require zero driver input to operate. Customer pilots and independent testing have demonstrated real-world fuel savings up to 6% across a wide range of equipment and fleet operations. TruckWings works by automatically deploying panels from the back of the cab to cover the tractor-trailer gap when a truck is at highway speeds. The panels automatically retract at slow speeds, allowing for trailer clearance in turns Learn More About Why Your Truck Needs Wings Dan Burrows' LinkedIn TruckLabs TruckLabs LinkedIn TruckLabs Twitter STEER Act: Legislation STEER Act: Recent press release with U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/17/2021 • 35 minutes, 41 seconds
Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Gross
Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Gross Paul Gross and Joe Lynch discuss carbon capture for semi-trucks. Paul is the co-founder and the CEO of Remora, a company that is building a device that captures the carbon emissions from a semi-truck. About Paul Gross Paul Gross is the co-founder and CEO at Remora. While at Yale, he conducted experimental research that uncovered solutions to collective action problems like political polarization and the climate crisis. Paul also founded the Yale Politics Initiative, bringing top politicians, operatives, and activists to campus. Remora got started when he read a dissertation on mobile carbon capture written by his co-founder, Christina, and convinced her to quit her job as a scientist at the EPA. Then, he recruited his co-founder, Eric, a mechanic-turned-engineer who built hydrogen and electric semi-trucks for some of the world's largest automotive companies. About Remora Remora is building a device that captures the carbon emissions from a semi-truck. They sell the captured carbon dioxide to concrete producers and greenhouses, helping fleets earn new revenue while meeting their climate commitments. They recently announced in the Wall Street Journal that they raised $5.5M to pilot our devices with 16 different multibillion-dollar companies, including Cargill, Ryder, and Werner. They're backed by investors like Union Square Ventures, Y Combinator, Chris Sacca, and First Round. Key Takeaways: Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks Paul Gross is the Co-founder and CEO of Remora, which sells a carborn emissions capture device. Remora sells the captured carbon dioxide to concrete producers and other end-users, helping fleets earn new revenue while meeting their climate commitments. In the podcast interview, Paul and Joe discuss the environmental impact that truck emissions have on the planet. Governments, consumers, and companies are all looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of supply chains. According to the Sierra Club, heavy-duty trucks make up 10% of the vehicles on the road but are responsible for 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and higher percentages of other pollutants. Remora’s device retrofits onto an existing diesel semi-truck. It mounts between the tractor and its trailer, attaches to its tailpipes, and captures at least 80% of its carbon emissions. While refueling at a truck stop or distribution center, the driver attaches a hose to our device, pumping the captured carbon dioxide into an offload tank in just 5 minutes. Paired with biofuel or renewable natural gas, our device makes a truck carbon negative, allowing existing semi-trucks to cheaply remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Adding the Remora device to one semi-truck is equivalent to planting 6,200 trees. Learn More About Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks Paul Gross' LinkedIn Remora Remora Deck Sign up for Remora's updates Heavy-Duty Truck Operators to Test Startup’s Onboard Carbon-Capture System The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/15/2021 • 33 minutes, 43 seconds
The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic
The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It with Maggie Petrovic Maggie Petrovic and Joe Lynch discuss the freight RFP process is broken – let’s fix it. Maggie is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Emerge, a company that is Reinventing Freight Procurement. About Maggie Petrovic Maggie Petrovic joined Emerge just over a year ago following 8 years with Coyote Logistics as Director of Enterprise Sales. Maggie brings her passion, dedication, and industry knowledge as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, now responsible for operationalizing Emerge’s game-changing products, ensuring the company translates its goals and visions into practices that lead to success, not only internally, but in every customer interaction as well. She has a B.A in Business & Communications from the University of Iowa. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Key Takeaways: The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It Maggie Petrovic is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Emerge, a company that is Reinventing Freight Procurement. The freight request for pricing (RFP) process is broken for both shippers and carriers. Shippers hate the current process because: The lack of technology makes the process clunky, cumbersome, and time consuming – so time consuming that most shippers only want to endure the process once per year. Results in paper rates – rates that are only good on paper. Too much focus on the process and not enough focus on building win-win relationships with carriers. Lack of carrier vetting and not enough of the right carriers involved. Carriers hate the current process because: Bid fatigue – too much time wasted on RFPs for shippers that never move freight with your company. Shipper motivations are unclear. Are they seriously looking for new carriers or are they just market testing their current carriers? Predicting the market and developing solid rates for the next 12 months is pretty much impossible. Not enough focus on building relationships with the right shippers. Emerge has created a technology platform that has streamlined the freight RFP process and delivered the following benefits: Freed of the time consuming, clunky process, shippers and carriers can spend more time discussing the freight characteristics and getting to know each other. With the process streamlined, shippers are moving to quarterly RFPs, which enables the carriers to deliver more competitive bids – and live with them (no more paper rates). In addition to their incumbent carriers, shippers have access to thousands of vetted carriers within the Emerge system. Emerge enables shippers to grow their partner network by connecting to thousands of verified carriers and brokers to ensure their loads are always covered. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they would not otherwise have access to. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing more opportunities for carriers to work in their preferred lanes. Learn More About The Freight RFP Process is Broken – Let’s Fix It Maggie's LinkedIn Emerge website Emerge LinkedIn Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Rethinking the Freight RFP Process The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/13/2021 • 45 minutes, 35 seconds
Shipper Pain Points with Brad Forester
Shipper Pain Points with Brad Forester Brad Forester and Joe Lynch discuss the shipper pain points. Brad is the Founder of JBF Consulting, which specialize in freight technology – strategy, system integration, implementation and deployment. About Brad Forester Brad Forester is the Founder and Managing Partner of JBF Consulting. Brad is a highly recognized senior supply chain leader with over 23 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport technology. He has a unique mix of carrier, shipper, software, and consulting experiences that benefit clients. With functional expertise in Global TMS Programs, Change Management, Organizational Design, and Systems Integration, he has been leveraging these skills to benefit clients since he founded JBF in 2003. Brad has a BA in Logistics Management from Michigan State University. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF’s background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: Shipper Pain Points Brad Forester is the Founder and Managing Partner of JBF Consulting, which helps shippers of all sizes and across many industries select, implement and squeeze as much value as possible out of their logistics systems. In the podcast interview, Brad describes the 4 shipper pain points that he and the JBF team are hearing about from their customers who are large shippers. The ocean shipping delays caused by the pandemic has disrupted supply chains. These disruptions have prompted large shippers and 3PLs to seek ocean and port visibility solutions. Shippers are also looking for more small parcel and last mile solutions and the associated TMS system integrations. As shippers have come to realize big gain in transportation efficiency and effectiveness via technology, they are looking for additional freight tech solutions. Companies like Emerge (freight procurement) and Turvo (TMS and collaboration) have created solutions that are solving new problems for shippers. Some of the largest shippers were early adopters of freight technology like TMS. Many of these companies have been using TMS for long time, which mean they are using on-premise systems. As time goes on, TMS providers are trying to migrate these large shippers to the cloud, but given their huge shipping volumes and technology investments, the process is difficult, costly, and time-consuming. JBF Consulting works with shippers to solve the problems described above. Since JBF only works on logistics and supply chain technology, they have the expertise and experience to solve even the most difficult challenges. Learn More About Shipper Pain Points Brad Forester Mike Mulqueen JBF Consulting Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/9/2021 • 1 hour, 3 seconds
The STORD Story with Sean Henry
The STORD Story with Sean Henry Sean Henry and Joe Lynch discuss the STORD story. Sean is the Founder and CEO of STORD, the leading Cloud Supply Chain that enables companies to compete and grow with world-class logistics. About Sean Henry Sean Henry is the Founder and CEO of STORD, the pioneer of the Cloud Supply Chain and a leader in end-to-end logistics services and technology. He founded STORD along with co-founder Jacob Boudreau after experiencing the challenges of fragmentation and disconnected technology of the third-party logistics industry (3PL) first-hand while working in supply chain optimization for a global automotive manufacturer in Germany. Sean has been recognized in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list and INC’s Top 50 Emerging Entrepreneurs. Sean attended Georgia Tech prior to founding STORD. He was also a member of the 2016 cohort of the Dynamo Accelerator Fund and a Thiel Fellow. About STORD STORD is the leading Cloud Supply Chain that enables companies to compete and grow with world-class logistics – including warehousing, freight and fulfillment – in a single, intelligent, integrated platform that’s available when and where they need it. Top B2B and B2C companies including Body Armor, Advanced AutoParts and Dollar General use STORD to make their supply chains perform with the speed, flexibility and ease of the cloud. Key Takeaways: The STORD Story with Sean Henry Sean Henry is the Founder and CEO of STORD, the pioneer of the Cloud Supply Chain and a leader in end-to-end logistics services and technology In the podcast interview, Sean describes his personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges he and his Co-founder, Jacob Boudreau have experienced since starting STORD. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in the heart of Atlanta's vibrant tech community, STORD is pioneering the world's first Cloud Supply Chain. The Cloud Supply Chain is the convergence of the digital and physical elements of logistics. With STORD's Cloud Supply Chain, businesses can build, expand, and optimize their physical supply chain operations across freight, warehousing, and fulfillment, with the speed, flexibility, and ease of modern cloud software. With a single integration, businesses achieve end-to-end visibility into their whole supply chains from a single dashboard and gain access to STORD’s network of hundreds of warehouses, fulfillment centers, and carriers. STORD has experienced explosive growth, earning the number 42 spot on the 2021 INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. Learn More About The STORD Story with Sean Henry Sean’s LinkedIn Sean’s Twitter STORD STORD LinkedIn STORD Twitter STORD on Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/7/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 24 seconds
The DHL Supply Chain with Scott Sureddin
T The DHL Supply Chain with Scott Sureddin Scott Sureddin and Joe Lynch discuss the DHL Supply Chain. Scott is the CEO of DHL Supply Chain, the largest contract logistics company in the world and North America. About Scott Sureddin Scott Sureddin is the CEO North America, DHL Supply Chain. Scott manages all operations within the US and Canada, as well as central functional teams supporting the entire Americas region. He joined DHL in 2002, holding leadership positions including President of the Consumer and LSH business units, and SVP, Operations, before serving as the COO for the Americas. His previous experience included 14 years with US Foodservice, ultimately as VP, Operations, for the Southwest region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University. About DHL Supply Chain DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry with a global network of more than 220 countries and territories and around 350,000 employees. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. DHL is organized in 4 divisions: Ecommerce, Express (small parcel), Global Forwarding, and Supply Chain. Combining value-added and management services with traditional fulfilment and distribution, DHL’s customized, integrated logistics solutions drive efficiency, improve quality and create competitive advantage. DHL Supply Chain offers specialist, proven expertise within the Auto-Mobility, Consumer, Chemicals, Energy, Engineering & Manufacturing, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Retail and Technology sectors. As today’s global markets grow, our innovative logistics solutions are ready to help. Key Takeaways: The DHL Supply Chain Scott Sureddin is the CEO of DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading logistics company. In the podcast interview, Scott provides an overview of all DHL’s business units and operations worldwide. DHL is organized in 4 divisions: Ecommerce, Express (small parcel), Global Forwarding, and Supply Chain. Scott also described the trends that are transforming the economy. The pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain logistics and accelerated the growth of e-commerce. DHL has invested heavily in collaborative robots and warehouse automation which has greatly improved productivity and created a better working environment for DHL associates. DHL has also made big investment in their front-line people. They provide extensive onboarding for new employees, certifications, and leadership training. The goal is to have every employee embrace the DHL culture that has helped the company become the leader in contract logistics. DHL has set sustainability goals that include investing 7 billion euros in efforts that reduce CO2 emissions by 2030. The company has also committed to zero emissions by 2050. DHL has 3 bottom lines: provider of choice, employer of choice, and investment of choice. Learn More About The DHL Supply Chain Scott Sureddin DHL Supply Chain Download DHL Supply Chain Factsheet All Business. No Boundaries Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/3/2021 • 37 minutes, 43 seconds
The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs
The Fastest Growing Logistics Company with Trey Griggs Trey Griggs and Joe Lynch discuss the fastest growing logistics company. Trey is the Vice President of Sales at Lean Solutions Group, a company that provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. About Trey Griggs Trey Griggs is the Vice President of Sales at Lean Solutions Group. After graduating from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, Trey began his career as a high school physics teacher and coach. In 2010, he transitioned to a career in sales, cutting his teeth in door-to-door office supply sales for 15 months before accepting an opportunity with a leading technology and data provider in the transportation industry. During the past nine years Trey has gained experience in several sectors within technology, including load boards, rate analytics, TMS systems, visibility solutions, digital freight-matching platforms, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Trey enjoys coaching teams to be great, as well as speaking on sales and marketing strategies, leadership, organizational structure, and technology. When he is not building world-class sales organizations, you can find Trey spending time with his family, traveling, renovating his home, playing golf, working out, reading & playing music. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win, Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: The Fastest Growing Logistics Company Trey Griggs is the Vice President of Sales at Lean Solutions Group, a nearshore service provider that delivers high-quality business solutions in staffing, tech, marketing, and sales for U.S.-based companies. In the podcast interview, Trey and Joe discuss the fastest growing logistics companies, which were listed in the Introducing The Inc 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. 199 logistics companies made the Inc 5000 list and over 20 of those companies are Lean Solution Group (LSG) customers, which gives Trey and the LSG team unique insights into what it takes to be successful in the logistics business. The fastest growing companies are tech-centric (obviously) and use LSG as a staffing partner. LSG works with over 290 logistics companies in the USA, including many of the industry leaders. LSG brings expertise, experience, flexibility, and cost savings that is crucial to growing logistics companies. Learn More About The Fastest Growing Logistics Company Trey Griggs LinkedIn Lean Solutions Group 3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same with Ryan Mann Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano Hurdles to 3PL Growth with Trey Griggs and Isaac Moreno The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
9/1/2021 • 41 minutes, 55 seconds
The Flexe Story with Dave Glick
The Flexe Story with Dave Glick Dave Glick and Joe Lynch discuss the Flexe story. Dave is the Chief Technology Officer at Flexe, a market place for matching shippers who need fulfillment or distribution capacity with 3PLs who have existing capacity in their existing warehouses. About Dave Glick As CTO, David is responsible for the design and development of the Flexe Logistics Platform. Before Flexe, David spent nearly 20 years at Amazon, including five years as the VP of Fulfillment Technology, where he oversaw the development and functionality of the technology within Amazon’s fulfillment centers, as well as the technology for Amazon's transportation systems for two of those years. Dave earned a Bachelor of Physics from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. About Flexe Flexe solves the hardest omnichannel logistics problems for the world’s largest retailers and brands. Integrating technology, open logistics networks, and elastic economic models allows Flexe customers to move fast, at scale, and with precision. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Seattle, Flexe brings deep logistics expertise and enterprise-grade technology to deliver innovative eCommerce fulfillment, retail distribution, same-day delivery, and network capacity programs to the Fortune 500. Key Takeaways: The Flexe Story Dave Glick is the CTO of Flexe a company that is at the The intersection of logistics and technology In the podcast interview, Dave describes his career at Amazon where he rose to the role of Vice President of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies. Dave also shared Flexe’s innovative service offering and it rapid growth within the 3rd Party Logistics space. Flexe is a warehousing company that connects organizations in need of additional space to organizations with extra space. The company's cloud-based platform powers unified warehouse sourcing and set up, while also streamlining material handling operations. It reinvents warehousing and fulfillment to optimize the global delivery of goods. Learn More About The Flexe Story Dave Glick LinkedIn Flexe The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/31/2021 • 1 hour, 5 seconds
The Knichel Logistics Story with Kristy Knichel
The Knichel Logistics Story with Kristy Knichel Kristy Knichel and Joe Lynch discuss the Knichel Logistics story. Kristy is the CEO of Knichel Logistics that specializes in intermodal, less than truckload, cross-country, and cross-border services. About Kristy Knichel Kristy Knichel, a lifelong Pittsburgh native, is a second-generation logistics executive. Since taking over as president of her company, Knichel Logistics, in 2007, Kristy has been the driving force behind their yearly growth and reputation as one of the top service providers within the IMC community growing her business to 84 million. Kristy’s proudest accomplishments are winning the inaugural Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award from the Women in Trucking Association and her appointment as the Intermodal Logistics Conference Chair on the TIA Board of Directors. Today Kristy’s focus is on expanding Knichel Logistics’ footprint via strategic development and continuing to offer her team members the opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Kristy currently resides in Grove City, Pennsylvania with her husband Jason and her son Brayden. She is an avid Steelers fan and enjoys spending time with family and friends on camping trips. About Knichel Logistics For 18+ years, Knichel Logistics has transported goods for America’s largest corporations. Specializing in intermodal, less than truckload, cross-country, and cross-border services, we have moved more than 200,000 containers with 385,000 trucks spanning over 295 million miles over the last 5 years alone. With access to 90,000 rail containers, we work with Sam’s Club, Costco, Johnson & Johnson, Ocean Spray, Samsung, and Staples to name a few. Knichel also supports the federal government with recent logistical contracts for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). We successfully and seamlessly navigated the complexities of transporting 300 overdimensional FEMA units for the Paradise, CA rebuild efforts. In addition to our transportation services, we also specialize in Container Pool Management, which we currently provide to companies including Michelin, Meijer, Samsung and Johnson & Johnson. Ensuring ample equipment capacity for our customers is a crucial need that Knichel Logistics provides. Knichel moves the sugar, milk, televisions, paper goods, health products, and foodstuff used by more than 300 million Americans. Our senior leadership possesses Lean Six Sigma certification and a seat on the TIA Board of Directors. $315 million revenue last five years. Key Takeaways: The Knichel Logistics Story Kristy Knichel is President and Owner of Knichel Logistics, a woman-owned, non-asset based provider of transportation and logistics services, including intermodal, trucking, and specialty equipment. In the podcast interview, Kristy describes her personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges that she has faced and overcome. As the daughter of the company founder, and a woman in a male dominated field, Kristy has been confronted with problems that ultimately helped her grow as a person and a business leader. Knichel Logistics has grown steadily since Kristy took over and will likely hit $100 million in revenues in 2021. Learn More About The Knichel Logistics Story Kristy Knichel LinkedIn Knichel Logistics LinkedIn Knichel Logistics LLC – Ladies Leadership Coalition The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/20/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 11 seconds
Finally a Flying Car with Guy Kaplinsky
Finally a Flying Car with Guy Kaplinsky Guy Kaplinsky and Joe Lynch discuss finally a flying car that Guy's company is developing. Guy cofounded NFT Inc. (dba ASKA) and has developed the world’s first viable electric drive and fly vehicle that can drive on the road like a car and take off vertically to autonomously fly in the air. About Guy Kaplinsky Guy Kaplinsky is a successful serial entrepreneur with in-depth knowledge and expertise in technology-related projects and international business. Guy began his career at Nissho Iwai Corporation and worked as an executive. In 2001, Guy followed his passion as a visionary and entrepreneur to establish his first startup with Maki Kaplinsky, a dynamic Japanese female entrepreneur. This global company facilitated multi-million dollar government-related projects in over 15 countries. Guy co-founded a second start-up with Maki Kaplinsky, IQP Corporation, which was an early innovator in the Internet of Things and concluded with a multi-million dollar M&A deal with GE Digital in 2017. Guy cofounded NFT Inc. (dba ASKA) in 2018 with Maki Kaplinsky, CoFounder/Chair-COO, and developed the ASKA™ drive and fly vehicle for consumers. The company opened the world's first flying car showroom and air mobility learning center in April, 2021 to launch pre-orders of ASKA™. In August, 2021, ASKA™ On The Fly was announced, a timeshare service that makes it super-easy for people to choose a flexible plan to use and enjoy ASKA™. About ASKA NFT Inc. (dba ASKA) is headquartered in Los Altos, CA and has developed the world’s first viable electric drive and fly vehicle that can drive on the road like a car and take off vertically to autonomously fly in the air. The ASKA™ electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle enables families to live up to 100 miles outside a city and benefit from affordable housing and green space, but easily travel to the city center in less than 30 minutes. ASKA opened the world's first flying car showroom in April, 2021, for pre-orders of the ASKA™ and a learning center dedicated to air mobility. In August 2021, ASKA™ On The Fly was announced, a timeshare service that makes it super-easy for people to choose a flexible plan to use and enjoy ASKA™. ASKA reflects an incredible synergy of talents from various backgrounds and cultures, with men and women from Aerospace, Defense and the Automotive industry, led by co-founders with a record of growing successful companies from idea to exit. Key Takeaways: Finally a Flying Car Guy Kaplinsky is the Co-founder and CEO of NFT Inc. (dba ASKA) which is developing the world’s first electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle NFT Inc. (dba ASKA) is headquartered in Los Altos, CA and has developed the world’s first viable electric drive and fly vehicle that can drive on the road like a car and take off vertically to autonomously fly in the air. In the podcast interview, Guy explained how the car will be sold, operated, fueled and maintained. The ASKA electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle enables families to live up to 100 miles outside a city and benefit from affordable housing and green space, but easily travel to the city center in less than 30 minutes. ASKA, a four-seater vehicle, can drive on the road like a car, is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), as well as short takeoff and landing (STOL), and flies like an aircraft. its aerodynamic design provides it with a great driving experience on the road and fly safely and efficiently in the air. The ASKA drive and fly vehicle has a flight range of up to 250 miles powered by electric motors and features a range extender as a redundant safety system. ASKA is targeted for delivery in 2026 subject to standard regulatory approval and certification. The timeshare service is now accepting applications (a limited number of customers in the first few years of production). Learn More About Finally a Flying Car Guy Kaplinsky LinkedIn ASKA ASKA LinkedIn ASKA Facebook ASKA Instagram The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/19/2021 • 42 minutes, 50 seconds
3 Priorities for Future Success in Logistics with Sarah Banks
3 Priorities for Future Success in Logistics with Sarah Banks Sarah Banks and Joe Lynch discuss three priorities for future success in logistics. Sarah is Global Lead for the Freight & Logistics Industry at Accenture, a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. About Sarah Banks Sarah Banks is Global Lead for the Freight & Logistics Industry at Accenture. Based in Detroit, she has spent over 25 years in the logistics industry, including working with clients on complex and impactful solutions to transform organizations, processes and technology. Sarah has seen first-hand the evolution of the industry including the pivot toward new technologies like IoT, Blockchain and Automation that have the promise to disrupt the way the logistics industry operates. She is passionate about the future of logistics and transformation of related service offerings and excited to be a part of shaping the possibilities to come. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and a Master of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, both from Michigan State University. About Accenture Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 569,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Key Takeaways: 3 Priorities for Future Success in Logistics Sarah Banks is Global Lead for the Freight and Logistics Industry at Accenture. In this role, Sarah works with a blue chip roster of logistics, transportation, warehousing, and technology companies – which give her a unique perspective of how to win in the freight and logistics space. In this podcast interview, Sarah explains what logistics and transportation companies need to do now to be successful in the future. The freight and logistics sector is undergoing significant change and tomorrow’s winners are making big moves today. Horizontal and vertical integration. To be more competitive, industry leaders are actively pursuing horizontal and vertical integration. Horizontal integration is the acquisition of a business operating at the same level of the value chain in the same industry. Vertical integration, where firms expand into upstream or downstream activities, which are at different stages of production. Sustainability. Sustainability and environmental impact is increasingly important to consumers, brands, and government regulators. Logistics and transportation companies must act now to implement more sustainable solutions. Click here to listen to Sarah’s take on a more sustainable last mile. Talent. The talent war is here and the best companies are getting innovative in their recruiting efforts. To be successful, companies should consider hiring people often overlooked in logistics and supply chain, specifically minorities, women, older people, and people without degrees. Once hired, companies must develop career paths that fit the wants and needs of today’s workers. Accenture helps freight and logistics companies to create value from process efficiencies and data-driven insights. They work in four key areas: blockchain, connected ports, connected container and warehouse automation. Learn More About 3 Priorities for Future Success in Logistics Sarah Banks LinkedIn Accenture Three actions for a truly sustainable last mile Accenture Freight & Logistics Innovator Award The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/18/2021 • 36 minutes, 27 seconds
The West Coast Bottleneck with Brian Rice
The West Coast Bottleneck with Brian Rice Brian Rice and Joe Lynch discuss the west coast bottleneck. Brian is the CEO of Dray Depot, a 3PL out of Chicago area that focuses on the drayage market. About Brian Rice Brian is the President and CEO of Dray Depot, a 3PL out of Chicago focusing on the drayage market. He has been in the logistics industry for over 10 years and has learned and experienced the ups, downs, and changes in the industry during that time. He started on the ground level as a carrier representative and made his way through the carrier, customer, and leadership sides of the business. He brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience having been in the trenches. Given this extensive knowledge, Brian has put his plans into play and seeing success in drayage. Brian and his team at Dray Depot are taking the industry by storm with some very exciting moves and further plans for a $36 million project to expand into cold storage in the southeast. Brian is a born and raised Chicagoan and loves Chicago sports. He is married with a 5 year old son, 4 year old daughter, and his fur babies that keep him on to go! About Dray Depot Dray Depot is an employee owned and operated third party logistics company that specializes in drayage and transloading services. The growing congestion and the resulting demurrage at the ports was a call to arms for our team, so we meticulously built a bullet-proof network of carrier partners and transloading facilities at every port and rail in the United States, consisting of 5k partners in our network and growing. Our mission is to keep the demurrage money in our customers pockets and away from the ports, our motto is “DON’T LET THE PORTS WIN!”. We have been accomplishing this at an astounding rate by monitoring our partner carrier’s ever-changing loading schedules for available drivers and assigning them to our customer's containers to ensure they are being pulled prior to LFD, even on short notice. Key Takeaways: The West Coast Bottleneck Brian Rice is the Chief Executive Officer at Dray Depot, a Chicago based drayage and transloading provider that services all U.S. ports and rails. In the podcast interview Brian shares his insights on the shipment delays on the West Coast that are wreaking havoc on retail, e-commerce, and production supply chains. Los Angeles is the largest port in the United States and, together with Long Beach a bit further south, account for around 30 percent of trade entering and exiting the United States. China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Germany are the top 5 exporters to the USA. The US imported the most goods from Canada until 2007 when China replaced our neighbor to the north. In 2019, these five countries supplied 48% of the $2.5 trillion in U.S. imports of goods. The 5 biggest US importers are Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ashley Furniture. Click the link to see the top 100 US importers. In late May 2021, the Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles stated, “We are in the seventh month of an unparalleled import surge Stuck at home during the pandemic, Americans decided to buy lots of consumer goods. The surge in ships arriving from Asia put West Coast ports under stress, which started in November and thus far has continued through into the summer months. While American consumers demand went up, transportation and logistics companies struggled to keep up. Employees stayed home because 1.) Fear of COVID, 2.) Kids were home, 3.) Government checks Meanwhile USA exports dropped because of supply chain shortages, COVID related production delays In addition, the shipping container shortage and the block Suez Canal caused supply chains disruptions. The West Coast bottleneck is slowly opening up, but will most likely last until 2022. Shippers, especially those who rely on Christmas sales must work with their 3PLs to find alternative solutions. Learn More About: The West Coast Bottleneck Brian Rice LinkedIn Profile Dray Depot The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/16/2021 • 44 minutes, 49 seconds
Logistics and Supply Chain, 1940 - 2040 with Jason Miller
Logistics and Supply Chain - 1940 to 2040 with Jason Miller Jason Miller and Joe Lynch discuss logistics and supply chain, 1940 - 2040. Jason is a professor of supply chain at Michigan State University, which is ranked as one of the top supply chain schools in the world. About Jason Miller Jason Miller (PhD The Ohio State University) is a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics and the John D. and Dortha J. Withrow Endowed Emerging Scholar at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. His primary research stream examines firms' logistics operations, with an emphasis on studying motor carrier safety, productivity, pricing dynamics, and driver turnover. Jason has been recognized with multiple awards for research and teaching. He was recognized as the undergraduate faculty member who had the greatest impact on students based on the 2017 graduating senior survey. The website Poets & Quants has recognized him as one of the top 40 undergraduate professors. About Michigan State University, Department of Supply Chain Management Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855. Today, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States and has approximately 634,300 living alumni worldwide. MSU’s Department of Supply Chain Management is the consistently ranked as the top supply chain management school in the country. The department educates students to succeed in careers such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and customer service. Students graduate with foundational knowledge across all areas of SCM, positioning them to work in multiple capacities for the top global companies. The business world views Broad’s graduates and faculty as the voice of the SCM field. Key Takeaways: Logistics and Supply Chain - 1940 to 2040 Jason Miller is a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. In the podcast interview, Jason and Joe discuss the changes in logistics and supply chain from 1940 to 2040. In order to reduce the scope and make the topic more accessible, Jason and Joe use the iron skillet as an analog to represent all products that have a supply chain. In 1940, the iron skillet was manufactured in Wisconsin from iron ore mined from Michigan and Minnesota. The skillet was shipped via rail to a distributor who eventually sold it to a retailer. In 1980, the manufacturing locations were most likely still in the USA, but may have moved to the lower cost, non-union south. The skillet was shipped by truck (rather than rail) directly to the retailer. In 2020, the skillet was manufactured in China using Australian or Brazilian iron ore. The skillet was shipped via ocean and truck to a fulfillment center or retailer in the USA. In 2040, the skillet will most likely be manufactured in the USA or Mexico. The iron ore will come from a North America. The manufacturing process will be highly automated. The skillet will be transported via truck and the consumer will most likely buy via ecommerce or traditional retail. The discussion illuminates advancements and trends including: sustainability, global economy, nearshoring, infrastructure, information technology, growth of logistics, security, capital investments, automation, productivity, labor, security, and the circular supply chain. Learn More About Logistics and Supply Chain - 1940 to 2040 Jason Miller MSU Supply Chain Management Program Jason’s profile on MSU’s website Supply Chain Basics with Jason Miller The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/10/2021 • 57 minutes, 9 seconds
The Critical Mile with Saad Shahzad
The Critical Mile with Saad Shahzad Saad Shahzad and Joe Lynch discuss the critical mile. Saad is the Chief Revenue Officer at Airspace, a company that utilizes a technology-driven platform – backed by machine learning and AI – to deliver time-critical shipments including organs for transplant, medical specimens, airplane parts, and more. About Saad Shahzad Saad Shahzad is the Chief Revenue Officer, Airspace. He is a go-to-market leader who has built and managed world-class teams at several high-growth companies. With over a decade of experience in senior leadership roles at startups with a combined market value of $8 billion, Saad knows what drives great people, processes and products. Prior to Airspace, Saad was GM of Clutter's Third-party Logistics business and Vice President of its Sales and Customer Service teams following his role as Head of Sales at Gusto and Vice President of Sales at dinCloud. In addition to his experience helping to build companies, Saad is a former venture capitalist who invested in early-stage companies at Norwest Venture Partners ($9 billion in capital under management). He started his career in investment banking where he worked at Goldman Sachs and Jefferies. Saad holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. About Airspace From life-saving organs to essential machinery components, Airspace is trusted to move the most time-critical shipments on time, every time. The company’s proprietary AI-powered platform completely automates routing, dispatch, and delivery. Awarded and protected by multiple patents, Airspace technology provides unrivaled speed, reliability, and transparency in time-critical logistics. With its exclusive courier network, 24/7/365 support, and AirTrace™ tracking and reporting solution, the company is rapidly scaling into new markets and industries while continuing to innovate and maximize value for its customers. Key Takeaways: The Critical Mile Saad Shahzad is the Chief Revenue Officer at Airspace, a company that focuses on time-critical shipments. In the podcast interview, Saad explained that the critical mile can be the first, middle, or last mile – what makes it critical is that there is a high likelihood of failure or delays. For time-critical shipments like transplant organs, life-saving drugs, or parts delaying a huge manufacturing operation, failure is not an option. Traditionally, expediting companies were smaller operations with less emphasis on technology, which might explain why the expediting process is typically very manual, lacks shipment visibility and pricing transparency. Airspace ships anything from organs for transplant to aircraft parts that could cause delays across the nation. Airspace built an industry-first automated platform that provides complete visibility from the moment the order is placed to the moment it is delivered. The Airspace platform was created to eliminate the transparency issues and challenges that are so prevalent in the logistics industry today. Using the Airspace platform, Airspace customers can track the exact location, temperature, humidity, shock, and light exposure of their most critical shipments in real-time. Learn More About The Critical Mile Saad Shahzad LinkedIn Airspace The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/6/2021 • 46 minutes, 27 seconds
How to Grow a Trucking Company with Brian Fielkow
How to Grow a Trucking Company with Brian Fielkow Brian Fielkow and Joe Lynch discuss how to grow a trucking company. Brian is the CEO of Houston-based Jetco Delivery and EVP of Montreal- based The GTI Group. About Brian Fielkow In his dual role as CEO of Houston-based Jetco Delivery and EVP of Montreal- based The GTI Group, Brian leverages his 25+ years’ experience of leading, growing and transforming multimillion dollar organizations organically and via mergers and acquisitions. The companies’ operations include intermodal, flatbed/heavy haul, van, and freight brokerage. As Jetco CEO over the past 14 years, Brian developed the company into one of the Gulf Coast’s premier trucking and logistics providers. Under his leadership, Jetco built a premium service model that differentiated the company in a price-driven industry. Brian has maintained focus on people, fleet, technology and innovation to provide an excellent client experience. About Jetco Delivery Since 1976, Jetco has partnered with sophisticated shippers and intermediaries to meet their trucking and freight brokerage needs throughout the Gulf Coast. Through its family of companies, Jetco provides intermodal, open deck, heavy haul, dry van, asset-backed freight brokerage, and warehousing services. Headquartered in Houston, Jetco maintains an office in Dallas and terminals in La Porte, Freeport, San Antonio and Dallas. Jetco is a part of The GTI Group, a Canadian-based specialized transport company providing integrated logistics and transportation services, including asset-based trucking, freight brokerage, air and ocean services, and warehousing and storage. Key Takeaways: How to Grow a Trucking Company with Brian Fielkow Brian Fielkow is the CEO of Houston-based Jetco Delivery and EVP of Montreal- based The GTI Group. Brian bought Jetco and grew the company ten-fold before selling it to The GTI Group. In the podcast interview, Brian explained that there are many challenges in the trucking business including: the boom and bust cycle which makes investment difficult, hiring and retaining the wrong people, safety problems, high insurance costs, working with the wrong shippers and carriers, and over-reliance on transactional business. When Brian took over at Jetco, he worked hard to win the respect of the employees. From the beginning Brian wanted to build a winning culture and business processes that ensured success. To grow the company, Brian focuses on 1.) People 2.) Fleet and 3.) Technology. Jetco / GTI operates a fleet of 100+ trucks and 250+ trailers. Headquartered in Houston, Jetco maintains an office in Dallas and terminals in La Porte, Freeport, San Antonio and Dallas. Jetco is a part of The GTI Group, a Canadian-based company providing over-the-road transportation, freight brokerage, ocean and air logistics, and warehousing services throughout North America and across the globe. Learn More About How to Grow a Trucking Company Brian Fielkow LinkedIn Brian Fielkow website Jetco Delivery The GTI Group The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
8/4/2021 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Overcoming Last Mile Challenges with Israel Duanis
Overcoming Last Mile Challenges with Israel Duanis Israel Duanis and Joe Lynch discuss overcoming last mile challenges. Israel is the Vice President of the Logistics and Last Mile Delivery Platforms at Via, where he oversees all facets of Via’s logistics-related business. About Israel Duanis Israel Duanis is the Vice President of the Logistics and Last Mile Delivery Platforms at Via, the leader in TransitTech, where he oversees all facets of Via’s logistics-related business. Via’s logistics and last mile delivery team provides solutions that improve the efficiency, sustainability, and scale of current logistics operations for retailers, operators, and government entities -- in addition to helping these partners expand to new offerings for the emerging home delivery sector. Prior to Via, Israel was the CEO and co-founder of Fleetonomy, an intelligent logistics and fleet management software company that was acquired by Via in 2020. Israel received his B.Sc. in Physics, Math and Computer Science from The Hebrew University and his M.S in System Engineering from The Technion. He is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he lives with his family. About Via Via Logistics provides end-to-end technology that will enable operators, retailers, government entities and more to serve more customers with fewer vehicle miles traveled. With 150+ partnerships around the globe, Via's advanced delivery platform can do what no other platform can: manage deliveries seamlessly, allowing partners to have full control and visibility into its operations while keeping customer satisfaction and environmental sustainability top of mind. Key Takeaways: Overcoming Last Mile Challenges Israel Duanis is the VP of Logistics and Delivery Platforms at Via, which provides an advanced delivery platform that enables retailers and carriers to manage last mile deliveries seamlessly, with full control and visibility into its operations. Via’s platform enables their customers (retailers, last mile carriers, etc.) to deliver a world class delivery experience, while minimizing environmental impact. As consumers increasingly choose to have their purchases delivered to their homes, retailers and ecommerce companies are faced with a decision – use delivery services like DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt to manage the delivery or manage the delivery internally. It is not an easy choice. If the retailer decides to partner with a delivery service they risk losing some control over the transaction. For example, if a person buying groceries online chooses to process the transaction via Shipt, the consumer is using the Shipt app, and interacting with Shipt people. The grocer loses a valuable interaction with the customer and may even lose customer data. On the other hand, if the retailer decides to manage deliveries internally, they are faced with starting and managing a delivery business that requires advanced routing technology to run effectively and efficiently. Via is the answer for many retailers because they provide a white-label routing technology solution that enables retailers to run their own delivery network. Partnering with Via also means retailers can focus on their core business rather than trying ramp up a freight tech development group. Via also provides a world-class routing technology solution for last-mile delivery services. To succeed in the last-mile delivery business, carriers must be effective (deliver on-time) and efficient (using the fewest resources especially time and fuel). Via’s routing solutions are used all over the world and enable companies large and small to deliver efficient and scalable last-mile deliveries. Learn More About Overcoming Last Mile Challenges Israel Duanis LinkedIn Via The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/29/2021 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds
Killing Ghost Loads and Phantom Data with Michael Darden
Michael Darden and Joe Lynch discuss killing ghost loads and phantom data. Michael is the CEO of DFM Data Corp, a utility company designed to be a tool between digital partners moving freight in the USA and Canada. About Michael Darden Michael is from New York and moved to Atlanta Georgia in 1985. He is married, with 3 children. Michael has been fascinated with the coordination and movement of goods for 40 years. He worked for Coca-Cola, culminating as Operations Manager for the Coke Olympic Warehouse operation at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He then led Power2Ship as it pioneered digital freight matching in the trucking industry in the early 2000s. Arranging for the right human resources, at the right place, with the right equipment, at the right time, takes historic knowledge, precision in planning and communication, and precise execution. Michael has focused his career on the collection and utilization of actionable data to make informed process improvement decisions. About DFM Data Corp DFM Data Corp. Inc. was formed in 2019 to help the fragmented North American ground transportation industry embrace digital technology … AKA the “FreightTech Revolution”. The company has engaged with governance leaders to establish a business model for collaboration in the digital freight industry, the linchpin to unlock this valuable data. Recognizing that the fragmentation is caused by existing industry systems that date back 100 years, DFM Data has put forth a new type of ‘for profit’ entity to serve this exact need. Participation is power. Our technology solution introduces the ability to network all of the different systems with different jargon, and standardize to a communication bridge that uses virtual computing to move the data through the network, without disclosing the sensitive customer data. Key Takeaways: Killing Ghost Loads and Phantom Data Michael Darden is the Founder and CEO of DFM Data, where he and his team help accelerate adoption of digital freight services by shippers, carriers and brokers. DFM has a solution that will kill ghost loads and phantom data, which in turn will improve the customer experience and performance of digital fright matching services (DFMs). Today, shippers, carriers, and brokers waste a lot of time because the data, that is the foundation of the digital freight business is flawed. Old, dirty, data obscures market signals and leads to a lot of bad decisions, customer dissatisfaction, and additional cost for the entire industry. The heart of the problem is that there is no unique identifier for loads. Example: A shipper or broker posts a load on multiple load boards and then the load is covered by a carrier. The load is removed from one of the load boards, but not necessarily all the load boards. In this example, the covered load is now a ghost load, yet dozens of companies don’t know it yet. The same problem exists with capacity. As a result of ghost loads and phantom data, supply and demand signals confuses rather than enlighten the shippers, carriers, and brokers. DFM Data is a neutral utility that functions as the data clearinghouse for the 200+ US-based digital freight matching service providers (DFMs). Their distributed data platform facilitates anonymized data-sharing by DFMs. This essential interconnectivity between DFMs allows the automated removal of duplicated load and capacity postings (aka “Phantom Data”) from multiple DFM marketplaces, platforms and load boards—and ultimately, the entire US truckload spot market. Learn More About Killing Ghost Loads and Phantom Data Michael Darden LinkedIn DFM Data Corp The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/22/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 4 seconds
Why XPO is Spinning Off GXO with Mark Manduca
Why XPO is Spinning Off GXO with Mark Manduca Mark Manduca and Joe Lynch discuss why XPO is spinning off GXO. Mark is the Chief Investment Officer of XPO which is leader in logistics, brokerage and LTL. About Mark Manduca Mark Manduca currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer of XPO’s global logistics segment. His career as a top-ranked analyst spans senior positions with leading investment banks, including Citigroup in London, where he served as managing director in equity research and led transport research activities. Earlier, he spent eight years with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he led the business services, leisure and transport research teams. Prior to XPO, Manduca consistently led the top-ranked European transport research teams for close to a decade, as determined by Institutional Investor. In 2020, he received the most votes individually across all sectors and regions in the European Institutional Investor survey and was named the No. 1 European transport research analyst for the eighth consecutive year. About XPO Logistics XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) provides cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world, with two business segments: transportation and logistics. The company helps more than 50,000 customers manage their supply chains most efficiently, using a network of 1,621 locations in 30 countries and approximately 140,000 team members, including 108,000 employees and 32,000 temporary workers. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Greenwich, Conn., USA. About the GXO spin-off XPO intends to spin off its logistics segment on August 2, 2021 as GXO Logistics, creating two, pure-play industry powerhouses. The separation would create independent public companies with distinct investment identities and service offerings in vast addressable markets. GXO would be the largest pure-play contract logistics company in the world, and XPO would be a leading provider of transportation services, primarily less-than-truckload transportation and truck brokerage. Key Takeaways: Why XPO is Spinning Off GXO In the podcast interview, GXO’s Chief Investment Officer, Mark Manduca explains why XPO is spinning off GXO. XPO Logistics is an American transportation and contract logistics company that manages supply chains for 50,000 customers worldwide, including 69 of the Fortune 100. It operates in 30 countries, with approximately 100,000 employees. XPO Logistics, Inc. was the 7th best-performing stock of the last decade on the Fortune 500, with its share price rising more than 1,000% from the time its CEO, Brad Jacobs, took control. XPO's corporate headquarters are in Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S. Its regional headquarters for the European markets are in Lyon, France. XPO is spinning off GXO on August 2nd thus creating two pure-play industry powerhouses. The separation would create two independent public companies with distinct investment identities and service offerings in vast addressable markets. GXO would be the second largest contract logistics company in the world, and XPO would be a leading provider of transportation services, primarily less-than-truckload transportation, and truck brokerage. Learn More About Why XPO is Spinning Off GXO Mark Manduca GXO XPO The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/19/2021 • 27 minutes, 11 seconds
Worst Case Scenarios for Freight Brokers with Lisa Bruno
Worst Case Scenarios for Freight Brokers with Lisa Bruno Lisa Bruno and Joe Lynch talk about the worst case scenarios for freight brokers. Lisa is an Industry Consultant at CarrierDirect which is a consulting firm supporting the transportation and industry, logistics, warehousing, supply chain and also provide technology support. About Lisa Bruno Lisa Bruno brings 15+ years of transportation logistics experience to the podcast. She started her career at Strive Logistics in 2005 and, being the 12th employee, saw an opportunity to make an impact at a young company. She started on the customer operations and account management side of the business running point on PepsiCo’s Quaker Oats account among others. 2012 started her Director-level experience wearing many hats to help propel Strive to success: contributed in developing Strive’s proprietary TMS, led training efforts of new hires and the latest TMS functionality and later in her career was in more of a “fixer” role working with stakeholders to solve process & operational bottlenecks. Once Strive was acquired by Redwood Logistics in 2019, Lisa played an integral role in getting Redwood’s customer-facing department up to speed on Strive’s TMS. She earned her PMP certification in 2020 and most recently joined the CarrierDirect team as an Industry Consultant. About Carrier Direct CarrierDirect is a management consulting and technology development firm focused on transportation, logistics, and supply chain. They are on a mission to help supply chains, transportation, and logistics companies overcome obstacles toward progress and growth, so we can contribute to a more efficient world together. CarrierDirect a team of people absorbed in all things transportation, logistics, and supply chain, motivated by opportunities to help carriers, freight brokers, shippers, and tech vendors do great things. They are passionate about problem solving, not afraid of a challenge, and always ready to go the extra mile. CarrierDirect offers Management Consulting: assessment & benchmarking, capacity strategy, compensation, recruiting, onboarding, training, development, workflows, processes, supply chain resiliency, transportation & distribution strategy, sales & operational planning. They also have Technology Strategy: With a true technology strategy, you can have laser focus on your objectives, agility to solve your most important problems first, and then scale as needed. CarrierDirect also provides Software Development: We develop TMS and other applications that provide the efficiency, workflow, data, and visibility you need. Key Takeaways: Worst Case Scenarios for Freight Brokers In the podcast interview, Lisa Bruno and Joe Lynch discuss some of the worst-case scenarios for freight brokers. In general, freight brokerages and 3PLs tend to be reactive rather than proactive. The industry should learn from the pandemic to plan for the worst-case scenario before it happens. Scenario #1 – Lose a significant customer scenario because of strategic decision by the customer (no fault of the broker/3PL). Scenario #2 – Lose a significant customer due to poor service or bad relationship management. Scenario #3 – Lose a key member of your team, especially if that person is influential within the company and with customers. Scenario #3 – You have a surge in customer demand. Too much business! This is the best worst-case scenario; however, it is still a big challenge to manage. Lots of good companies have struggled or even gone out of business due to unmanageable growth. Lisa and the team at CarrierDirect work with freight brokers and 3PLs to stress-test their businesses, so when misfortune strikes, there is a plan. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Learn More About Worst Case Scenarios for Freight Brokers Lisa Bruno LinkedIn CarrierDirect Risk Management and Stress Testing CarrierDirect Risk Management Ebook Free Preliminary Consultation with a CarrierDirect Expert The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/16/2021 • 54 minutes, 57 seconds
Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish
Successful Bulk Food Transport with Chris Fish Chris Fish and Joe Lynch discuss bulk food transport. Chris is the Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation by Ruan Transportation which provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. About Chris Fish Chris Fish was appointed Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation in 2017. He joined Ruan Transportation Management Systems in 1998 and has served in various progressive roles of leadership over his tenure. Fish has been in the transportation industry for the last 30 years, serving on various transportation committees during that time. Chris is a native of Chicago, IL, and attended Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. Chris and his spouse Christine are active in the community; most recently, Chris served as the chairperson of Ruan’s record breaking 2020 United Way of Central Iowa campaign. About Ruan Transportation Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. With 90 years of transportation and logistics experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates from 300 locations nationwide and employs over 5,500 team members. Key Takeaways: Successful Bulk Food Transport In his role as Senior Vice President of Dedicated Contract Transportation at Ruan, Chris and his team help food producers transport bulk shipments. In the podcast interview, Chris explains that there is a higher bar for bulk food transport. Because the risk of contamination (intentional and unintentional) is very high, there is a lot of regulatory compliance for both producers and carriers. Bulk food carriers like Ruan must meet a higher standard in areas like driver training, licensing, weighing & sampling, and food safety. While there are plenty of small carriers that succeed in the space, big carriers who have the resources (people, tractors, tankers, ability to invest) are usually a better fit in the bulk food transportation business. The pandemic highlighted some of the real challenges faced by both milk producers and their supply chain partners. Overnight, milk producers were forced to drastically redirect their product to alternative channels. Milk cows never stop producing the product so the milk is either sold or it is wasted. Large carriers like Ruan who have a large fleet, visibility, and the ability to reallocate resources to key customers made all the difference for milk producers in their time of crisis. When selecting a bulk food transportation partner carrier, Chris suggests that food producers look for the following 5 attributes in a carrier: A large pool of drivers who have experience in bulk transport, low turnover, proper training, and certifications. Owns assets including tractors, trailers, terminals - especially valuable during times when capacity is a problem. The right culture – one that values ownership, employee engagement, safety, customer relationships, accountability, integrity, operational excellence, sustainability, etc. An exceptional logistics / back office that can plan, execute, and manage every risk and every continency. Cutting edge technology in their trucks, terminals, and offices. Learn More About Successful Bulk Food Transport Chris Fish LinkedIn Ruan Transportation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/15/2021 • 1 hour, 31 seconds
The New Retail Paradigm with Ali Raza
The New Retail Paradigm with Ali Raza Ali Raza and Joe Lynch talk about the new retail paradigm. Ali is a theory of constraints (TOC) practitioner who founded a company to help supply chains to improve throughput. About Ali Raza Ali Raza is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, Inc., an AI-Powered software to help companies run leaner, faster, smoother, and safer operations out of the box. Ali comes from a deep academic and real-world industrial operations in process simulations and operations management. He has managed onshore/offshore/war zone logistics as well as batch, continuous, and discrete manufacturing setups. At Schlumberger, he became one of the youngest Geomarket Production Services, pioneering 3 projects and serving 50+ industrial clients. His production teams were responsible for billions of dollars of hydrocarbon output to the global economy. Ali joined his first tech startup while still an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, he has been eliminating one global bottleneck after another, with his current focus on optimizing supply chains that extend to Mars. About ThroughPut, Inc. ThroughPut Inc. is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supply Chain pioneer that enables companies to optimize their Operations by leveraging their existing Data Systems to increase Output, Quality and Profitability across their entire enterprise. ThroughPut's AI software, ELI, includes the only Bottleneck Management System (BMS) that utilizes existing enterprise data systems, such as ERP, MES, IMS, TMS, WMS, PLC, EAM, POS, CRM, SCADA, Historian, and other data systems, to solve for the $25 Trillion of annual Waste across global supply chains already today. Such constraints to the $90 Trillion global Economy could otherwise be dedicated to more productive, useful and sustainable purposes for the benefit of all stakeholders and communities. ThroughPut's AI software is designed by Fortune 500 Supply Chain & Logistics leaders, Silicon Valley AI and Analytics pioneers, and top global Operations Experts in the areas of the Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain Automation, Total Quality Management, and over four-dozen other leading best practices now digitized as part of the ELI software, with hundreds of years of hands-on experience in the space. Key Takeaways: The New Retail Paradigm Ali Raza is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, where he and his team help companies realize greater output and free cash flow. In the podcast interview, Ali describes the challenges that are making retail success even more difficult than in the past. Prior to COVID, consumers buying behavior was changing. Increasingly, consumer demand was moving from traditional retail to ecommerce. The pandemic greatly accelerated the trend to online sales, which means retailers must manage consumer demand through additional channels. Because of the unprecedented events related to COVID, retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers are in a VUCA environment. VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In addition, on-time and in-full (OTIF) key performance indicators are changing the way that retailers evaluate their CPG partners. Some large retailers are even reducing their SKU counts and number of CPG suppliers based on OTIF performance. These challenges make traditional sales and operations planning almost impossible. With Throughput, retailers and CPGs have a tool that will enable them to better predict demand and then reorient their supply chains accordingly. Throughput provides retailers and CPGs artificial intelligence (AI) powered supply chain intelligence that will help them gain end to end visibility and make better decisions. In today’s competitive retail environment, the difference between failure and success will come down to who makes better decisions related to sales and operations planning. Learn More About The New Retail Paradigm Ali Raza ThroughPut Inc Throughput Economics: Making Good Management Decisions Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot with Ali Raza The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/14/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 4 seconds
Cutting Out the Middleman with Mike Nervick
Cutting Out the Middleman with Mike Nervick Mike Nervick and Joe Lynch discuss Cutting out the middleman. Mike is the CEO of Sleek Technologies which is impacting the transportation industry by providing smart solutions that simplify logistics. About Mike Nervick Michael Nervick is a transportation and logistics professional with 20+ years experience. He learned the business as a successful carrier sales rep at American Backhaulers (ABH), later acquired by C.H. Robinson. In 2003, Mike founded his own successful freight brokerage, Advantage Freight Network (AFN), growing it to over $170M. Mike then founded Sleek Fleet in 2017, which is now Sleek Technologies. As a broker insider, Mike saw first-hand how antiquated the freight procurement process was for manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Therefore, Sleek Technologies developed technology, powered by AI, to optimize the freight procurement process resulting in truckload savings, industry-best OTD, and actionable rate data for large shippers. About Sleek Technologies Sleek Technologies is a leading freight procurement innovator that delivers technology that disrupts freight brokerage by advancing the shipper/carrier relationship increasing efficiency & profitability for both. Key Takeaways: Cutting Out the Middleman Mike Nervick is the CEO and Founder of Sleek Technologies, a tech-enabled software that enables shippers and carriers to work together without a middleman (brokers, 3PLs, etc.). When shippers connect directly to carriers using Sleek Technology, they gain open direct access to 75K+ compliant, out-of-network, asset-based carriers. Going directly to the carriers also help shippers save an average of 12% on their freight spend. Also, when shippers engage directly with the carriers using Sleek they gain access to their shipping data and insights into the freight market that they might not get if they had a broker. Shippers who cut out the broker/3PL also gain carrier relationships that can lead to reduced costs and higher service performance. Lastly, shippers who cut out the middleman and engage directly with the carriers gain additional insights and control over their shipping. Learn More About Cutting Out the Middleman Mike Nervick LinkedIn Sleek Technologies Sleek Technologies Twitter The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/9/2021 • 36 minutes
What Will Tomorrow's Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan
What Will Tomorrow's Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan Ben Buchanan and Joe Lynch talk about what tomorrow's freight broker will do. Ben is VP of Account Management at Loadsmart, which is transforming the future of freight, they leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to automate how freight is priced, booked and shipped. About Ben Buchanan Ben Buchanan is VP of Account Management at Loadsmart, leading a team of account managers and sales representatives focused on growing relationships with enterprise and small/medium enterprise shippers by providing additional value to address their unique challenges. Ben has a decade of experience in freight brokerage across various leadership roles, building best-in-class teams for high growth and scalability while delivering for the customer. He earned his logistics stripes at GlobalTranz, learning the business and riding the fast growth wave to impactful leadership positions, and under Buchanan’s leadership at Loadsmart the account sales team has grown in headcount by 860% and in revenue by 578% (1H YoY 2020 - 2021). Ben holds a BA in Political Science from Arizona State University and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the American Charter School Foundation. Prior to GlobalTranz he worked as an educator and high school basketball coach. About Loadsmart Transforming the future of freight, Loadsmart leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to automate how freight is priced, booked and shipped. Pairing advanced technologies with deep-seated industry expertise, Loadsmart fuels growth, simplifies operational complexity and bolsters efficiency for carriers and shippers alike. Key Takeaways: What Will Tomorrow's Freight Broker Do Ben Buchanan is the Vice President of Account Management at Loadsmart, a digital freight brokerage that leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help shippers and carriers move more with less. The freight brokerage space is rapidly transforming as digital freight brokerage companies like Loadsmart deploy technology to automate processes, reduce cost per load, and deliver a superior customer experience. In the interview, Ben describes 5 things that freight brokers will be expected to do in the very near future. Of course, some of the industry leaders like Loadsmart are delivering these innovations today. Instantaneous freight quotes created by a dynamic pricing tool that delivers the right price with guaranteed capacity. No more back and forth emails and phone calls haggling over pricing. Dynamic pricing powered by artificial intelligence provides an instant rate that reflects the most updated market intelligence. Mode optimization automatically included in each quote. Mode optimization has traditionally been promised, but not delivered because the analysis was completed by people who didn’t have the data or tools. Now, mode options with instantly bookable rates across modes including rail, LTL, PTL, and FTL, enable shippers to optimize shipments based on sustainability, cost, and expediency. Data insights that enable shippers to learn from not just their own data and insights — but from each other. To achieve best in class performance, shippers need to be able to compare their KPIs to their industry peers. Additionally, brokers must be able to analyze shipment data and provide actionable data insights that drive operational improvement across the entire shipping function. Rate transparency that empowers the shipper to know exactly what they are paying for. As digital freight brokers automate and streamline the shipping process that was traditionally managed manually, the value added has changed. In the new model, freight brokers won’t be rewarded financially for getting a big spread (cost of truck vs price to shipper). Instead, new pricing models and incentives have evolved that align the shipper and broker. Shift to digital means that freight brokers will need to find new ways to add value to both shippers and carriers. To deliver a superior customer experience, freight brokerages will need to provide the best of tech and the best of people. Learn More about What Will Tomorrow's Freight Broker Do Ben Buchanan LinkedIn Loadsmart The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/2/2021 • 51 minutes, 24 seconds
The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics with Anne Reinke
The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics with Anne Reinke Anne Reinke and Joe Lynch talk about the voice of 3rd party logistics. Anne Reinke joined TIA from the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), where she served both as the Deputy Assistant Secretary-Congressional Affair and DAS-Intergovernmental Affairs from 2019 to 2020. About Anne Reinke Anne Reinke joined TIA from the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), where she served both as the Deputy Assistant Secretary-Congressional Affairs DAS-Intergovernmental Affairs from April 2019 to October 2020. Prior to her time at US DOT, Anne spent 16 years in the Washington, DC office of CSX Corporation ultimately serving as the Vice President- Government Affairs, overseeing the Federal, State Government and Community Affairs Departments. Before joining CSX, she worked at the Association of American Railroads and High Speed Ground Transportation Association. Anne is a Washington, DC native, and graduated from the National Cathedral School. She received a B.A. from Rice University in Houston, TX and a J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, NC. She and her husband, Brett, have two sons, and reside in Alexandria, VA. About TIA Since 1978, TIA has been recognized as the trusted voice of the third-party logistics industry. Through TIA, members are able to establish and protect, ethical, profitable, and growing businesses in service to their customers. TIA will continue to be the leading provider of resources, education, information, advocacy, and connections to advance professional standards, business practices, and the overall image and credibility of the profession and its ultimate contribution to society. TIA will continue to be the trusted voice for third-party logistics companies, recognizing the diverse needs of our members while speaking with one voice to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. Key Takeaways: The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics Anne Reinke is the President & CEO at Transportation Intermediaries Association, which is the voice of 3rd party logistics. In the interview, Anne explains the value that TIA provides for small, medium, and large logistics companies. TIA also is great organization for companies that sell goods and services to 3PLs and brokers. For smaller 3PLs and brokers, TIA provides training and guidance that will enable them to build a sustainable business and scale their growth. Programs like the New Broker Success Package give participants to instruction and coaching from the top coaches and consultants in the industry. For midsize 3PLs and brokers, TIA provides services like TIA Watchdog (carrier issues database that enables brokers to make better carrier decisions) and the TIA Bond Program, which is well known and respected across the industry. For larger 3PLs and brokers, TIA provides advocacy and a voice in Washington. TIA is well known and respected by lawmakers and industry leaders. TIA provides ongoing events, educational programs, and networking opportunities that benefits all their members regardless of their size. Learn More About The Voice of 3rd Party Logistics TIA Anne Reinke LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
7/1/2021 • 37 minutes, 45 seconds
The Best Logistics Team You Have Never Heard Of with Matt Scherer
The Best Logistics Team you Have Never Heard of with Matt Scherer Matt Scherer and Joe Lynch talk about The best logistics team you have never heard of. Matt has been helping thousands of people create, update and improve their LinkedIn profiles. About Matt Scherer Matt Scherer has been helping thousands of military professionals, college students, and other business executives create, update and improve their LinkedIn profiles. He is the author of "LinkedIn For Military", now in its third edition. He and his team are also in the final stages of producing "LinkedIn for Learners," a book with the goal of helping high school and college students to make informed choices about their studies and career goals. About Scherer Communications Formed in 2005, the firm focuses on media relations, content development for trade publications and social media coaching. His team has produced work for trade publications and has handled appearances for them on national and local news. As a retired public affairs professional, Matt Scherer, the CEO, appeared at a military spokesman for Good Morning America and the CBS Morning News. After leaving Lowry AFB, Colo., he was honored with "Technical Sergeant David M. Scherer in the City and County of Denver Day" for his work in community affairs in Colorado. About Military Transition Roundtable Their non-profit helps military professionals in transition with forming a strategic journey towards a successful transition. Military transition Roundtable's mission is to create small working groups, using the MasterMind process developed by Napolean Hill in the early part of the 20th Century. Since forming the non-profit over 18 months ago, the organization has helped more than 25 veterans find exceptional careers and other opportunities. Key Takeaways: The Best Logistics Team you Have Never Heard of Military logistics teams are often overlooked, but they are elite when it comes to transportation, logistics, and operations in difficult environments. Military logistics teams operate in VUCA environments where they need to support either front line troops or people in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. The military most likely invented logistics and few civilian organizations can match their operational might, scope, and performance on big stages. In the military, winning logistics is literally the difference between life and death. Military logisticians are well-trained, experienced, and they have been raised in a culture that expects leadership, accountability, sacrifice, ingenuity, and teamwork. They are the culture warriors every civilian organization should be looking for. Unfortunately, not all military logistics and supply chain professionals are successful in their transition to civilian life. For some the cultural divide and or communicating their worth to employers holds them back. Many Employers also overlook this underutilized well spring of talent because they come from a unique background. The Military Transition Roundtable is helping military veterans transition ease their journey from active duty to new career opportunities. Learn More About the Best Logistics Team you Have Never Heard of LinkedIn For Military Military Transition Roundtable Matt Scherer LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/16/2021 • 35 minutes, 36 seconds
Transforming the Supply Chain Using AI with Max Versace
Transforming the Supply Chain Using AI with Max Versace Max Versace and Joe Lynch talk about transforming the supply chain using AI. Max focuses on making AI more useful in real-world applications, especially in the manufacturing supply chain and industrial industry. About Max Versace Dr. Massimiliano Versace is the CEO and co-founder of Neurala. With decades of experience and research in AI and deep learning techniques, Dr. Versace is now focused on making AI more applicable and useful in real-world applications, specifically in the manufacturing and industrial industry. Prior to co-founding Neurala, Dr. Versace co-founded the Boston University Neuromorphics Lab, and worked with government organizations such as DARPA and NASA to develop AI with the ability to learn in real-time, at the edge, and free of traditional constraints of computational hardware. Dr. Versace has spoken at numerous events, including a keynote at Mobile World Congress Drone Summit, TEDx, NASA, the Pentagon, MIT Tech Review’s Future Compute and IMA Sensing Days. His work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Fortune, MSNBC, the Associated Press, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more. He holds several patents and two PhDs: Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University; Experimental Psychology, University of Trieste, Italy. About Neurala Neurala is a pioneer in vision AI software. On a mission to make AI more applicable and useful in real-world applications, Neurala helps industrial companies improve their quality inspection process, with technology that dramatically reduces the time, cost and skills required to build and maintain production-quality custom vision AI solutions. Founded in 2006, Neurala’s research team invented Lifelong-DNN™ (L-DNN) technology, which lowers the data requirements for AI model development and enables continuous learning in the cloud or at the edge. Neurala is headquartered in Boston, MA with a European subsidiary in Trieste, Italy. Key Takeaways: Transforming the Supply Chain Using AI Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to transform the supply chain from incoming materials, through production, quality inspection, packaging, and shipping. Companies are using AI to reduce costs, improve quality, and streamline operations. In the podcast interview, Max explained the basics of artificial intelligence and some applications that are already transforming the supply chain. Application 1: Visual Quality Inspection for Surface Defects. AI can inspect surface to determine defects. This work is difficult and boring for humans so AI can do the job more effectively and efficiently. Application 2: Incoming Materials Quality and Quantity Inspection. AI can be taught to check dozens of factors on incoming parts and materials, which ensures that production quality and quantity targets are met. Application 3: Electronic Component Vision Inspection. For the quality inspection of electronic components, AI solutions for electronic component inspection provides a much lower cost of implementation than traditional Automated optical inspection (AOI) machines so that electronics manufacturers can offer their customers higher quality without high costs. Learn More About Transforming the Supply Chain Using AI Neurala Max Versace LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/11/2021 • 42 minutes, 57 seconds
Spencer Tenney and the Tenny Group Story
Spencer Tenney and the Tenny Group Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Spencer Tenney and the Tenney Group. Spencer is the CEO of a firm that advises business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry on mergers and acquisitions. About Spencer Tenney Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Prior to Tenney Group, Spencer worked as a Director at Merritt Hawkins, a healthcare recruiting firm in Dallas. He also owned a music publishing company. Spencer and his wife, Lauren, reside outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee and have been married for 13 years. He has three amazing kids – 9,6, & 3. He enjoys writing country music, reading presidential biographies, and F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith). He currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty. About Tenney Group Tenney Group are mergers and acquisitions advisors who work with business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry. These business owners are hardworking individuals or teams who have created and lead companies that are the backbone of America. Unfortunately, pitfalls unique to the transportation industry can threaten an owner’s ability to sell their business for what they deserve or even threaten their ability to sell at all. Luckily, Tenney Group has developed an industry specialized process that enables business owners to navigate these pitfalls and maximize their ability to get a deal done. Ultimately, this allows owners to impact their family, employees, and community in profound ways while also giving them peace of mind that they made the best decision. The Tenney Group’s unique expertise helps transportation business owners build and protect business value, grow through acquisitions, and optimize the sale of their businesses. The Tenney Group was established in 1973 and has completed over 200 transportation deals. Learn More About Spencer Tenney and the Tenny Group Story Spencer Tenney Tenney Group What’s Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/11/2021 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 8 seconds
The Psychology of Logistics Sales with Dan Deigan
The Psychology of Logistics Sales with Dan Deigan Dan Deigan and Joe Lynch talk about the psychology of logistics sales. Dan is the founder High-Performance Logistics Sales a company that helps sales reps increase their sales. About Dan Deigan Dan Deigan is the found of High-Performance Logistics Sales. "Just make more calls" That was the training Dan started his career with. He used this training for years until he found he was dealing with more stress, anxiety, and pressure than ever. That's when he started looking for ways to hack the sales process, simplify the sales sequence, and create a framework that would serve his business and personal life in healthy and energetic ways. After fifteen years of piecing one strategy with another, Dan finally found the formula. Since then, Dan has helped hundreds of sales reps re-engage with their careers, ignite their internal fire (that's been put out), and streamlined learning to help his community grow their business at lightning speed. About High-Performance Logistics Sales The core of High-Performance Logistics Sales is the six inches between your ears. Many sales reps believe there is a silver bullet, and wealth beyond their wildest imaginations will come...The truth is, this career is not a "walk in the park"; there is unimaginable responsibility that comes with helping corporations achieve their mandates and departmental goals. As a professional sales rep in one of the world's largest industries that touches EVERY single part of life, it's our responsibility to be at the top of our game, and that's where High-Performance Logistics Sales was born. HPLS and Dan Deigan's mission is to help 10,000 sales reps hit the Two-Comma Club and make over $1,000,000 in less than 12-months by serving at the highest levels and realizing it's not sales as we know-it that helps us reach the top 2% of our industry... It's all about the sequence! Key Takeaways: The Psychology of Logistics Sales Dan Deigan helps logistics sales professionals increase their sales. In the podcast interview, Dan shared three strategies for the psychology of logistics sales: Strategy 1: Technical knowledge is mandatory, but not enough to be successful in sales. Sales professionals need to recognize that buyers (shippers) often buy for irrational reasons that they might not share. Understanding the shipper’s buying behavior is key. Strategy 2: The salesperson needs to be aware of the 3 phases of the relationship: curiosity, enlightenment, and commitment so they can support the customer with the right information. A related concept is the know, like, trust spectrum. Customers are more likely to buy from people, they know, like, and trust. Strategy 3: Always make the customer the hero. It is important for the salesperson to help the buyer be seen as successful within their company. The person buying logistics has a career and they would like to get credit for the logistics success that you helped them achieve. Learn More About the Psychology of Logistics Sales High-Performance Logistics Sales Dan Deigan Website Dan Diegan LinkedIn Dan Deigan Masterclass The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/5/2021 • 55 minutes, 16 seconds
Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen
Freight Tech Trends with Mike Mulqueen Mike Mulqueen and Joe Lynch discuss freight tech trends. Mike is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at JBF Consulting a company that integrates a supply chain execution strategy and systems for logistics-intensive companies. About Mike Mulqueen Mike Mulqueen is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at JBF Consulting. Mike is a leading expert in logistics technology solutions with over 30 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport systems. His functional expertise is in Multi-modal Transportation Management, Supply Chain Visibility, and Transportation Modeling. Mike earned a Master of Engineering degree from MIT and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from the University of Maryland. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF’s background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: Freight Tech Trends Mike Mulqueen and the team at JBF Consulting advise and consult the very largest shippers on transportation management systems and technology. Typically, JBF customers spend over $100 million per year on transportation. Because of their large spend, JBF’s customers usually buy their own transportation management systems. In the interview, Mike discussed the largest TMS companies and some of the recent mergers and acquisitions. Mike also highlighted the 3 freight tech trends that he thinks are relevant right now. Trend 1: Mergers and acquisitions in the TMS business mean some shippers will find themselves with a new TMS provider, who may not support their application. Some large shippers are faced with painful integrations and implementations that they had not planned as a result of their TMS provider getting acquired or merging with another provider. Trend 2: Migration of on-premise solutions to the cloud. Many large shippers are using transportation management systems that are on-premise solutions, which is installed on the customer’s server. As TMS providers migrate their systems to the cloud, some shippers are experiencing disruptions. Many companies using on-premise solutions are very large shippers so any interruption of service can be very costly. Migration to the cloud is also expensive, and time-consuming for very large shippers. Because the migration to the cloud is often like starting over, many large shippers decide to re-evaluate their TMS providers before moving to the cloud. Trend 3: Transportation management systems are evolving to become easier to integrate and implement. TMS solutions are also focusing on being expert at one function (inch wide – mile deep) rather than being mediocre at many functions (mile wide – inch deep). Integrations will still be necessary, but hopefully they will get easier. Companies like Turvo are unifying systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end platform, which enables companies to use the very best system for the job, while seamlessly connecting to the platform. Learn More About Freight Tech Trends Mike Mulqueen JBF Consulting FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
6/4/2021 • 48 minutes, 32 seconds
Texas: It Ain't Bragging, If It's True with Jason Giulietti
Texas: It Ain't Bragging, If It's True with Jason Giulietti Jason Giulietti and Joe Lynch discuss Texas: It Ain't Bragging, If It's True. Jason is the President of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, which is a regional economic development organization for the areas between San Antonio and Austin. The San Marcos area is booming and many think the city is on a path to becoming America's next great metropolis. About Jason Giulietti Jason Giulietti is the President of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, with more than 15 years of leadership experience in economic development and marketing at the state, regional, and local levels. In these roles, he has taken transformative and innovative approaches to economic development, both by having built a ground-up business attraction strategy, and by strengthening business retention efforts while engaging and leveraging public and private partners. Jason has been nationally recognized by Consultant Connect as one of the top 50 economic developers in the country and by the IEDC as a member of the 2018-2020 40 Under 40 Class. Jason relocated from Connecticut where he served as the Vice President of Business Recruitment at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. Jason holds a Master of Public Administration degree and Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. About the Greater San Marcos Partnership The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) was founded in 2010 by regional stakeholders with a commitment to community advancement and a focused objective: creating economic diversity and strength through ethical, proactive and strategic professional economic development. GSMP is a public-private partnership that serves as the regional economic development organization for the City of San Marcos, and Hays and Caldwell Counties, located at the heart of the Texas Innovation Corridor. The GSMP mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents in Hays and Caldwell Counties through focused, strategic and sustainable economic growth by facilitating the creation of high-quality jobs in growth-oriented target sectors; attracting new capital investment to the region; optimizing and preparing the regional workforce; and uniting the region's diverse stakeholders in the collaborative pursuit of economic prosperity for all. Key Takeaways - Texas: It Ain't Bragging, If It's True Texas is booming and in this podcast, Jason Giulietti explains why so many supply chain, logistics, and freight tech companies are expanding in the Lone Star State. The Texas Triangle, which is the area between Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio already has more people that 46 states and it is growing fast. The Texas Triangle, which is huge in terms of population and land mass makes up only 25% of Texas, so there is lots of room to grow. People are flocking to Texas because it is business friendly, warm, and affordable – a great place to live and work. Trade with Mexico is a critical part of the economy and will continue to grow as US companies nearshore production in response to COVID 19 delays. Much of the goods bought and sold move through Texas, which has the 3 of the 5 biggest customs districts in the USA – #1 Laredo, #2 El Paso and #5 Houston. The Innovation Corridor (between Austin and San Antonio) and Silicon Hills (Austin) are rapidly becoming important technology hubs that rival Silicon Valley. The Greater San Marcos Partnership (Innovation Corridor) is not only a tech hub. Because real estate is less expensive than neighboring Austin, the region is fast becoming a logistics and supply chain hub. A number of high profile retailers and distribution companies have open up shop in the region in recent years. Learn More About Texas: It Ain't Bragging, If It's True Jason Giulietti The Greater San Marcos Partnership (Innovation Corridor) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/31/2021 • 36 minutes, 18 seconds
The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch
The True Cost of OTIF Failure with Andrew Lynch Andrew Lynch and Joe Lynch discuss the true cost of OTIF failure. OTIF means on time and in full, where the customer receives the completed order when they wanted it and, in the quantity, ordered. OTIF is a key supply chain metric. It is generally calculated as a percentage of total deliveries that were complete and on time. About Andrew Lynch Andrew Lynch is President and co-founder of Zipline Logistics, an award-winning North American 3PL that specializes exclusively in the transportation of retail consumer goods. He works alongside clients ranging from some of the largest food and beverage businesses in the world to the brightest up-and-coming CPG brands in North America. Lynch and his team leverage data intelligence and strong industry relationships to help clients uncover transportation savings, build scalable supply chain strategies, and ace retailer compliance programs. Starting his career in carrier procurement and management within a Fortune 100 logistics company, Lynch has held positions of responsibility in all areas of third-party logistics. About Zipline Logistics Zipline Logistics, founded in 2007, is a digitally enabled transportation partner specializing exclusively in serving the food, beverage, and consumer product manufacturers. Managing hundreds of thousands of shipments, Zipline Logistics proudly serves clients ranging from some of the largest retail organizations in the world to the brightest up-and-coming food and beverage brands in North America. The 3PL’s capacity procurement team utilizes a proprietary qualification process to identify and contract the highest quality providers to operate within its network. This selectively procured carrier group is leveraged, along with Zipline Logistics’ proprietary data analytics software, a retail-trained operations staff, and service-first organizational culture, to deliver the absolute best client experience in transportation. Zipline Logistics was selected as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company for 8 years, is a 9-time winner of the Columbus Business First Fast 50 Award and is consistently recognized as a Top 100 3PL by trusted outlets such as Food Logistics Magazine and Transport Topics. Key Takeaways: The True Cost of OTIF Failure OTIF is the acronym for on time and in full, which is supply chain measurement that is usually expressed as a percentage. In recent years, many large retailers began using OTIF to measure their supplier’s performance. Typically, the retailer will set a minimum service level for OTIF deliveries. The minimum OTIF percentage varies by industry. Suppliers who do not meet the minimum OTIF service level are often fined by the retailer. In the podcast interview, Andrew Lynch explained that the fines are only part of the total cost of OTIF failure. The true cost of OTIF failure would also include the following costs: Lost sales. If the product isn’t on the shelf, it can’t be sold. Relationships with the retailer are hurt. Fail the customer too many times and the business will be lost. Lost customers. Disappoint the customer enough times and they may stop buying your product. Involuntary sampling. When customers can’t find your product, they many be begin sampling your competition’s product and you could potentially lose that customer. Operational problems. Too many OTIF failures may point to larger supply chain issues in the organization that are far more costly than OTIF failure. Learn More About the True Cost of OTIF Failure Andrew Lynch Zipline Logistics White Paper - The 5 Best Practices for a Changing Retail Industry The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/29/2021 • 35 minutes, 50 seconds
Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto
Building a Freight Juggernaut Again with Michael Leto Michael Leto and Joe Lynch talk about building a freight juggernaut again. Michael is the CEO of Emerge, a digital freight marketplace that was built specifically for carriers and shippers. The platform enables carriers to bid on spot and contract business that they wouldn't otherwise have access to. Additionally, Emerge enables shippers to choose from thousands of vetted carriers or better manage their RFP communication with their existing carriers. About Michael Leto Michael Leto, CEO of Emerge, has been in the transportation industry for over 21 years and played an active role in creating one of the largest and fastest-growing 3PLs in the country. He has been recognized as one of Arizona's "Top 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger" by AZ Central, “40 Under 40” by Phoenix Business Journal, and creating a culture awarded "Best Places to Work". He has a proven track record of building and scaling successful e-commerce platforms and assimilating teams to drive results and execute strategic initiatives. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Key Takeaways: Building a Freight Juggernaut Again Michael Leto and his brother Andrew built the freight juggernaut, Globaltranz. The brothers and their team pioneered a new way of managing freight. Their innovative approach enabled them to grow quickly and become one of the most successful 3PLs in the country. Globaltranz developed a transportation management system at a time when few companies understood the power of the new technology. Additionally, Globaltranz treated their carriers (and agents) as customers while many freight brokers had adversarial relationships with carriers. After their successful exit at Globaltranz, Andrew and Michael founded Emerge with the goal of transforming the freight marketplace again. Emerge is a free freight marketplace built for both shippers and carriers. With Emerge, shippers can ditch the blast emails to carriers and the mind-numbing Excel spreadsheets and upgrade to an advanced procurement tool for managing both spot and contract relationships. The Emerge Marketplace gives shippers access to the lowest rates on live capacity with just a few clicks. Emerge enables shippers to grow their partner network by connecting to thousands of verified carriers and brokers to ensure their loads are always covered. Carriers gain access and bid directly on exclusive contract and spot lanes that they would not otherwise have access to. Emerge’s network connects carriers with shippers of all sizes, providing more opportunities for carriers to work in their preferred lanes. Learn More About Building a Freight Juggernaut Again Michael Leto Emerge How to Manage Through FTL Market Transitions The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/28/2021 • 53 minutes, 36 seconds
The Logistics of Customer Experience with Scott Perry
The Logistics of Customer Experience with Scott Perry Scott Perry and Joe Lynch discuss the logistics of customer experience. Scott is the President of the Suddath Companies, Suddath has been a trusted name in moving and logistics for over a century. From humble beginnings in 1919 as a moving company in Jacksonville, Florida, The company has grown into a $600-million global transportation, relocation management and logistics company, serving 180 countries with 2,000 employees around the globe. About Scott Perry Scott Perry is the president of moving and logistics at Suddath, a leading moving and logistics provider for over a century. At Suddath, Scott leads multiple lines of business, each of them responsible for thousands of ground, air and ocean shipments carrying millions of products on any given day. Scott is an astute leader with more than 30 years’ logistics experience, including international freight forwarding, domestic transportation and freight management, warehousing, distribution and fulfilment, as well as more complex domestic and global supply chain management. He is experienced with next-generation technology, including product management, strategy and integration of new technology into existing systems. Prior to joining Suddath, Scott served as Chief Operating Officer at Nikola Motor Company. Prior to that, he was Chief Technology and Procurement Officer for Ryder System, Inc.’s Fleet Management Solutions division, where he worked for more than 26 years in various operational and functional leadership roles in logistics and transportation. Scott holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in sustainability from Harvard University. About Suddath Suddath, a trusted name in moving and logistics for over a century, has grown into a $650 million diverse and global company of brands. Our 2,000 passionate employees provide tailored solutions and expert insights with the highest levels of customer care in more than 180 countries around the world. With 58 locations and 3.5 million square feet of warehouse space in the U.S., Suddath moves more than 84,000 households annually, including 38,000 military families, and is North America’s largest commercial mover. Key Takeaways: The Logistics of Customer Experience Companies are increasingly trying to differentiate their product or service by delivering a superior customer experience. That customer experience is often outsourced to transportation and logistics companies, who traditionally have not focused on customer experience. Customer expectations have risen dramatically in recent years because of Amazon doing such a good job on home delivery. Suddath’s unique heritage in both logistics and residential moving has given them practical insights into the customer experience. In the interview, Scott Perry explains what it takes to deliver a customer experience that meets and exceeds expectations. People and culture - The customer experience is delivered by the frontline people in the organization so those people must be taken care of. At Suddath, they have developed a culture that truly values employees. The values are reflected in the company’s commitment to employee health & safety, sustainability, social responsibility, and community development. Technology – Customers expect to receive updates and visibility via technology whether it is a full truck delivering to a retailer or a shipment delivering to a home. Resources – The logistics provider needs to a certain level of control over the resources (people, trucks, and warehouses) that are responsible for delivering the customer experience. While Suddath has many valued partners, they also own their own trucks and warehouses so they can be counted on even in difficult times. Resilience – The pandemic has reinforced the importance of resilient supply chains. Many shippers who focused on price alone found that their carriers could not be counted on when things got tough. Suddath has been in business for over a century, through economic turmoil, wars, pandemics, regulatory changes, etc. so resilience is in their DNA. Learn More About the Logistics of Customer Experience Suddath Companies Scott Perry The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/28/2021 • 42 minutes, 15 seconds
Buying Better and Reducing Risk with Scott Evans
Buying Better and Reducing Risk with Scott Evans Scott Evans and Joe Lynch discuss buying better and reducing risk. Scott is the Co-founder and President of Waybridge. Waybridge makes a tech platform that unlocks opportunities to make the raw materials supply chain more efficient, more resilient, and more sustainable. About Scott Evans Scott Evans is the Co-founder and President of Waybridge, Scott understands first-hand the frustrations and complexities of the physical commodities market from 20+ years of industry experience. After starting in the metals industry at Gerald Metals, Scott went on to run the aluminum desk at Mitsubishi Corporation, start the physical non-ferrous metals trading business at Goldman Sachs, and was a co-founder of Concord Resources Limited. Scott has worked closely with raw material producers and industrial consumers in the US and abroad to optimize their supply chains and provide comprehensive working capital and risk management solutions. Scott graduated from Swarthmore with a degree in Economics and has a master’s degree from Harvard. About Waybridge Waybridge creates tools that connect and optimize the entire global raw materials supply chain. Companies use Waybridge to buy, sell, transport and finance without the friction. Waybridge blends the expertise and vision of founders Brian O'Kelley, Scott Evans, Andrea Aranguren, and Andrew Sweeney to create an innovative platform that makes the exchange of raw materials smarter, faster, and better. Key Takeaways: Buying Better and Reducing Risk with Scott Evans Supply chains usually begin with procuring raw materials or commodities, typically agricultural, metals, or energy. The quality of a given commodity may differ slightly, but it is essentially uniform across producers. A barrel of oil is basically the same product, regardless of the producer. Because commodities are fungible, commodities exchanges evolved that provide a centralized marketplace where commodity producers—the commercials—can sell their commodities to those who want to use them for manufacturing or consumption. The founders of Waybridge recognized that the commodity buying process, for all its importance, is often difficult and inefficient. The technology and visibility platforms used to streamline the rest of the supply chain are not available to commodity buyers. Waybridge offers a suite of digital tools targeting the fundamental inefficiencies in the raw materials supply chain. The company's platform makes supply chains more resilient, more sustainable, more collaborative, and more effective. Commodity buyers using the Waybridge digital tools gain the following: A technology platform that connects all the players and streamlines the process. A better way for trading and transporting commodities. Risk reduction and increased efficiency through data science and technology. Key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance. Visibility tools to track the commodity from end to end. Tools for improving resilience and sustainability. Learn More About Buying Better and Reducing Risk Scott Evans Waybridge Supply Chains in VUCA Environments with Jim Tompkins The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/26/2021 • 37 minutes, 24 seconds
The Quiet 3PF Story with Bruce Welty
The Quiet 3PF Story with Bruce Welty Joe Lynch and Bruce Welty discuss Bruce's entrepreneurial journey and the Quiet 3PF story. Quiet 3PF is a best in class fulfillment services company used by leading retail and digitally native vertical brands (including high growth and category-defining brands like Away). About Bruce Welty Bruce Welty is the founder and vice chairman at Quiet 3PF. He has been a pioneer and visionary in automating warehouses since before the Internet. Mr. Welty has built, bought and sold some of the industry’s most innovative companies. His clients include companies ranging from Fortune 500s to e-Commerce startups. Quiet 3PF now ships a GMV in excess of $1.5 billion of e-commerce merchandise each year. Quiet, an early user of warehouse robotics could no longer utilize Kiva Systems, Inc.’s robotic solution after Amazon’s purchase of Kiva. Mr. Welty designed and built a new replacement robot, spinning the product into a company called Locus Robotics, now the premier warehouse robotics company in the world. He holds 30 patents and has been interviewed on CBS/60 Minutes and is a frequent guest on CNN, CNBC, Fox News and Bloomberg News. Mr. Welty is a frequent guest lecturer at the Harvard Business School. About Quiet 3PF Quiet 3PF partners with leading brands to deliver agile and scalable inventory optimization and fulfillment solutions. We use strategic real estate planning to design warehouses in close proximity to consumers and retailers, better enabling same-day and next-day delivery. Our best-in-class technology helps companies ranging from digitally native to omnichannel brands scale quickly while maintaining unprecedented order accuracy and a premium customer experience. Quiet is jointly owned by Greenfield Partners, a property investment and logistics specialist, and Related Companies LP, a real estate and lifestyle company known for large-scale neighborhood developments. Learn More About the Quiet 3PF Story with Bruce Welty Bruce Welty Quiet 3PF Other Podcast Interviews with Founders Jill Clifford and the FreightPlus Story Ted Alling and the Access America Story The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story Will Chu and the Vector Story Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/25/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 14 seconds
The Hole in the Supply Chain with Deema Adada
The Hole in the Supply Chain with Deema Adada Deema Adada and Joe Lynch talk about the hole in the supply chain. Deema is the founder and CEO of GetSett a company that provided its customers with a complete, real-time snapshot of available inventory and location, labor resources and shipment arrivals to optimize dock appointments with greater accuracy. About Deema Adada Deema Adada, founder and CEO of GetSett has spent 15 years in the industry working with Coyote Logistics and Uber Freight in positions from sales to operations and strategy. In that time, she sat front row to the many pitfalls across the supply chain, where customers continuously shared the same frustrations: onsite congestion, missed appointments, inefficient labor management, and significantly rising costs. She has experienced first hand the disruptions that are occurring at both the first and final mile. There had to be a better way, so she created a female owned and operated tech-forward solution. About GetSett GetSett is a dynamic SaaS platform for the logistics industry that quickly and efficiently manages inventory at the most critical juncture for the entire supply chain; the dock door. Gone are the days of relying on phone calls, emails, and even faxes (yes, faxes). The fulfillment demand is skyrocketing and it is outpacing the available labor at the shipper. This puts pressure on the shippers to optimize their existing footprint and labor force. With GetSett, customers have a complete, real-time snapshot of available inventory and location, labor resources and shipment arrivals to optimize dock appointments with greater accuracy. Did a dock door open up sooner, or is a truck delayed due to weather? GetSett gathers and optimizes data from facilities, carriers and vendors to create a holistic view that adjusts to the latest intelligence for smarter task management, and updates each party accordingly. Simply put, we take information that’s long been isolated and use it to keep inventory moving faster, while saving money. Key Takeaways: The Hole in the Supply Chain The hole: Friction between transportation and the shipping location Gap of communication, transparency, and coordination between truck and warehouse Planning and execution are not aligned Data allows to fill that gap Measure (in time) what's actually happening The problem going outbound Plan not matching execution Detention fees Delays on other shipments. The problem going inbound Trucks arriving before the schedule time Loss opportunities Spoilage when its food Wasted time Getting products out the door Understanding what it takes to get products out the door How much time does it take the forklift to execute a movement in the warehouse? Plan the workflow correctly to get the most out of the labor Smarter schedules based on data How orders affect on another? Measure from the time the driver arrives until they leave. Identify the bottlenecks to create solutions Applying software in the warehouse to fill that hole Allowing more products to be distributed Avoid spending time problem solving in the warehouse Learn More About The Hole in the Supply Chain GetSett Deema Adada GetSett LinkedIn Profile Retail, Supply Chain, and Logistics Expo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/20/2021 • 34 minutes, 40 seconds
The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo
The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it with Jeff Dangelo Jeff Dangelo and Joe Lynch discuss how the supply chain is broken and how to fix it. Jeff is the managing partner of Lighthouse, a company that offers dedicated trucking, logistics, warehousing and co-packing coupled with the best supply chain software to give everyone an amazing experience. About Jeff Dangelo Jeff Dangelo is the Managing Partner of Lighthouse, Prior to joining Lighthouse, Jeff co-founded Turvo, a leading enterprise sales organization. Before founding Turvo, Jeff spent 13 years in the logistics and transportation space. Jeff was the Vice President of Sales at a third-party logistics start-up. As the first employee, he was tasked with building and growing the sales organization. He was instrumental in its growth to $150m in sales in less than 5 years. Prior to joining the 3PL start-up, Jeff was a Senior Sales Executive at TQL, a $4 billion third-party logistics company, where he helped grow revenue from $20m to over $500m in sales. Jeff is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH), with a degree in Marketing and Operations. About Lighthouse Lighthouse offers dedicated trucking, logistics, warehousing and co-packing coupled with the best supply chain software in the world to give everyone an amazing experience.Digital logistics companies aren’t designed to provide services to support complex supply chains, while traditional providers do not have the right technology or business model(s). Lighthouse reimagined what it means to be a digital logistics provider by combining the best of both worlds. Key Takeaways: The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it Problem 1: Software Every company and silo in the supply chain seems to have their own software. The information doesn’t always flow well from system to system. System integrations are costing and time consuming. Creating a collaborative platform is essential. Problem 2: Too Much Manual Work Businesses are built off of manual work, having employees doing emails and calls. Increasing labor cost. Re-train customers to go digital instead of emails and calling. Create visibility and transparency to avoid so much manual work. Problem 3: Business Models are Not Aligned Traditional business models are not designed for the future of the industry. Shifting to a more transparent model. Finding ways to solve problems with new models. The solution to all of the above problems is business model transformation to include technology, visibility, and transparency. Learn More About The Supply Chain is Broken – How to Fix it Lighthouse Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/14/2021 • 36 minutes, 4 seconds
Ted Alling and the Access America Story
Ted Alling and the Access America Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Ted Alling and the Access America story. Ted is co-founder of Access America, which merged with Coyote Logistics in 2014. About Ted Alling Ted Alling is a serial founder who uses his entrepreneurial achievements to create opportunities for others. He is the co-founder and former CEO of a $500 million logistics startup, Access America, that eventually merged with UPS subsidiary, Coyote Logistics. From that initial success, he and his fellow founders created Lamp Post Group in 2010, a venture capital firm and tech-focused incubator in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Fueled by a desire to build Chattanooga into a destination for young businesses, Lamp Post Group has invested $36 million into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, backing a lengthy startup roster that includes Bellhops, Ambition, Chattanooga Whiskey, Reliance Partners Insurance, Steam Logistics, Fancy Rhino, Pricewaiter, Market Street Partners, Lamp Post Properties, The Jump Fund, and The House. In 2016 Ted co-founded Dynamo, an $18 million venture capital fund aimed at revolutionizing the logistics industry. As managing director of the fund — one of the largest in the Southeast — he works to ensure Dynamo remains the premier global knowledge leader in logistics technology by supporting the most innovative new businesses in the field. And now, along with his wife and co-founder, Kelly, Ted is embarking on his true passion project, the creation of Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys public charter school. Chattanooga Prep is designed to provide unique and impactful educational opportunities for the young men in the city’s urban communities. Ted lives on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, with his incredible wife and three extraordinary children. About Dynamo Ventures Dynamo Ventures is a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise business models. The team is made up of Ted Alling and Barry Large who previously built Access America Transport, a logistics business that subsequently merged with Coyote Logistics and sold to UPS for $1.8B. Alongside, Jon Bradford and Santosh Sankar who have made 120+ early-stage investments over the last decade. To champion greater transparency, Dynamo Ventures specializes in startups in one of two broad areas: supply chain (the movement of goods) or mobility (the movement of people). About Chattanooga Preparatory School Chattanooga Preparatory School is an all-boys public charter school that opened its doors to students in August 2018. Located in the Highland Park area, close to downtown Chattanooga, we are positioned to provide a unique and impactful educational opportunity for the young men in our urban communities. Our city has a boundless capacity for innovation, transformation, and economic prosperity. Unfortunately, these opportunities are not accessible for all members of our community, especially young men in urban core neighborhoods who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and educational inequity. It is our belief that students have gifts and talents that have been underserved. The families and young men of Chattanooga deserve greater opportunity and choice. Our aim is to inspire, empower, and educate the men of tomorrow in the hopes that their successes will create generational change within our communities. Learn More About Ted Alling and the Access America Story Ted Alling Dynamo Ventures Chattanooga Preparatory School The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/14/2021 • 53 minutes, 5 seconds
Jill Clifford and the FreightPlus Story
Jill Clifford and the FreightPlus Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Jill Clifford and the FreightPlus Story. Jill is a logistics industry veteran who has advised some of top brands on transportation, logistics, and technology issues. About Jill Clifford Jill Clifford is President and Partner at FreightPlus (formerly Aborn), a freight management firm located just south of Boston. She has improved transportation efficiencies for over 200 companies while negotiating billions of dollars in client freight spend. Her diverse book of business includes Fortune 500 shippers to startups moving everything from high-end medical devices to hummus. As a consultant, Jill advises clients on international and domestic freight transportation, multi-modal carrier negotiation, and executive level logistics strategies. Due to the nature of her business, she is a front facing presence who can handle herself in any company including regional and national owner-operators to C-suite executives at some of the largest brands in the world. Jill’s unbounded will, adaptability, and tenacity have propelled her forward in a male dominated industry. She is also a proud mother to three children, loves spending time with her family and a huge fan of the beach. About FreightPlus FreightPlus (formerly Aborn) is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. By blending industry-proven best practices with state-of-the-art technology and data science, FreightPlus can provide measurable cost reductions, improved transportation service, and increased visibility to the order fulfillment cycle. This competitive advantage drives value via savings in both cost and time. Learn More About Jill Clifford and the FreightPlus Story Jill Clifford FreightPlus The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/14/2021 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 30 seconds
Everything to Everyone with JD Redmon
5/13/2021 • 40 minutes, 39 seconds
Reducing Cost, Risk, and Carbon with Brad Guinane
Reducing Cost, Risk, and Carbon with Brad Guinane Brad Guinane and Joe Lynch talk about reducing cost, risk, and carbon. Brad is Vice-President of Sales at FreightWaves, a leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. About Brad Guinane Brad Guinane is the Vice-President of Sales at FreightWaves. Brad is an experienced enterprise SaaS sales leader working in the logistics and supply chain industry. Brad began his career in Chicago at a top ranked domestic 3PL. Over the last 4 years, he has expanded upon his logistics knowledge while at FreightWaves and proven to be an integral part of growing the FreightWaves SONAR product offerings and go-to-market team. Prior to his career in logistics & enterprise software, Brad was a college basketball All-American & professional basketball player in the British Basketball League (BBL). Brad is a Michigan native who attended Hillsdale College (B.A. Finance) and received a Masters in Business Administration from Durham University Business School. He resides in Chattanooga, TN with his wife Grace Guinane. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. FreightWaves provides the ability to benchmark, analyze, monitor & forecast the $9.6T global logistics industry. Key Takeaways: Reducing Cost, Risk, and Carbon To reduce cost, risk, and carbon, you need good data which is hard to come by because: The truckload market is huge, lots of different carriers, and lots of different equipment. Data is dirty and old – out of context. Data isn’t in a format that is easy to use – hard to interpret. Even good data isn’t always actionable because of lack of context and market insights. To be successful, carriers, brokers, and shippers need a data partner like FreightWaves. FW collects the data and formats in a way that makes it actionable. FW benchmarks, analyzes, monitors, and forecasts freight analytics so you don’t have to. Analyzing what happened so you can know what might happen next. Cost Users can upload lane and cost data and benchmark themselves against their peers. Understand why you're paying over market price. How are the lanes changing? Are there issues with these lanes? The FW cost intelligence is the starting point for a transparent conversation. Risk Every supply chain professional should be focused on reducing risk. Understand your lanes and what you can do to avoid risks. Capturing the tender rejection. Tender rejection allows you to know what's going on, or that's something wrong in the market. Find disruptions to allow new options and take action. Carbon Brands want and supply chains need to deliver more sustainable supply chains. The first step in lowering carbon impact is measuring it. FW can help transportation and logistics companies identify emissions by lanes and equipment type. Taking the information depending on each equipment to produce the measurements. Learn More About Reducing Cost, Risk, and Carbon Brad Guinane FreightWaves Other Podcasts with People from FreightWaves Discussing the FreightTech 25 with Andrew Cox The Niches Have Riches with Kevin Hill Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller What Does FreightWaves Do with Dooner The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/12/2021 • 41 minutes, 29 seconds
The New Logistics Workforce with Mike Temple
The New Logistics Workforce with Mike Temple Mike Temple and Joe Lynch talk about the new logistics workforce. Logistics company owners often engage with Mike to help them build a foundation that will jumpstart growth and position the company for long-term success. About Mike Temple Mike Temple is the founder of Temple Executive Coaching. Mike has worked with small to medium-size business owners in the logistics and franchise industries for 10+ years. As a past business owner himself, he has honed a unique skill in the art of helping business leaders craft their true vision. With this background, deep industry knowledge, and vast experience, Mike works with business owners and CEOs as a leadership and strategy adviser. About Temple Executive Coaching Temple Executive Coaching works with business owners, CEOs, and executive leaders on leadership, strategy, and culture. After the engagement is complete, clients typically benefit in the following ways 1) Being grounded in and focused on what matters most 2) Having a leadership model where the entire organization is aligned and accountable 3) Resolving issues of personal conflict with the organization’s values, vision, and priorities 4) Knowing what the most important things are for success and customer satisfaction. Prior to founding Temple Executive Coaching, Mike held leadership positions in the logistics, financial, and franchise industries. Mike earned a BA in Business Administration from Utah State University. Key Takeaways: The New Logistics Workforce The New Logistics Workforce Answer: What are you doing that makes the world better? From a company standpoint Now, with home office, everyone is scattered but the mission has to be the same The logistics workforce expect to work at a company that is value driven, has a great culture, and offers them flexibility Value driven organization The company values are front and center - today's workforce want to work value driven organizations. Triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit Community, charity, diversity and inclusion Building a Great Culture The culture dictates how things get done - a bad culture will not yield good business results. Create an organization that attracts the right employees and customers. If you have a bad culture, you won't be able to keep the best talent. What are you genuine actions and behaviors in good times and bad times? Culture can sometimes go in the wrong directions but it must reflect the leader. Reward the behavior you want to see. Flexibility - Remote vs in-person Many employees enjoyed working remote and may be reluctant to return to the office. Employers will need to figure out ways to manage the new workforce that increasingly expects flexibility. Managing a workforce is never easy, but it is even more challenging when many team members remote. Culture, collaboration, and teamwork is difficult with a remote workforce. Building a great company culture may be difficult with a remote workforce. Zoom burnout is real. Flexibility - Non-traditional Workforce Great talent has options and they will want their employer to provide: Work life balance Non-traditional careers paths that might include part-time, parent track, and other opportunities to work in a way that fits their lifestyle. Traditional employment relationships are changing and hierarchies are flattening, so manager must learn to manage people who don't work for your company and gig economy workers. People are living longer, healthier lives and many people will work past retirement age and companies will need to meet the specific needs of these more experienced workers. Learn More About The New Logistics Workforce Mike Temple Temple Executive Coaching If You Get The Culture Right, The Other Stuff Will Take Care of Itself The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/11/2021 • 40 minutes, 49 seconds
LTL: Then and Now with David Ross
LTL: Then and Now with David Ross David Ross and Joe Lynch discuss LTL: then and now. David is the Executive Vice President of Roadrunner Freight, a leading less-than-truckload carrier offering high quality and reliable LTL services About David Ross David Ross is the Executive Vice President of Roadrunner Freight. Mr. Ross was most recently Managing Director and Group Head of Stifel’s Global Transportation & Logistics Equity Research practice. During his tenure at Stifel, his awards included ranking #1 in stock picking multiple times in the Wall Street Journal's Best on the Street Analysts Survey and in Financial Times/StarMine America’s Top Analysts report. He is the former author of the monthly Cass Transportation Index Report, speaks regularly at industry conferences, and has advised supply chain leaders and executives of both public and private carriers, shippers, and 3PLs on operations and strategy. Before joining Stifel in 2005, he was an analyst with Legg Mason Capital Markets, worked briefly in the industry at RailWorks Corp., and began his career as an analyst in the global investment banking division of Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown. Mr. Ross received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and is a CFA charterholder. In addition, he serves on the Ubuntu Council for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), and the Board of Directors for the Carson Scholars Fund, The Fountainhead Residency, and the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He also sits on the Advisory Boards for PICKUP Now, Inc. and EmergeTech, LLC. About Roadrunner Freight Roadrunner Freight is a leading less-than-truckload provider offering high quality, reliable LTL services. Roadrunner’s “Ship It Like You Own It” commitment guides the company to provide unparalleled service and reliable LTL solutions for customers. With 31 service centers and strategic partnerships across the country, Roadrunner delivers expansive long-haul metro to metro service connecting major U.S. markets. For more information, please visit www.shiproadrunnerfreight.com. For information on joining the Roadrunner Freight team, please contact rr-humanresources@rrts.com. Independent Contractors and Owner Operators interested in driving and lease purchase opportunities can call 888-874-9174 or email ltlrecruiting@rrts.com to learn more. Key Takeaways - LTL: Then and Now History of LTL Less-than-truckload carriers began operating in the 1920's when the economy was very spread out and driven by manufacturing. Overtime the less-than-truckload business has shifted from a heavily unionized industry to a mostly non-union industry. When deregulation of the trucking industry occurred in 1980, 55 of the top 60 less-than-truckload carriers were union, today only 3 of the top 60 less-than-truckload carriers are union. The LTL market is about one tenth the size of the truckload market. Only 5 carriers control about 60% of the less-than-truckload freight market: FedEx, Old Dominion, XPO, Estes, and TForce Freight (which acquired UPS Freight). LTL Future: Pricing The less-than-truckload pricing is complex and the industry is slowing moving to a new pricing model that will be simpler. The outdated tariff model is going away as smart carriers adopt technology and dimensioners that enable them to better cost the freight. LTL Future: Modal Mix The LTL industry is right between the small package market (UPS, FedEx) and the truckload market. In the past, the small package and truckload carriers were able to win some of the business that would have normally gone to the LTL carriers. Today, the modal mix is very favorable to LTL carriers because truckload carriers and the small package providers are swamped and they can't compete with the LTL pricing. LTL Future: Ecommerce Ecommerce and the Amazon effect has sped up the entire supply chain, which is good for the less-than-truckload business. Ecommerce fulfillment centers often need more frequent replenishment of smaller quantity sizes. As a result, ecommerce has been very beneficial for the less-than-truckload business. To support same-day and next-day shipments, there is a trend of fulfillment centers being smaller and closer to consumers. This trend will be very advantageous for the less-than-truckload industry. LTL Future: Labor Less-than-truckload Truck drivers are generally paid more thank truckload drivers. The less-than-truckload industry is facing a serious shortage of drivers and dock workers. The Biden administration is pro-union, which could potentially impact the less-than-truckload industry. Less-than-truckload shippers and carriers are learning the importance of making the job more attractive for drivers and dock workers. Learn More About LTL: Then and Now Roadrunner Freight David Ross David is active in the following charities, check them out: Fountain Head Africa Outreach Project Humane Society of Greater Miami Carson Scholars Fund Other Podcasts About LTL A New Model for LTL Shipping with Keith Farnsworth LTL Basics with Doug Sartain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/11/2021 • 40 minutes
Supply Chains in VUCA Environments with Jim Tompkins
Supply Chains in VUCA Environments with Jim Tompkins Jim Tompkins and Joe Lynch talk about Supply Chains in VUCA Environments. Jim is the Founder and Chairman of Tompkins International, a company that helps clients achieve supply chain excellence and profitable growth. About James A. Tompkins, Ph.D. Dr. James A. Tompkins is the Founder and Chairman of Tompkins International. Jim is an international authority on designing and implementing end-to-end supply chains. As the founder and chairman of Tompkins International, his focus over the last several years has been in the areas of digital commerce, omnichannel and supply chain reinvention. Over the last 40 years, Tompkins International has evolved from a supply chain consulting firm into an end-to-end supply chain consulting and solutions company, with business units focusing on supply chain consulting, material handling integration, and robotics. His 40-plus years as CEO of Tompkins International and his focus on helping companies achieve profitable growth give him an insider’s view into what makes great companies even better. About Tompkins International Tompkins International has two subsidiaries, Tompkins Solutions and Tompkins Robotics, creating a global supply chain consulting and solutions firm dedicated to helping clients achieve supply chain excellence and profitable growth. Founded in 1975, Tompkins has integrated its decades of experience in strategy, commerce, logistics and technology to provide unique supply chain consulting, material handling integration and robotics. By combining best-in-breed services and technologies, Tompkins delivers a true end-to-end supply chain solution, enabling clients to improve the customer experience and ensure long-term success. Tompkins is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and has done work on all continents except for Antarctica. Key Takeaways: Supply Chains in VUCA Environments VUCA Environments VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. How to handle VUCA environments and unprecedented times. Covid-19 is VUCA, a “black swan” event. What happens to Supply Chains in a VUCA Environment? VUCA can also be hurricanes, wildfires, social evil, political issues, and others. It’s not just one event; it’s a combination of many. 2021: Uncertainty about uncertainty. Supply chain: the art and science of synchronizing supply and demand. COVID and the associated VUCA forced us to completely redesign what we do and how we do it. The supply chain strives for control and predictability, the opposite of VUCA. Finding solutions that can adapt to VUCA environments. How to be more resilient? Understand what visibility and awareness entail. Creating a many-to-many network. Embrace a digital supply network. Visibility needs to lead to actionability. Connect the process through artificial intelligence that can address the problem. Deploy machine learning to create rules and guidelines. Create agility with AI to work through VUCA environments. Supply chains instead of supply chain Be aware that every product has it’s own unique supply chain. Reshore and nearshore supply chains and manufacturing to increase resiliency – the anti-brittle supply chain. Focus on optionality as optimality is obsolete with VUCA. Learn More About Supply Chains in VUCA Environments Tompkins International The Mandate of Supply Chain Resilience 2020 – It was one heck of a decade The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
5/1/2021 • 48 minutes, 26 seconds
Circular Supply Chains with Deborah Dull
Circular Supply Chains with Deborah Dull Deborah Dull and Joe Lynch discuss circular supply chains. Deborah is the founder of The Circular Supply Chain Network where supply chain practitioners and thought leaders connect to explore how supply chain can accelerate the transition to a circular economy About Deborah Dull Deborah Dull is Founder of The Circular Supply Chain Network and a Principal of Manufacturing Product Management for GE Digital where she is responsible for circular economy, lean management, and customer success. Prior to that she was a Program Officer for Health Supply Chains at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and spent six years at Microsoft where she oversaw launch management, inventory management, and innovation. She is a sought after author and speaker having been published in various books, articles, and white papers and spoken at dozens of industry events. Deborah holds Supply Chain & Operations Management degrees from Western Washington University (BA) and the University of Liverpool (MSc), with a thesis focused on the digital supply chain. About the Circular Supply Chain Network The Circular Supply Chain Network connects supply chain practitioners and thought leaders to explore how supply chain can accelerate the transition to a circular economy, and the capabilities and technologies we need to transform every supply chain into a circular supply chain. Circular supply chains are interconnected systems that use secondary and regenerative inputs to generate value by reducing and extending resource use. Join the Circular Supply Chain Network to be among the first to know when we have live discussions, webinars, new courses, and more! Key Takeaways: Circular Supply Chains Circular Supply Chain A circular supply chain is where the raw materials used are recycled back into the manufacturing operation. The materials that normally would end up in a garbage dump are repurposed into the production of another product. The goal is to monetize waste - the output of one supply becomes an input for another supply chain. Overall, the point of a lean or circular supply chain is to simply eliminate waste and reduce the carbon footprint. Opportunities to make better use of the materials we are using today. Finding ways to operationalize the circular supply chain. Everything that's not used anymore can be used again. Circular supply chains find and monetize waste. Sustainable brands Finding ways to be more profitable, environmentally friendly, and good for the consumers and customers we serve. Brands are already selling the idea they are sustainable, so it is important that logistics and supply chain companies become more sustainable. The entire supply chain needs to be sustainable - good for people, planet, and profit. To become more sustainable, add one KPIs that relates to sustainability. New Generation of Consumers New generations (Gen Z) defend their values fiercely and are looking for sustainable brands and jobs that align to their values. Maybe consumers are willing to pay extra for products from sustainable companies. Is circular economy more expensive? If companies are are using post-consumer materials as inputs to the supply chains, the costs are lower and there is an opportunity to earn profit the same or even higher than with a traditional (linear) supply chain. Making the supply chain shorter Finding ways to eliminate processes - rethink the input and outputs to the supply chain. Cutting out the thousands of miles from shipping across the world. It's sometimes difficult to open up a facility in the states, and that's why it's opened up somewhere else. Factories do not have to be huge and polluting. Small factory trend or in-door farming. Finding ways to be profitable without having the move away from the states. Circular economy allows cheaper jobs. Decentralized lands. Analyzing data Chasing empty miles is not just to be more profitable it's also to avoid a larger impact on the planet. Creativity over capital. Learn More about Circular Supply Chains The Circular Supply Chain Network Deborah Dull The Circular Supply Chain LinkedIn Profile The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/30/2021 • 41 minutes, 48 seconds
The Future of 3rd Party Fulfillment with Andy Lloyd
The Future of 3rd Party Fulfillment with Andy Lloyd Andy Lloyd and Joe Lynch discuss the future of 3rd party fulfillment. Andy Lloyd is the Chief Executive Officer of 3PL Central, a company that specializes in cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) solutions. About Andy Lloyd Andy Lloyd is the Chief Executive Officer of 3PL Central. Andy is a software innovator with more than 20 years experience at high growth companies, ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. In his role at NetSuite, Lloyd led both digital marketing, e-commerce, and retail vertical teams both from a product and new business perspective. Prior to joining NetSuite, Lloyd was the CEO of Fluid Inc., where he led the company’s strategy, innovation, and growth. Under his leadership, Fluid Inc. more than tripled its annual revenue and improved profitability year-over-year. In addition, Lloyd drove new business, adding key brands to the portfolio, as well as driving geographic expansion. As an entrepreneur, Lloyd was the founder and CEO of Chariteam, which provided a SaaS solution for online fundraising. He was also a founding team member of Diba Inc. Lloyd has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford University, where he was also captain of the swim team, leading the Cardinal swimmers to an NCAA championship and setting records for the largest margin of victory and the highest point total in NCAA history. Lloyd was ranked among the top 25 swimmers in the world in 1991 and competed in the Olympic Trials in 1998 and 1992. About 3PL Central 3PL Central is the leader in cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) solutions built to meet the unique needs of the 3PL warehousing community. Serving as the backbone of our customer's operations, our platform quickly transforms paper-based, error-prone businesses into service leaders who can focus on customer satisfaction, operate more efficiently, and grow faster. Offering a comprehensive warehouse management platform, we make it easy for 3PLs to manage inventory, automate routine tasks, and deliver complete visibility to their customers. As the proven industry leader for over a decade, 3PL Central accurately manages billions of dollars in inventory and processes more than 1 million orders a week from any of our customer’s and their customers’ systems. Key Takeaways: The Future of 3rd Party Fulfillment Ecommerce growth Ecommerce has led to a huge boom to 3rd party fulfillment. Ecommerce customers have high expectations in terms of shipment speed and accuracy. Transportation and logistics companies need technology and software management. Consumers want to know where their packages are from the moment they buy them - end to end visibility. Building intelligent fulfillment networks Andy believes that approximately half the ecommerce fulfillment companies have just one location, which may make it difficult to deliver on the same-day, next-day commitments on a national scale. To win accounts with ecommerce companies that require one or two day shipping to the entire country, 3rd party fulfillment companies may partner with fulfillment companies in other regions. For instance, a fulfillment company in Los Angeles may partner with fulfillment companies in Texas and Illinois in order to win a national account. Ensure customers are successful implementing software To ensure their 3PL fulfillment customers are successful using their software, 3PL Central invests in training and development. 3rd party fulfillment is the critical link between ecommerce companies and consumers, so their systems and processes must drive efficiency and effectiveness. 3PL Central also helps their customers to adopt 3PL fulfillment best practices. More attractive employee experience Fulfillment companies need to make jobs more attractive to prospective employees and one way of doing that is by using technology and automation. Top talent is tough to find, so 3PLs must encourage professionals to work in fulfillment. Employees need to understand the supply chain industry, how the warehouse works, and how software supports it. Micro-fulfillment To meet same-day, next-day shipments, inventory must be located close to customers so companies may need to have many smaller fulfillment centers located near large populations center rather than one larger regional fulfillment center. To be successful 3rd party fulfillment centers must route orders intelligently - accuracy and efficiency are key. Sustainability Many consumers want to buy from companies that value sustainability so brands and companies are looking for logistics and warehousing companies that are environmentally conscious. To become more environmentally responsible companies should invest in intelligent packaging, avoid shipping via air freight, and find ways to consolidate orders in one single shipment. Lean More About The Future of 3rd Party Fulfillment Andy Lloyd 3PL Central Supply Chain Scholarship Small Parcel Suite Press Release Skubana Press Release Third-Party Logistics Warehouse Benchmark Report State of the Third-Party Logistics Industry Report The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/29/2021 • 55 minutes, 21 seconds
Becoming More Influential with Ann Holm
Becoming More Influential with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch talk about becoming more influential. In the podcast interview, executive coach, Ann Holm shares easy to use strategies for increasing your influence. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann Holm helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Connect with Ann at AnnHolm.net. Key Takeaways: Becoming More Influential Why do we want to be more influential? Being influential means having a greater impact in your professional and personal relationships. To be successful in your career, you must become influential whether you work in operations, sales, or management. In the interview, Ann shared 6 ways to become more influential: Industry knowledge Sharing your expertise and experience through articles, podcasts, video, and social media will help you become a recognized industry expert. Being generous with the knowledge and information you have will help you become a resource to coworkers, customers, and prospects. Forget about rivalry, and share what you know, so everyone succeeds. Empathy and understanding Walking in someone else's shoes and understanding their challenges will help you build relationships and be more influential. Nobody cares about what you know unless they know how much you care. People trust and like leaders who are caring and empathetic. Coach and develop others Help people become successful - let them become heroes Knowing how to bring out the best in others will make y Knowing what other people actually bring to the table to bring that out. Being behind the scenes also feels great. Coach people through the challenges. Build Bridges and Relationships Be the bridge builder who connect two opposing sides whether it be sales and operations or a customer issue. Negotiating and help find the middle ground. Build win-win relationships. Ego: let it go! There is a paradigm shift at work. In the past, leaders were supposed to know everything. Today, good leaders can make mistakes and acknowledge them, which gives them more authority and influence with their coworkers. Become comfortable with being wrong, even though it's not easy. Be open to new ideas, input, and criticism. Effective communication Whether using verbal, text, or email communication, become a great communicator. If you don't communicate properly, people will notice and your influence will diminish. Know exactly how much to say and how to say it. Influence is NOT manipulation. Learn More About Becoming More Influential Ann Holm AnnHolm.net Other Interviews with Ann Holm The Psychology of Solving Big Problems with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Developing Grit with Ann Holm Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/25/2021 • 31 minutes, 4 seconds
The Blurred Lines Between Retail and DTC with Guy Courtin
The Blurred Lines Between Retail and DTC with Guy Courtin Guy Courtin and Joe Lynch discuss the blurred lines between retail and DTC. Guy Courtin is Vice President and Industry Principal of Retail at Tecsys, a global provider of supply chain solutions that equip the borderless enterprise for growth. About Guy Courtin Guy Courtin is Vice President and Industry Principal and Retail at Tecsys, a global provider of supply chain solutions that equip the borderless enterprise for growth. Courtin is a senior executive with deep experience in the technology field with over 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry. He has held senior leadership roles at Infor, Progress Software, and i2 Technologies. In addition, he has been an industry analyst covering the supply chain and retail spaces for SCM World and Constellation Research. Courtin is a high energy, results-driven, and passionately committed to creativity – in strategic solutions, unique messaging, and compelling content marketing. A broadly curious professional not afraid to color outside the lines while exciting and enthusiastically engaging colleagues and employees. Courtin has extensive global experience with both small and large companies – concentrations in B2B software and package applications. Passionate about contexts “where conviction is firm, hesitancy has no place.” About Tecsys Tecsys is a global provider of supply chain solutions that equip the borderless enterprise for growth. Organizations thrive when they have the software, technology and expertise to drive operational greatness and deliver on their brand promise. Spanning healthcare, retail, service parts, third-party logistics, and general wholesale high-volume distribution industries, Tecsys delivers dynamic and powerful solutions for warehouse management, distribution and transportation management, supply management at point of use, retail order management, as well as complete financial management and analytics solutions. Tecsys’ shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TCS. Key Takeaways: The Blurred Lines Between Retail and DTC Evolution of retail In the past, there were clear lines between traditional retailers and manufacturers. Today, the lines have blurred as retailers launched private label brands, and traditionally retailers pursued direct-to-consumer (DTC) services. Costco example: they sell different brands and market their brand Kirkland, which now accounts for approximately 25% of their revenue. So, what is Costco? A retailer or a producer? The rise of private label within retail Private label is becoming an important strategy for retailers. Private label has now matched the quality of traditional brands. They are starting to create loyalty with their brands as well. Consumers will not only go to certain shops because they like it but also go to find their private brand. For retailers, this is an avenue where they can build more intimacy with their customers and capture more data and loyalty. Competitive pricing and good quality. Digital native brands moving into the physical space Today, brands that started as digital companies understand that to build true intimacy with customers, they need to be where their customers are, in the physical space – retail. There are things that it's better to have in the physical world like glasses or computers that you'd like to touch and try on. Digital and physical spaces have their unique benefits. At the end of the day, we're still acquiring a physical asset. Customer expectations are rising Customers now expect that they will be able to easily buy and return products at physical stores or online (or both). Customers expect a positive buying experience whether they are buying via physical stores or online. Retail stores still account for the majority of sales, far more than DTC. For certain customers buying physical stores is easier, more convenient and enables them to touch the product. Trust in an online world has grown, but customers can lose it very quickly with lousy quality. Data is essential in the digital world since it allows the company to develop a buyer persona. Ecommerce companies have data, retailers don’t Retailers are playing catch up when it comes to data because they realize that the ecommerce companies because they have customer data. Many retailers are now providing discounts to customers who are willing to share their data. That data allows retailers to create the buyer persona that is so easily created in the digital world. Circular aspect of fulfillment Over 30% of ecommerce purchases are returned, which is an enormous cost and logistics problem. The returns are also a hassle for the brand and the customer. Smart companies will use the returns/reverse logistics process as another opportunity to engage with the customer. Customers increasingly prefer companies that value sustainability Customers are often willing to pay extra for goods and services, if the company they are buying from is environmentally friendly. People, planet, profit – we need all three. Learn More About the Blurred Lines Between Retail and DTC Tecsys Guy Courtin Tecsys VP Guy Courtin On the Future of Retail In The Post Pandemic World The Great Supply Chain Podcast (Tecsys Podcast) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/25/2021 • 45 minutes, 51 seconds
Way More Than Visibility with Adam Compain
Way More Than Visibility with Adam Compain Adam Compain and Joe Lynch discuss way more than visibility. Adam Compain is the Founder & CEO of ClearMetal, a software company that specializes in international freight visibility, dynamic planning, and customer experience. About Adam Compain Adam Compain is the Founder & CEO of ClearMetal. Adam founded the company after spending time at OOCL, under the tutelage of their CEO and CIO in Hong Kong. Prior to ClearMetal, Adam spent 5 years at Google, launching the company’s latest GeoCommerce and Mobile technology. And for 21 years, Adam has been the Executive Director of the nonprofit he founded to export charitable goods from North America. Adam has appeared on Bloomberg TV and on the cover of American Shipper as “the changing face of ocean freight.” He holds five technology patents, a dual-degree from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from Stanford University. About ClearMetal ClearMetal is the market leader in international freight visibility, dynamic planning and customer experience. The ClearMetal 'Continuous Delivery Experience’ (CDX) Platform uses proprietary machine learning to break free from static-visibility paradigms and turn supply chains from a cost center to a competitive advantage. ClearMetal was founded by top software engineers, data scientists and operations researchers from Stanford University, Google and Silicon Valley, and is funded by Eclipse Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, NEA, SAP.io, Prologis Ventures, PSA Unboxed, DCLI and the founders of GT Nexus, Navis and Uber Freight. ClearMetal is based in San Francisco, CA. Key Takeaways: Way More Than Visibility ClearMetal's three central premises: It's not about the metal; it's about the data. Need for better information to fulfill modern customer expectations. Value to finding the clean and accurate source of truth. Data and accuracy Even though data about location exists, in many cases, it lacks accuracy. When managing international business freight, with many touching points and parties involved, data that is accurate and makes sense is pivotal. What does visibility entail? Visibility is about access and aggregation of a network of data. It's also about applying the proper techniques and approach to make sense of the data with machine learning and data science-based techniques. International and global shipping is complex since it considers vast distances, time zones, parties, language, systems, and different vehicles. Chips provide contextual information for additional and more accurate data. But, it's not necessary. With data, customers access the same information. End-to-end global shipment Machine learning and data science techniques to ensure better quality and better predictability to make better decisions. Historial data to understand the likelihood of freight movement. Predictability leads to reliability and transparency, which customers appreciate. The correct data provides accurate guidance for reasonable decision-making. How to use visibility to solve business problems? With a fully-stocked network of data, businesses can to make decisions. Dynamic transport planning. Before anything is moving, visibility allows a company to foresee through different scenarios what the outcome could be. Predicational lead time and customer portal provide information that clients value, which is used for sales and customer service. For a modern customer, there is nothing more important than customer services within the supply chain. Learn More about Way More than Visibility ClearMetal Adam Compain What happens when machine learning meets ocean shipping? What is CDX? The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/22/2021 • 29 minutes, 30 seconds
3 Keys to LinkedIn Success with Vivica von Rosen
3 Keys to LinkedIn Success with Vivica von Rosen Viveka (Vivica) von Rosen and Joe Lynch discuss the 3 keys to LinkedIn success. Vivica is the co-founder of a company that teaches people to use LinkedIn to help salespeople create more qualified and quality conversations. About Viveka (Vivica) von Rosen Viveka von Rosen is a Co-founder and Chief Visibility Officer at Vengreso, the world’s largest digital sales transformation company. Known as the @LinkedInExpert, she’s the author of the best-selling “LinkedIn Marketing: An Hour a Day” & “LinkedIn: 101 Ways to Rock Your Personal Brand.” She is a contributing expert to LinkedIn’s official Sales and Marketing blogs and their “Sophisticated Marketer’s” Guides and is often called on to contribute to publications like Fast Company, Forbes, Money, Selling Power, Entrepreneur and the Social Media Examiner. Viveka takes the LinkedIn and social selling experience over the past 14 years and transforms it into engaging and informational digital sales strategies, tactics, and tools including personal branding, social selling training, and content for sales. Her business mission is to help sales professionals and business owners create more quality and qualified conversions on LinkedIn. When she’s not doing that, she’s either diving or hang gliding or hiking the trails near her Colorado home. (Basically, anywhere without cell reception) About Vengreso Vengreso teach, consult and practice modern digital selling strategies that help sales teams increase win rates through digital selling practices. There has been a rush to train sales teams on “social selling” with a half-baked approach too often through a one-day training event with much of the emphasis on how to use social technology. This approach results in little if any behavior change. Too often, the results have been “meh.” Vengreso digital sales experts have been heads of sales and heads of marketing in B2B organizations. The Vengresso team has educated more than 140,000 professionals in modern selling strategies across thousands of companies. The company principals came together to develop and launch a suite of digital sales training and consulting offerings to help salespeople and organizations increase win rates through their digital sales practices. Vengreso does one thing, helps sales professionals create more conversations with qualified buyers. More conversations lead to more pipeline, and with proper execution leads to higher win rates, which is what every sales leader wants. Prospect better - sell more! Key Takeaways: 3 Keys to LinkedIn Success What Not To Do The worst thing you can do is not have a LinkedIn profile or a poorly constructed profile. Avoid being too salesy – be a resource, not a salesperson. Don’t be a spammer or use automation – instead build relationships. LinkedIn is not a numbers game - it’s a relationship game. Google yourself and you will most likely find your LinkedIn profile at the top of the search results. Your LinkedIn profile is typically the first digital impression you will make on your prospect. Develop a Buyer Centric Profile Highlight how you help your customers. Add a background image that reflects what you do including a call to action. Develop a profile headline that says who your serve – not your title and company. Create a company page and make sure every employee is connected to it. Use the name pronunciation feature audio to add your elevator speech – only on the mobile app. Orange plus sign on your picture means you can add a short video introducing yourself and your company – beta feature only available on mobile app. On the profile, LinkedIn now enables users to share content on the “Featured” area of the profile. Share white papers, ebooks, and other resources with your prospective clients. Know, Like, Trust (KLT) Factor All things being equal, people prefer to work with people they know, like, and trust. Become a trusted advisor, a resource to customers. You must be able to articulate the problems that you solve in a way that resonates with prospective customers. Know your buyer and their pain points. Talk to your buyers to develop a deeper knowledge of why they chose your company. Use video to build relationships on LinkedIn - video cover story. LinkedIn also enables users message connections using video. Engage before connecting - comment on their posts. Personalized - Add Value - Call to Action (PVC) Strategy Create Top of Mind Awareness Stay top of mind with prospective buyers by sharing relevant content with them. Hopefully, when your prospect is ready to buy, they will think of you and your company because you have been educating them throughout the buyer journey. The 411 Content Sharing Strategy - Share four pieces of 3rd party content, one piece of your company's content and then one piece of content that has a call to action. Develop a LinkedIn cadence daily - add it to your calendar. Learn More About 3 Keys to LinkedIn Success Vengreso Viveka (Vivica) von Rosen 101 Ways to Rock LinkedIn The PVC Strategy The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Profiles for Sales Professionals – Be Found, Earn Trust, Get Contacted LinkedIn Profile Banners The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/10/2021 • 51 minutes, 36 seconds
5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon
5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon Ben Gordon and Joe Lynch discuss 5 trends shaping logistics and supply chain. In the interview, Ben reviews and discussed trends and interesting companies in ecommerce, final mile, cold chain, reverse logistics, and fulfillment. About Ben Gordon Benjamin Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital. He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, Liftit, and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent his career investing in and helping to build supply chain and technology companies. Benjamin led the firm’s efforts, advising on over $1 billion worth of supply chain transactions. Benjamin has worked with firms such as UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, Agility Logistics, NFI Logistics, GENCO, Nations Express, Raytrans, Echo Global, Dixie, Wilpak, and others. Prior to BGSA Holdings, Ben founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian. 3PLex was then purchased by Maersk. Prior to 3PLex, Benjamin advised transportation and logistics clients at Mercer Management Consulting. Prior to Mercer, Benjamin worked in his family’s transportation business, AMI, where he helped the company expand its logistics operations. Benjamin received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. About Cambridge Capital Cambridge Capital is a private equity firm investing in the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in our sectors. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. Cambridge Capital was founded in 2009 as the investment affiliate of BG Strategic Advisors (www.bgsa.com), the advisor of choice for a large, growing number of supply chain CEOs. Cambridge Capital leverages BGSA’s unique approach to strategy-led investment banking for the supply chain. BGSA is known for its work helping companies achieve outsized returns via targeted acquisitions and premium sales processes, and has worked with category leaders such as UPS, DHL, Agility Logistics, New Breed, NFI, Genco, Nations Express, Raytrans, and others. Our relationship with BGSA gives us deep market expertise, access to outstanding deal flow and people flow, transactional capabilities, additional resources, and a powerful core competency in the supply chain sector. The Partners and Advisory Board members of Cambridge Capital have diverse backgrounds with complementary technical, operating and financial expertise. The Cambridge Capital team has spent their careers building, growing, and advising outstanding companies in the supply chain sector. They include former leaders of UPS Logistics, Ryder Logistics, ATC Logistics, APL Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and other globally recognized firms. Cambridge Capital’s professionals know what it takes to build great companies. Key Takeaways: 5 Trends Shaping Logistics with Ben Gordon In the podcast, Paige highlighted the following reasons that ecommerce companies fail: Poor understanding of their customer and market. Lack of marketing and product differentiation. Poor performing website. Inability to scale and drive traffic to the website (lack of investment). Poor fulfillment because they chose a fulfillment partner that lacks the DTC expertise and experience required to be successful. Paige’s company, Fulfyld is an ecommerce fulfillment and warehousing company that provides fulfillment, technology, and customer service required by direct-to-consumer brands. Learn More About the 5 Trends Shaping Logistics Ben Gordon Cambridge Capital 2021 BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference 2021 BGSA Holdings Supply Chain Conference – Welcome Remarks from Ben Gordon Related Podcasts Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/10/2021 • 44 minutes, 42 seconds
Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella
Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella Felipe Capella and Joe Lynch discuss beyond cost per load. Felipe believes that while cost per load will continue to be important, savvy shippers will look for 3PLs who use technology and people to bring additional value to the shipping function. About Felipe Capella Felipe Capella is President, COO and Co-founder of Loadsmart, a leading digital freight technology company. Previously advised companies on corporate strategy and M&A in Brazil and New York for 8 years. Joined the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington to advise on sovereign guaranteed development projects for Latin American countries. Founded, developed and launched an online contest startup. Co-founded Loadsmart to help build a revolutionary product. Felipe holds Master degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (valedictorian), from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain - full scholarship) and an MBA from Fundacao Getulio Vargas (Brazil). He taught Enterprise Recovery and Restructuring for senior students during 2 years at the Federal University of Santa Catarina at age 25, where he was granted a Professorship Honor from the students. Passed the Brazilian Bar Exam among the top 6% and the New York Bar Exam among the Top 3%, working for one of the Top 5 most prestigious law firms in the United States. About Loadsmart Transforming the future of freight, Loadsmart leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to automate how freight is priced, booked and shipped. Pairing advanced technologies with deep-seated industry expertise, Loadsmart fuels growth, simplifies operational complexity and bolsters efficiency for carriers and shippers alike. Key Takeaways: Beyond Cost Per Load In the podcast interview, Felipe explains how technology-based companies like Loadsmart are using technology to automate many aspects of the shipping process, however the focus should not be solely on cost per load. Savvy shippers and carriers will look for 3PL partners who can not only automate the life of the load, but also provide additional value via analysis, business intelligence, and market insights. To increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, companies like Loadsmart are automating the shipping process (life of the load): Quotation and booking Scheduling for pickup and delivery locations Carrier identification Carrier transaction Tracking and tracing Exception management Documentation and billing Each process step above has its own unique challenges, but increasingly, these steps are automated. Last year, 85% of Loadsmart’s revenue came from fully automated transactions. While, Loadsmart is one of the leaders in Freight Tech, don’t be surprised if automated shipments become commonplace. In addition to automating the shipping process, Felipe believes that Freight Tech leaders should focus on creating additional value for shippers including: Multimodal optimization for every shipment – fully automated. Automated scheduling updates that accommodate all the last-minute problems in the shipping business. Business intelligence that enable and empower humans to make better decisions. Smart tools that organize and analyze information in new and useful ways. Data insights powered by up-to-minute information that is only possible when systems are fully integrated. Learn More About Beyond Cost Per Load Felipe Capella Felipe Capella Loadsmart The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/9/2021 • 34 minutes, 1 second
Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier
Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier and Joe Lynch discuss creating faster, better freight quotes. Dawn's company, Greenscreens.ai develops dynamic pricing which enables transportation and logistics companies to deliver faster, better freight quotes. About Dawn Salvucci-Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier is Chief Product Officer & Co-CEO at Greenscreens.ai. She has spent the past 20 years leading Global Product Strategy & Management at major Transportation Management System (TMS) providers. In addition, Dawn was President & Chief Operation Officer at Shippers Commonwealth where she had full P&L management responsibilities for the $6 million, value-added service provider of logistics solutions. In each of these roles, Dawn was able to develop and execute a vision and strategy for delivering industry-leading technology solutions to the Logistics market. She also brings extensive 3PL & Shipper Logistics operations experience having spent time as Director of Logistics Services for NFI Interactive Logistics and starting her career in the inbound transportation management function at Staples, Inc and The TJX Companies. About Greenscreens.ai Greenscreens.ai is a dynamic pricing infrastructure for the truckload spot rate market that delivers buy and sell-side market intelligence and business insights to help companies grow and protect their margins. The company combines the power of aggregated market data and historical data with advanced machine learning techniques to deliver short-term, predictive freight market pricing specific to a company's individual buying and selling behavior. Greenscreens.ai's mission is to be the industry-leading neutral platform for market data aggregation, market intelligence, and dynamic pricing. Greenscreen’s Provide customers with high confidence, predictive buy rate guidance, and differentiated pricing strategies that are powered by the industry's most up-to-date and contextually relevant dataset. Greenscreens.ai is fueled by transactional data from shippers, carriers, brokers, leading market data sources within the Greenscreens network and executed within the context of their existing technology ecosystem and workflow. Key Takeaways: Faster, Better Freight Quotes In the podcast, Dawn highlighted the following challenges facing freight brokers and 3PLs: Competitive pressures as well funded, venture capital-backed 3PLs and big publicly traded companies invest heavily in tech that enables them: Reduce the cost per load. Improve the customer experience. Deliver faster, more accurate freight quotes using dynamic pricing. Market volatility Delivering faster, better quotes is especially difficult when the market is volatile. Customers (shippers) are becoming more sophisticated and demanding. Instantaneous freight quotes are becoming more common. Old, dirty data There is a lot of data available to brokers and 3PLs, but much of the data is market averages that are non-contextual (out of context). Even when the data is good, it is difficult for humans to leverage the data into good quotes – too much to process. If freight margins compress, all the above problems become even more evident. When the margins are high, there is more slop and opportunity for brokers and 3PLs to hide their pricing mistakes. Dawn also discussed dynamic pricing, which is a pricing strategy that enables 3PLs and brokers to change prices based on algorithms that consider competitor pricing, supply and demand, and other external factors in the market. Dawn’s company, Greenscreens.ai provides dynamic pricing to the transportation and logistics industry. Dynamic pricing is used by many industry leaders and in many other industries including ride-sharing, airlines, professional sports, retail, and theme parks. Dynamic pricing utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning that can help 3PLs and brokers deliver freight quotes that both faster and better (more accurate). When companies use dynamic pricing from Greenscreens.ai they win more business because they can deliver faster, better freight quotes. In addition, companies improve their operational productivity and improve margins. Learn More About Faster, Better Freight Quotes Dawn Salvucci-Favier Greenscreens.ai Machine Learning for Predictive Spot Market Pricing The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/5/2021 • 43 minutes, 51 seconds
5 Reasons Ecommerce Companies Fail with Paige Fitzgerald
5 Reasons Ecommerce Companies Fail with Paige Fitzgerald Paige Fitzgerald and Joe Lynch discuss the 5 reasons ecommerce companies fail. In her role at Fulfyld, Paige works closely with ecommerce companies and she has learned why they fail (and succeed). About Paige Fitzgerald Paige Fitzgerald is the sales and marketing coordinator at Fulfyld. Paige studied at Barret, the Honors College, and the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, earning dual degrees in Marketing and Management with a certificate in International Business. Prior to working at Fulfyld, Paige held various roles in events, marketing, and sales in Chicago, Illinois. She loves meeting people from all industries, finding creative solutions, and helping businesses succeed online. Paige currently resides in San Diego, California, where you might find her reading at the beach or birdwatching at the bay in her free time. About Fulfyld Fulfyld is an ecommerce fulfillment and warehousing company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Fulfyld’s unique service offering includes the technology and customer service required by direct-to-consumer brands along with deep expertise in value-added services, product sourcing, and packaging that enables them to become an extension of their customer’s supply chain. Customers range from local to global companies, each with unique e-commerce fulfillment needs. Fulfyld integrates directly with e-commerce marketplaces and shopping carts to simplify your shipping process. Fulfyld ships same-day, every day, for one flat-rate. Key Takeaways: 5 Reasons Ecommerce Companies Fail In the podcast, Paige highlighted the following reasons that ecommerce companies fail: Poor understanding of their customer and market. Lack of marketing and product differentiation. Poor performing website. Inability to scale and drive traffic to the website (lack of investment). Poor fulfillment because they chose a fulfillment partner that lacks the DTC expertise and experience required to be successful. Paige’s company, Fulfyld is an ecommerce fulfillment and warehousing company that provides fulfillment, technology, and customer service required by direct-to-consumer brands. Learn More About the 5 Reasons Ecommerce Companies Fail Paige Fitzgerald Fulfyld Learn More About the 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success with AJ Khanijow
4/4/2021 • 26 minutes, 14 seconds
Noam Frankel and the FreightFriend Story
Noam Frankel and the FreightFriend Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Noam Frankel and the FreightFriend story. Noam is the Founder and CEO of FreightFriend, a cloud-based truckload procurement platform that helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. About Noam Frankel Noam Frankel is the Founder and CEO of FreightFriend, a cloud-based truckload procurement platform that helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Noam is a pioneer and innovator, Noam Frankel has spent more than 35 years building operations and technology in the logistics industry, originally as co-founder and COO of American Backhaulers. He later served as VP of Truckload at Echo Global Logistics, where he built their truckload division from the ground up, before founding Optimal Freight brokerage, which he sold to TFI International in 2018. . He has the unique perspective of having served as an executive on both the “industry” and technology sides of logistics. About FreightFriend FreightFriend is a cloud-based, AI-powered truckload procurement solution to help shippers and brokers build carrier relationships and find the right capacity to match to the right freight. The software solutions include a carrier relationship management (CRM) platform, the Capacity Guru dynamic routing guide, and Freight Guru intelligent freight matching. Learn More About Noam Frankel and the FreightFriend Story Noam Frankel FreightFriend Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
4/1/2021 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 24 seconds
The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles
The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes with Nick Dangles Nick Dangles and Joe Lynch discuss the increasing freight tech table stakes. Nick explains the technologies that 3PLs and brokers need today to be competitive. He also reviews some of the newer technologies that are being utilized by industry leaders. About Nick Dangles Nick Dangles is the Co-founder of Kinetic, a company that helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. Nick is a tenured veteran of full truckload freight brokerage who has firsthand knowledge of technology’s power in the freight industry. Nick’s operational focus and capacity to find a path forward, no matter the challenge, make his skills indispensable when working on a project, problem, or idea. Nick received his degree in Philosophy from The University of Illinois and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. About Kinetic Kinetic helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. It’s not enough to simply build a great product. To succeed, both startups and companies at scale need to make decisions about how to effectively acquire new customers and address their target audience. By leveraging our network and transportation experience, we assess the current market understanding of your product to help find product-market-fit and provide support to your sales and marketing teams. We also partner with your company to build and deliver effective training materials, drive adoption throughout an organization, and provide basic customer support. Key Takeaways: The Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes In the podcast, Nick shares the technologies that 3PLs and brokers need to use to be competitive today. Automated tracking Workflow automation including Book It Now technology Capacity management tools like FreightFriend Dynamic pricing tools like Green Screens AI Learn More About the Increasing Freight Tech Table Stakes Nick Dangles Kinetic Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/31/2021 • 29 minutes, 53 seconds
Technology Alone Won't Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen
Technology Alone Won't Integrate Your Supply Chain with Paul Jensen Joe Lynch and Paul Jensen discuss why technology alone won’t integrate your supply chain. Technology is critically important to a connected supply chain, however, there are limitations to what technology can do. To have a truly integrated supply chain companies need to have a supply chain partner that will couple the technology with the people and physical assets (trucks, terminals, warehouses, etc..) required to be effective and efficient. About Paul Jensen Paul Jensen is a graduate of Iowa State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy as a submarine officer and nuclear engineer. Jensen retired from the United States Navy Reserves in 2010 as a Commander (O5). While serving in the Reserves, Jensen began his corporate career in 1999 with Jacobson Companies, where he eventually served as executive vice president. From 2011-2016, he worked for DuPont Pioneer as senior manager of logistics and contracting. Paul joined the Ruan team in 2016 as vice president of logistics, leading our fastest growing service segment and a team of more than 100 employees in managed transportation and brokerage. He now leads the Supply Chain Solutions Division, which additionally includes value-added warehousing operations and dedicated contract transportation. Paul lives in Des Moines, IA with his wife Karla. They have two grown children who also live in the Des Moines metro area. About Ruan Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. With 90 years of transportation and logistics experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates from 300 locations nationwide and employs over 5,500 team members. Key Takeaways: Technology Alone Won't Integrate Your Supply Chain In the podcast interview, Paul explains that while technology is a critically important element of the supply chain, the technology must be coupled with people and assets (trucks, terminals, warehouses, etc..) to have a fully integrated supply chain. To ensure that the plan-source-make-deliver process works, companies need a partner who can execute the logistics from beginning to end (order to cash). Many supply chains have unrecognized risks because their logistics function is disconnected with different parties owning the trucks, warehouses, technology platforms, etc. that manage their logistics. Ruan has the technology, people, warehousing, and trucks that enable them to be a true supply chain partner to their customers. Ruan’s suite of services includes Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Services. Learn More About Why Technology Alone Won't Integrate Your Supply Chain Paul Jensen Ruan The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/30/2021 • 31 minutes, 1 second
Make Heroes, Make Money with Steve Elwell
Make Heroes, Make Money with Steve Elwell Joe Lynch and Steve Elwell discuss the concept of “make heroes, make money,” which relates to making customers and prospective customers the hero. Many salespeople and companies forget this principle and position themselves as the hero. Customers don’t want to be shown up by an outside company saving the day. They would rather be seen as the hero who picked a great partner to assist them in saving the day. About Steve Elwell Steve Elwell is the Founder of iDev Partners, which is a business consultancy focused on turnaround, growth, and Improvement. Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is an expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 6 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and an MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About iDev Partners iDev Partners provides growth and turnaround services to owners and executives of small and medium-sized automotive, industrial, and technology businesses. Areas of focus include new market entry, new product development, sales effectiveness, partnerships and alliances, operational excellence, and financial management. Key Takeaways: Make Heroes, Make Money In the podcast interview, Steve and Joe discuss principles from the book, StoryBrand by Donald Miller. StoryBrand is a fantastic resource for sales and marketing professionals. In the book, Donald Miller explains why marketers and salespeople should position the customer as the hero. Principle 1: The customer is the hero, not your brand. Principle 2: Companies tend to sell solutions to external problems, but customers buy solutions to internal problems. Principle 3: Customers aren't looking for another hero; they're looking for a guide. Principle 4: Customers trust a guide who has a plan. Principle 5: Customers do not take action unless they are challenged to take action. Principle 6: Every human being is trying to avoid a tragic ending. Principle 7: Never Assume People Understand how your brand can change their lives – tell them. Learn More About Make Heroes, Make Money Steve Elwell iDev Partners Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell StoryBrand The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/30/2021 • 36 minutes, 57 seconds
What's Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney
What's Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney Joe Lynch and Spencer Tenney discuss what’s driving the 3PL industry consolidation. Spencer and his team at Tenney Group are mergers and acquisitions advisors who work with business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry. About Spencer Tenney Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Prior to Tenney Group, Spencer worked as a Director at Merritt Hawkins, a healthcare recruiting firm in Dallas. He also owned a music publishing company. Spencer and his wife, Lauren, reside outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee and have been married for 13 years. He has three amazing kids – 9,6, & 3. He enjoys writing country music, reading presidential biographies, and F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith). He currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty. About Tenney Group Tenney Group are mergers and acquisitions advisors who work with business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry. These business owners are hardworking individuals or teams who have created and lead companies that are the backbone of America. Unfortunately, pitfalls unique to the transportation industry can threaten an owner's ability to sell their business for what they deserve or even threaten their ability to sell at all. Luckily, Tenney Group has developed an industry specialized process that enables business owners to navigate these pitfalls and maximize their ability to get a deal done. Ultimately, this allows owners to impact their family, employees, and community in profound ways while also giving them peace of mind that they made the best decision. The Tenney Group’s unique expertise helps transportation business owners build and protect business value, grow through acquisitions, and optimize the sale of their businesses. The Tenney Group was established in 1973 and has completed over 200 transportation deals. Key Takeaways: What's Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation In the interview, Spencer explains what’s driving the 3PL industry consolidation. The following factors are driving the 3PL industry consolidation: Inexpensive investment dollars are available for funding M&A activity. Large logistics companies acquire businesses for the following reasons: Grow their revenues. Enter new markets. Gain access to talent. Diversify their service offering. Diversify their service area. Owners of logistics and transportation companies are interested in selling their companies for the following reasons: Life changes like retirement, divorce, illness, desire to do something else. Unwilling or unable to invest in the business. Unwilling or unwilling to invest in technology. Diversify their investments. Learn More About What's Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation Spencer Tenney Tenney Group The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/26/2021 • 28 minutes, 42 seconds
3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same with Ryan Mann
3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same with Ryan Mann Joe Lynch and Ryan Mann discuss why 3PL sales will never be the same. 3PL sales are changed forever because of COVID, changing market dynamics, and the introduction of new technologies. About Ryan Mann Ryan Mann is the Director of Marketing at Lean Solutions Group. Ryan studied at Texas Tech University, earning a degree in General Studies, and has 3 minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Resources Development. A great strategist and experienced marketer that has worked in agencies, freelance, and business marketing. He is driven by using marketing to connect people with their goals, and helping businesses grow. His biggest motivation is his family and turning amazing ideas into reality for businesses. With passion and hard work has led each member of his team, promoting their best qualities, building team confidence, and amazing team collaboration. Ryan is a fervent writer, he delights in blogs, essays, short stories, songs, and Haiku. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S.-based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S.-based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English-speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: 3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same 3PL sales will never be the same because of the following reasons: Video The growth of video usage among sales and marketing people has truly changed the market. Video content views online are growing fast and businesses are using video to engage with customers on LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram, etc.. Zoom Zoom has enabled salespeople to have face-to-face meetings with their clients and prospects without traveling, which saves valuable time and money. The use of Zoom has exploded during COVID. Zoom can also be used to conduct webinars and create videos. Growth of SDR / BDR SDR is an abbreviation for sales development representative and BDR is an abbreviation for business development representative, but they are the same job – finding new sales leads via phone, email, and social media. A BDR is a dedicated resource for finding new sales opportunities. By having a dedicated person on prospecting, companies can better develop the sales process and limit multi-tasking. Integration of the sales and marketing functions Traditionally, salespeople communicate one-to-one, while the marketing team communicate one-to-many. The lines between sales and marketing have blurred. Salespeople are creating content and utilizing one-to-many technologies like social media and video. Marketing teams are engaging more with sales and operations people to create better content. Remote and Outsourced Headcount Outsourced headcount to nearshore locations like Columbia is making logistics companies more profitable and more competitive. Many logistics companies have outsourced functions like back-office, tracking & tracking, sales, marketing, and technology to outsourcing companies that are able to provide a quality service at a reduced cost. Learn More About 3PL Sales Will Never Be the Same Ryan Mann Lean Solutions Group RPA: The Secret Weapons for Reducing Logistics Costs - Using Robotic Process Automation to Get Faster, Cheaper, and Better The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/26/2021 • 32 minutes, 20 seconds
Developing a Distribution Strategy with Matt McGregor
Developing a Distribution Strategy with Matt McGregor Joe Lynch and Matt McGregor discuss developing a distribution strategy. Distribution strategy is one of the areas of focus for Matt and the Colliers Real Estate team. About Matt McGregor Matt McGregor is a Global Executive Vice President specializing in industrial commercial real estate portfolios for industrial companies. Matt is a supply chain industrial broker focused on representing firms associated with warehousing, fulfillment, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution facilities. Matt’s brokerage and consulting services are best in class and consist of real estate negotiations, network optimization, supply chain analytics, relocation analysis and negotiations, lease evaluations, consolidations, portfolio consulting, subleases, acquisitions, dispositions, strategic planning, labor analytics, demographics, site consulting, power studies, comparative financial analysis, construction design consulting, post-occupancy services, and state and local incentives negotiations. Matt has an impeccable resume related to large portfolio partnerships. Matt earned a Bachelor of International Business from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Supply Chain from Michigan State University. Additionally, Matt has earned a Logistics and Transportation certificate from Georgia Tech. About Colliers Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners, and investors. For more than 25 years, our experienced leadership with significant insider ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of almost 20% for shareholders. With annualized revenues of $3.0 billion ($3.3 billion including affiliates) and $40 billion of assets under management, we maximize the potential of the property and accelerate the success of our clients and our people. Key Takeaways: Developing a Distribution Strategy In the interview, Matt explains the importance of developing a comprehensive distribution strategy before buying a property. To have a successful distribution strategy, partner with a real estate broker who specializes in logistics and supply chain real estate. A real estate broker who specializes in logistics and supply chain will ensure that you select a distribution center location and building that enables a successful distribution strategy. When selecting a location consider the rent, utility costs, access to expressways, labor availability, labor costs, labor demographics, infrastructure, public safety, building layout including docks, and warehouse vs office space. Elements of a successful distribution strategy Customer locations and shipment frequency Supplier locations and shipment frequency Access to trucking company terminals, ports, railroads, expressways, airports, etc. Learn More About Developing a Distribution Strategy Matt McGregor LinkedIn Matt McGregor at Colliers Logistics and Supply Chain Real Estate Advisors Covid Impacts on Supply Chain with Dan Sheridan How to Hire a Real Estate Broker The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/22/2021 • 41 minutes, 22 seconds
Hurdles to 3PL Growth with Trey Griggs and Isaac Moreno
Hurdles to 3PL Growth with Trey Griggs and Isaac Moreno Joe Lynch discusses hurdles to 3PL growth with Trey Griggs and Isaac Moreno. Trey and Isaac work at Lean Solutions Group, where they work with 3PLs to solve a variety of sales and marketing problems. About Trey Griggs Trey Griggs is the Vice President of Sales at Lean Solutions Group. After graduating from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, Trey began his career as a high school physics teacher and coach. In 2010, he transitioned to a career in sales, cutting his teeth in door-to-door office supply sales for 15 months before accepting an opportunity with a leading technology and data provider in the transportation industry. During the past nine years Trey has gained experience in several sectors within technology, including load boards, rate analytics, TMS systems, visibility solutions, digital freight-matching platforms, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Trey enjoys coaching teams to be great, as well as speaking on sales and marketing strategies, leadership, organizational structure, and technology. When he is not building world-class sales organizations, you can find Trey spending time with his family, traveling, renovating his home, playing golf, working out, reading & playing music. About Isaac Moreno Isaac Moreno is the Director of Carrier Sales for Lean Solutions Group, currently working out of the Barranquilla, Colombia office. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 2011 and has worked in the freight brokerage industry for over 8 years. He has worn many hats in the industry, but primarily has extensive experience in the Carrier Sales role. His main duty is to help grow the carrier sales division by providing exceptional training and expertise in providing quality carrier sales candidates to logistics companies in the United States. Isaac earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tampa. About Lean Solutions Group Lean Solutions Group provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: Hurdles to 3PL Growth According to Trey and Isaac, the hurdles to growth in the 3PL business are typically: Developing good sales leads – lack of lead generation and sales muscle. Recruiting the right people, especially drivers. Creating a connected, capable, carrier network that reduces the need for load boards (carriers sales). Some Logistics companies struggle to grow their sales because they don’t put the proper focus on the sales function – they don’t recruit, train, and retain the right people for the job. They also don’t develop the proper structure, process, and systems to support the sales group. Lean Solutions Group helps 3PLs grow their sales by managing the recruiting, hiring, training, and placement of sales professionals that will make a positive impact. Many 3PLs are suffering to find the right carriers to move their freight. When 3PLs lack the right carrier relationships, they become transactional and develop an over-reliance on load boards. One of Lean’s specialties is carrier sales – they are the matchmaker who will will help their client connect with top quality carriers who are a great fit. Recruiting is a big problem in the logistics business. 3PLs are always looking for good people, but they don’t always excel at recruiting. Today, one of the hardest segments to recruit is drivers. Among drivers, the turnover is very high, and a good driver has her pick of top carriers and lanes. Lean Solutions Group assists many of their clients on recruiting. With their roots in the staffing business, Lean has deep expertise and experience in recruiting for the 3PL space. Learn More About Hurdles to 3PL Growth Trey Griggs Isaac Moreno Lean Solutions Group The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2021 • 42 minutes, 12 seconds
Matt Vogrich and the MoLo Story
Matt Vogrich and the MoLo Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Matt Vogrich and the MoLo story. Matt is the President & COO of MoLo Solutions, a 3PL with a mission to deliver the best experience in transportation. About Matt Vogrich Matt Vogrich is the President and COO of MoLo Solutions, a 3PL based in Chicago, IL. Prior to founding MoLo, Matt sold supply chain services in IBM’s distribution vertical. While working at IBM, Matt learned that many customers were frustrated with their logistics and transportation options, so he started MoLo with the goal of delivering the best experience in transportation. Matt earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. While at U of M, Matt was a scholarship athlete who played on the basketball team and earned Academic All Big Ten Honors. About MoLo Solutions MoLo—short for Modern Logistics—is a 3PL with a mission to deliver the best experience in transportation. The company help connect companies that ship goods and the truck drivers that have capacity to haul those goods. Food, beverages, plastics, paper, metals, and more - you name it, MoLo will ship it. Three things have shaped the company’s vision – respect for drivers, long-term partnerships, and people. Drivers deserve to have a champion who looks out for them. MoLo believes in shipper relationships that transcend short term gains. MoLo also wants to be the best place to work and in 2021 they were recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers for the second year in a row. Learn More About Matt Vogrich and the MoLo Story Matt Vogrich MoLo Solutions Other Inside the Founders Studio Interviews Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story Will Chu and the Vector Story Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/17/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 35 seconds
Hospital in the Home with Ben Fornell
Hospital in the Home with Ben Fornell Joe Lynch and Ben Fornell discuss hospital in the home (HITH) and the logistics required to make it successful. Healthcare traditionally delivered at hospitals is increasingly happening at the home of the patient and the trend is sometimes called “hospital in the home” or “hospital at home.” About Ben Fornell Ben Fornell is the Founder and CEO of Shurpa Health, the first logistics platform built for home healthcare. From its roots in the final mile parcel logistics business, the company has grown into a leading SaaS platform for managing hospital-at-home and in-home healthcare. Prior to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, Ben was a newspaper reporter with bylines in such publications as The Cedar Rapids Gazette, The New York Daily News, and The Des Moines Register. His former editors would be mortified to read his daily emails. Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Iowa. About Shurpa Shurpa is the first SaaS platform built from the ground-up to manage compliance, scheduling, and logistics for the hospital-at-home and home healthcare markets. Shurpa leverage patented artificial intelligence (AI) to take the guesswork out of managing mandatory recurring appointments while driving maximum efficiency from clinician workforces in the field. Shurpa is currently working with major national payers and providers, supporting a variety of healthcare use cases within the home. Shurpa can connect to a variety of leading electronic health records systems and work with healthcare providers to to tailor a workflow to their unique organizational needs. Connect with the Shurpa team online at www.shurpa.com or email ben@shurpa.com for more information. Key Takeaways: Hospital in the Home Hospital in the home (HITH) or hospital at home (HAH) refers to hospital-level care provided in the home environment. HITH will continue to grow because it is less expensive and often provides the same or even better healthcare outcomes for the patient. One of the challenges in HITH is logistics – getting the right people (nurses, doctors, techs) and equipment to the right place, the patient’s home. When healthcare professionals are stuck in traffic, lost, or taking the long way to the patient’s home, you get burn-out and a lot of extra costs. Shurpa is bringing home healthcare into the digital era. They equip healthcare companies professionals with the tools they need to optimize routes and appointments and reduce windshield time for healthcare professionals. Shurpa’s routing and optimization software enable healthcare professionals to keep their time commitments, reduce drive time, and realize efficiency gains of 30% or more. Learn More Ben Fornell Shurpa Healthcare The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/14/2021 • 26 minutes, 4 seconds
Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates with Chris Pickett
Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates with Chris Pickett Joe Lynch and Chris Pickett discuss the rise and fall of truckload rates. In the podcast interview, Chris explains the predictable patterns and causes behind the rise and fall of truckload rates. About Chris Pickett Bio Chris Pickett is the Lead Market Analyst and Founder of Pickett Research, LLC – an independent market research firm focused exclusively on the dynamics that drive US truckload freight rates. From 2006 to 2020, Chris played key leadership roles (including Chief Strategy Officer from 2010-2020) at Coyote Logistics (a UPS Company), a leading provider of non-asset based 3PL solutions across North America and Europe. Over various periods along the way, he held operational responsibility for all activities related to North American Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain Engineering, and Pricing Strategy. Chris’ passion for understanding US Truckload Freight Market dynamics and predicting the direction of spot and contract rates stems from his work at Coyote over this period where long-term contract commitments were often made based on an expected long-term cost of capacity in the spot market. It has since become a borderline obsession, where his fascination in these market phenomena continues to drive the evolution of the market cycle framework and the predictive value it delivers. Before joining Coyote in 2006, Chris spent his early career in supply chain software development, network design, and consulting. He earned a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.Eng. in Logistics from MIT, and an MBA from Georgia Tech. About Pickett Research Pickett Research (PR) was established in 2020 to fill a void in the US Truckload Freight Marketplace for analysis, forecasting, and market guidance that is both objective and credible. The mission at Pickett Research is to fill that void by leveraging a unique market philosophy, framework, and forecasting methodology that was developed and refined over more than a decade of commercial market experience scaling one of the largest and fastest-growing truckload freight brokers and 3PLs in North America from scratch. PR’s flagship research product, The Pickett Line, launched January 2021 as a monthly publication available via paid annual subscription, provides an overview of current and expected future market conditions and a rolling forecast for national spot and contract truckload linehaul rates on a quarterly year-over-year basis for up to five years out. To learn more or to subscribe to the 2021-22 series, visit www.pickettresearch.com or connect via email at chris@pickettresearch.com. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates Chris’s website shares his philosophy about the rise and fall of truckload rates. The next 3 bullet points are cut and pasted from the Picket Research website While it remains exceedingly difficult to predict the behavior of any individual buyer or seller in the US Truckload Freight Market, the behavior of the herd has proven to be quite consistent over the past 15 years – through recessions, energy crises, natural disasters, and even a global pandemic. When demand exceeds supply, rates move higher. As rates move higher, net Class 8 tractor orders spike, and incremental capacity enters. And in a market governed by human beings making financial decisions, we always overshoot. We always overdo it. Too much capacity enters relative to demand, rates hit a peak then collapse – along with Class 8 tractor orders – towards a deflationary trough. From there, the cycle reverses, unprofitable capacity exits, everyone forgets about the last cycle, and history repeats itself. And as long as the market remains structured in the same way, with fragmented supply making decisions in silos based on individual best interests, the cycle is doomed to repeat itself in perpetuity. While each cycle unfolds a little bit differently than the last as influenced by the nuances of the times, the pattern remains the same. Learn more about the rise and fall of truckload rates here: The Pickett Line Learn More About Understanding the Rise and Fall of Truckload Rates Chris Pickett Pickett Research The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/14/2021 • 40 minutes, 20 seconds
Why Cold Callers Fail with Chris Jolly
Why Cold Callers Fail with Chris Jolly Joe Lynch and Chris Jolly discuss why cold callers fail. In the discussion, Chris shares the most common reasons cold callers fail and some tips for making the cold calling process more effective. About Chris Jolly Chris Jolly is the founder of The Freight Coach and the host of Coffee w/#TheFreightCoach podcast. Chris has over 14 years of experience in transportation with the bulk of his experience in freight brokerage. His experience within freight brokerage includes operations, sales, and leadership ranging from start-ups to one of the largest brokerages in the transportation industry. His passion is the training and development of sales and operations professionals in the brokerage business. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stout located in Menomonie, WI and holds an associate in Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. About The Freight Coach The Freight Coach partners with growth stage transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. Our main objective is to utilize niche-specific transportation training methods to improve efficiencies within the sales process and use our experience to enhance your operations team to execute your freight mix at a higher level. The Freight Coach provides one on one training with leadership as well as carrier and customer sales representatives to ensure that they overcome the barriers they are facing now to pave the way for greater success. Key Takeaways: Why Cold Callers Fail In the podcast interview, Chris reviews the reasons why cold callers fail: A lack of substance, poor messaging. To be successful, cold callers need to have something interesting to say. No specialization or niche. When cold callers develop a specialization, they are more valuable, useful, and therefore interesting to prospects. Remember, The Niches have Riches. Inward looking – they talk about their product rather than the prospect’s business or problem. Good cold callers focus on the customer’s problems. Lack of confidence, which may be caused by lack of success and or not engaging properly. Lack of follow-up. Chris encourages cold callers to be persistent when pursuing prospects and to always keep calling until they reach the prospect. Over-reliance on one method for connecting with prospects. In addition to cold calling, Chris recommends using emails, text messages, LinkedIn, webinars, podcasts – any way to gain favorable attention with the prospect. Learn More About Why Cold Callers Fail Chris Jolly The Freight Coach Coffee with The Freight Coach Podcast (Chris Jolly) Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/13/2021 • 40 minutes, 55 seconds
Sourcing Strategy: Effective vs Efficient with Ron Crabtree
The Emerge Story with Andrew Leto Joe Lynch and Andrew Leto discuss Andrews's entrepreneurial journey and the Emerge story. Joe and Andrew also discuss Andrew’s earlier business ventures, Globaltranz and 10-4 Systems. About Andrew Leto Andrew Leto, is the Founder and CEO of Emerge, which is a digital freight marketplace. Andrew has been in the logistics industry since 2003 when he founded GlobalTranz after serving five honorable years in the U.S. Navy. Having built a reputation for providing some of the best technology in the industry, GlobalTranz quickly became one of the top-10 Truckload and LTL brokers in the U.S. with over a billion dollars in sales. Andrew also founded 10-4 Systems, a truckload and visibility platform which sold to Trimble in 2016. Andrew resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two children. About Emerge Emerge, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. and is transforming the $800 billion transportation and logistics industry with its digital freight marketplace platform. Emerge’s award-winning marketplace provides access to direct capacity and live market conditions helping shippers and carriers make the strongest, most beneficial decisions when procuring domestic freight. Launched in 2017, Emerge is backed by Greycroft, New Road Capital, 9Yards Capital, and the founder of GlobalTranz. Learn More About the Emerge Market Story with Andrew Leto Andrew Leto Emerge Company Page on LinkedIn Emerge Podcast White Paper: How to Manage Through FTL Market Transitions Other Podcast Interviews with Founders Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story Will Chu and the Vector Story Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/11/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 23 seconds
The Psychology of Solving Big Problems with Ann Holm
The Psychology of Solving Big Problems with Ann Holm Joe Lynch and Ann Holm discuss the psychology of solving big problems. Ann provides a step-by-step process for solving big problems based on the teachings of Shirzad Chamine, who is the best-selling author of the book, Positive Intelligence. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann Holm helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Connect with Ann at AnnHolm.net. Key Takeaways: The Psychology of Solving Big Problems In the podcast interview, Ann explains the psychology of solving big problems with the following 5 steps. Empathy – avoid blaming and judging yourself and others. Try to understand and share the feelings of others. Explore – Begin researching and analyzing information. Attempt to be open, objective, and scientific in your exploration. Innovate – Brainstorm possible solutions without judging the ideas. Ann says the goal is “to move the energy forward.” Navigate – Consider the potential actions and determine which ones align to your values and goals. Activate – Identify the best solutions (be bold) that you are willing and able to implement. Learn More About the Psychology of Solving Big Problems Ann Holm AnnHolm.net Positive Intelligence Other Interviews with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Developing Grit with Ann Holm Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
3/7/2021 • 40 minutes, 55 seconds
The CPG Supply Chain with Mike Neme
The CPG Supply Chain with Mike Neme Joe Lynch and Mike Neme discuss the CPG supply chain and Mike’s approach to winning and managing business with emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. About Mike Neme Mike Neme is a Franchise/Agent owner with Globaltranz and VP of Supply Chain Solutions at Hook Logistics, where he can give our customers a one-stop-shop for all and everything supply chain/ops and tech. Head down—all gas. No brakes are Mike's motto, whether it is in his personal life or professional life. Mike has been in the industry for eight years and has worked for some top asset and non-asset-based 3PLs, allowing him to see how both asset and brokerage works. In a traditionally transactional sales industry, he has never sold a transactional deal. He's always looked at customers' business as the way he would look at his own. Let's set this up for the long game and make strategic decisions like playing chess, not checkers. Mike's goal is to enhance efficiencies and increase customer profitability Year-over-year. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Communications from Central Michigan University. About Hook Logistics Hook Logistics is a 3rd Party logistics (3PL) firm that provides quality fulfillment services at transparent, fair rates. Hook Logistics utilizes a simple and intuitive platform to manage past orders, check inventory, and monitor/change current orders. Hook integrates with all the leading ecommerce platforms. Hook has fulfillment facilities in Ridgefield, NJ, and will announce the opening of a West Coast facility soon. About Globaltranz GlobalTranz is a technology-driven freight brokerage company specializing in LTL, full truckload, expedited, and managed transportation solutions. GlobalTranz is leading the market in innovative logistics technology that optimizes the efficiency of freight movement and matches shipper demand and carrier capacity in near real-time. Leveraging its extensive freight agent network, GlobalTranz has emerged as a fast-growing market leader with a customer base of over 25,000 shippers. GlobalTranz was recently recognized as the 8th largest Brokerage Company in Transport Topics’ Top Freight Brokerage Firms of 2019. Key Takeaways: The CPG Supply Chain CPG is an abbreviation for consumer-packaged goods, which is an industry term for merchandise that customers use up and replace on a frequent basis. Examples of consumer-packaged goods include food, beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Mike Neme’s niche is emerging package goods (CPG) companies with sales between $20 million and $500 million dollars. In the podcast interview, Mike shared his approach to working with emerging CPG companies. Mike’s approach: Pick a niche and become an expert in that market segment. Engage as a consultant, not someone who just sells logistics services. Develop a customized solution that includes technology, people, processes, and any other resources required for the client to be successful. Analyze shipments to understand the total cost to serve by each product line, customer, and location. Learn More About the CPG Supply Chain Mike Neme Hook Logistics Globaltranz Winning Strategic Accounts with Mike Neme The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
3/4/2021 • 28 minutes, 40 seconds
Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story
Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting story. Charlie is the Founder and President of CS Recruiting a firm that specializes in logistics and supply chain recruiting. About Charlie Saffro Charlie Saffro is the President and Founder of CS Recruiting. Charlie has over 14 years of direct recruiting experience within the Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain space. She has worked with many small to medium-sized businesses, as well as with Fortune 50 companies to help them identify the right talent for their organizational needs. Clients have included Third Party Logistics providers (3PL’s), Asset-Based providers, Shippers (Manufacturers and Distributors), and Vendors to the industry (transportation technology/fleet solutions). Charlie’s team of dedicated recruiters has experience filling positions of all levels; including C Level and Executive positions, Management roles, and Independent Contributor seats. Their network of talent spans across all functions (sales/operations/analytics/leadership) and the CS team pride themselves on knowing how to identify and evaluate talent for key positions. About CS Recruiting CS Recruiting focuses on recruitment within the Logistics, Transportation, and Supply chain Industry. We partner with clients across North America to help them identify the most qualified candidates for their niche hiring needs. Our client base consists of 3PLs, Asset Providers, Shippers (Manufacturers/Distributors), and companies that offer a technology platform, equipment solution, or consulting services. We pride ourselves on our industry expertise, competitive market knowledge, and network of talent to support searches for positions of all levels and functions that influence the Supply Chain. CS Recruiting’s goal is to partner with clients and candidates to develop long-lasting relationships and make appropriate and time-sensitive career matches. Learn More About Charlie Saffro and the CS Recruiting Story CS Recruiting Charlie Saffro Other Inside the Founders Studio Interviews Will Chu and the Vector Story Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
3/3/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 15 seconds
Will Chu and the Vector Story
Will Chu and the Vector Story Joe Lynch and Will Chu discuss Will’s story and the story of his company, Vector. Will is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vector, a firm that is digitizing the pickup and delivery process. About Will Chu Will Chu is a Co-founder and CEO of Vector, a logistics technology company that enables seamless collaboration by all parties in a shipment’s lifecycle. From shipper to carrier to consignee, Vector’s end-to-end solution digitally captures all workflows to facilitate contactless pickups and deliveries. Prior to co-founding Vector, Will helped start Addepar, a leading wealth management platform that specializes in data aggregation and analytics. Will earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. About Vector Vector is a mobile-first workflow and transportation management platform for shippers, logistics brokers, and carriers. Vector works with transportation management systems and makes them more powerful by enabling mobile workflows for drivers and automating the billing process. Vector has partnered with the leaders in the telematics industry. Their solution runs on their platforms to provide best-in-class driver experiences. Vector integrates with your existing workflows to provide document capture. Vector’s LoadDocs product helps companies reduce operational friction and increase productivity by streamlining workflows with electronic forms and best-in-class document capture. Learn More About Will Chu and the Vector Story Vector Will Chu Other Inside the Founder Studio Interviews Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/26/2021 • 26 minutes, 40 seconds
Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story
Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Nicole Glenn and Joe Lynch discuss Nicole's story and the story of her company, Candor Expedite. Nicole is the Founder and CEO of Candor Expedite. About Nicole Glenn Nicole Glenn, Owner and President of Candor Expedite, a critical expedite service provider as well as a white-glove B2B company. Prior to opening and operating Candor, Nicole works hand in hand with company owners to develop their companies and grow their customer following and elevate their sales and operations teams. From building asset-based fleets to successful brokerages that specialized in expedite and standard truckload Nicole would also focus her efforts on her teams to enhance and lift the individuals that help move the companies forward. Nicole obtained a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Northwood University. About Candor Expedite Candor Expedite is a woman-owned and operated hotshot ground and white-glove service provider with offices in Illinois and Texas. Candor specializes in hotshot ground, time-sensitive, and white glove delivery services. Because Candor manages so many high-touch, time-sensitive shipments, they have developed a culture of customer service, precision, special handling, and open communication – after all, Candor is the company name. Because shipment and truck visibility is so important on critical shipments, Candor utilizes Trucker Tools to track shipments and provide real-time updates. While no two clients or urgent shipments are the same, Candor has significant experience with customers in manufacturing, trade shows, hotels and hospitality, air-freight, and facility services. Learn More About Nicole Glenn and the Candor Expedite Story Candor Expedite Nicole Glenn Freight Moves on Relationships (and Trucks) with Nicole Glenn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/22/2021 • 42 minutes, 12 seconds
The Freight Marketplace with Brent Hutto
The Freight Marketplace with Brent Hutto Joe Lynch and Brent Hutto discuss the freight marketplace and its importance, dynamics, and huge impact on the U.S. economy. Brent works at Truckstop.com, a company that provides the technology, data, trust, and relationships that make the freight marketplace so efficient. About Brent Hutto Brent Hutto joined Truckstop.com seven years ago and currently serves as the Chief Relationship Officer for which includes ensuring the health of all of Truckstop.com’s external relationships with hundreds of transportation technology companies. In his 23 years in the transportation and logistics industry, he has developed extensive experience covering the market including positions of leadership in sales, marketing, media, and communications. Hutto has specific experience with carriers, brokers, shippers, industry suppliers, technology leaders, media companies, and financial firms. Presently, he serves on the boards, committees, and has membership with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), National Strategic Shippers Transportation Council (NASSTRAC), Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), Women In Trucking (WIT), American Trucking Association (ATA), Truckload Carriers Association, National Private Truck Council (NPTC), Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), and National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) and proudly serves on the board of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). Brent earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University. He has been happily married to his wife Teresa for 24 years, and they have six children. About Truckstop Truckstop.com is a leader in transportation technology and freight matching solutions. Founded in 1995 as the first load board on the internet, Truckstop.com offers logistics solutions for transportation professionals through load planning, transportation management, real-time rates, and negotiation tools, as well as the largest industry credit reporting entity helping industry professionals find trusted freight partners. With Truckstop.com, brokers can post loads and carriers can search for available loads in real-time. For over 20 years, Truckstop.com has helped carriers and brokers successfully run their businesses and find a better way to move freight. Key Takeaways: The Freight Marketplace The freight marketplace is huge and makes up approximately 10% of the annual U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The freight marketplace consists of approximately 400K carriers, 18K 3PLs and brokers, and 4 million shippers (and growing). There are over 750 million shipments per year and approximately 100 million of those shipments are on the spot market. The freight marketplace, especially the spot market, is the leading indicator for the economy. Because the economy and the needs of the shippers are so dynamic so too is the freight marketplace. The marketplace is constantly evolving and adapting to better serve the shippers and the public at large. Until recently, the freight business was largely manual with lots of emails and phone calls. Communication, data, technology, and marketplace platforms like Truckstop have greatly improved the efficiency of the marketplace. Both shippers and logistics companies are now armed with the latest and greatest data, which enables them to make better business decisions – fast. Truckstop partners with over 75,000 companies and the vast majority are small and mid-size companies. Carriers, brokers, and 3PLs all benefit from working with Truckstop. Truckstop’s community, load boards, data, innovation, and technology make them the perfect partner. The Truckstop team is proud to serve the freight community and drive the efficiency of the freight marketplace. Learn More About the Freight Marketplace Brent Hutto Truckstop.com Related Podcasts The Perfect Partner for the Owner-Operator with Mandy Morrow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/21/2021 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson
Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Joe Lynch and Rick Watson discuss Amazon vs Target vs Walmart and their strengths and weaknesses in the areas of ecommerce, fulfillment, distribution, and logistics. About Rick Watson Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company’s flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company’s product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com. About RMW Commerce Consulting RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Key Takeaways: Amazon vs Target vs Walmart The lines have blurred when it comes to retail and ecommerce. In the past, consumers either bought online or bought from their local retailers. Today, consumer expectations have risen in large part because companies like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have created such a wonderful customer experience. During the discussion, Rick talked about each company’s business model, along with their relative strengths and weaknesses in the areas of customer experience, fulfillment, and delivery. Amazon Amazon is a pioneer in the ecommerce space, but to ensure that the customer experience, delivery, and fulfillment is world-class, Amazon has invested heavily in fulfillment centers close to consumers. The fulfillment centers enable Amazon to store inventory close to consumers which allows for fast delivery and even same-day / next-day delivery. Amazon has raised the bar on digital communication with customers and their accurate, on-time home deliveries set the benchmark for the rest of the industry. To further cement their position as the leader in-home delivery, Amazon has started an asset-based logistics company to keep the packages moving. Amazon is first and foremost a technology company and they will use their superior tech capability to stay a leader in the business. Target Target started as an old-school retailer with virtually no technology or online presence. In terms of selling online, Target had a very late start. Target was not equipped to manage an online store and they even had Amazon manage their online sales for a short time. As a traditional retailer, Target couldn’t just copy Amazon’s strategy. Target ultimately decided to invest in their stores. They made each store a fulfillment center and today, 90% of Target’s online orders are fulfilled by their stores. Additionally, Target has pioneered several purchasing/fulfillment options including BOPAC (Buy online and pick up at curb) BOPIS (Buy online and pick up in store), and same-day / next-day deliveries via Shipt (an independent subsidiary of Target). Shipt facilitates same-day delivery from various retailers to its members through either phone apps or via their website. Shipt has over 200,000 personal shoppers delivering products to homes. Walmart Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue, with over $524 billion USD in 2020. Walmart is also the also the biggest food retailer in the USA. Walmart is a juggernaut when comes to sales and operational excellence. Walmart’s inventory management, distribution, and logistics are arguably the best in the retail world. Obviously, the company understands retailing, but they struggled with their transition to online sales. Walmart was late to the online party and they had a few missteps. In recent years, Walmart has made major investments that enable their stores to be fulfillment centers. With over 11,500 stores worldwide, Walmart has locations close to the world’s population centers. In addition to their store and fulfillment center investment, Walmart purchased Jet.com to gain the experience and resources of a web-native ecommerce company. Learn More About Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Rick Watson RMW Commerce The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/17/2021 • 39 minutes, 59 seconds
Greg Price and the Shipwell Story
Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Ryan Schreiber and Greg Price discuss Greg’s entrepreneurial journey and the Shipwell story. Greg is the Co-founder of Shipwell, a cloud-based transportation management software company. About Greg Price Greg Price is the CEO and Co-founder of Shipwell, a cloud based TMS solution based in Austin, TX. Shipwell is transforming the supply chain industry by replacing opaque and manual processes through a tech-enabled, fully connected logistics ecosystem with more than 500,000 carrier partners. Greg Price co-founded Shipwell to apply his engineering and machine learning background to the transportation market and bring automation, visibility, and artificial intelligence to the supply chain space. While a consultant at McKinsey & Co, Greg leveraged advanced analytics and machine learning to solve crucial challenges facing Fortune 100 supply chains across CPG, Retail, Oil & Gas, and Manufacturing, resulting $500M+ in realized savings and earnings. Previously, he spent 7 years working at MIT’s Lincoln Labs creating hardware, software, and algorithms for the US Department of Defense and holds master’s degrees in Engineering and Business from MIT. About Shipwell Shipwell is transforming the supply chain industry with a cloud-based shipping solution that grows with your business. Their connected SaaS platform combines the features and functionality of a TMS with advanced visibility and an integrated partner network in a simple solution that uses data analytics and workflow automation to maximize efficiencies and reduce total cost of ownership. Shipwell’s innovative architecture delivers actionable, data-driven insights so customers can focus on high priority tasks, identify and resolve transportation issues, and quickly access capacity. From order management to financial reconciliation, Shipwell’s platform saves time, reduces cost, and optimizes the shipping experience throughout the entire supply chain. Shipwell is proud to be recognized as a notable vendor in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for TMS, as well as a Forbes 2020 Next Billion-Dollar Startup. Learn More About Greg Price and the Shipwell Story Greg Price Shipwell.com @shipwell LinkedIn Facebook.com/Shipwellinc. press@shipwell.com Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story
2/17/2021 • 40 minutes, 54 seconds
What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months with Channa Ranatunga
What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months with Channa Ranatunga Channa Ranatunga and Joe Lynch discuss what Channna learned from working at 6 fulfillment companies in 3 months. Channa’s company, Rabot provides tools that enable improved worker efficiency in fulfillment warehouses, so he wanted to gain firsthand experience working in fulfillment. About Channa Ranatunga Channa Ranatunga is the Co-founder and CEO of Rabot, a technology company dedicated to building smart tools that reduce repetitive work and improve worker efficiency in warehouses. Channa is an experienced entrepreneur in the logistics and supply chain space. He enjoys learning about new technologies and current challenges faced within the warehousing and fulfillment space and is always looking to connect with logistics professionals. Prior to starting Rabot, Channa was a Senior Applications Specialist at a machine vision company. Earlier in his career, Channa owned a pack and ship store and also founded a wireless device company focused on smart farms. About Rabot Rabot builds smart tools to reduce repetitive work and improve worker efficiency in warehouses. Due to the growth of e-commerce in the global economy, e-commerce fulfillment and logistics companies are struggling to maintain profit margins as their customers expect shorter and error-free fulfillment cycles. This is prompting the need for smarter technology solutions to help with the rapid growth. At Rabot, we are building smart tools to reduce inefficient, inaccurate, and repetitive manual work and improve warehouse operations' traceability. Rabot is based in Arlington, Texas. Key Takeaways: What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months Channa learned the following from working at 6 fulfillment companies in 3 months: People The workers are generally very hard working. Diverse workforces, usually a family environment. Many workers are fearful of robotics because they see it as a potential threat to their jobs. Many workers are struggling financially, some sad stories, people living in cars. High turnover, repetitive work, demanding physically, no sick days. Workers often work in the gig economy, very interested in Uber, Lyft, etc. as alternative sources of income. Management was typically very kind, treated people well. Everybody, management, and workers are trying to do the right things. Process The work is repetitive, sometimes difficult to stay focused, which leads to quality issues. Some processes work well, easy to manage, and do a good job, other processes are very hard because there is no technology or the tech is mismatched or inadequate In general, too many manual processes, writing out barcode numbers on to paper, etc. Management often don’t have visibility into the process – only the output Management’s lack of visibility into the process, means there are errors, bad orders Process variability based on the operator (experience, effort, training, size/strength) Technology Many fulfillment companies are not using technology properly. Some warehousing and fulfillment company not utilizing any technology at all. WMS not used in two of the six fulfillment companies – manual processes, no scan guns. Learn More About What I Learned from Working at 6 Fulfillment Companies in 3 Months Channa Ranatunga Rabot Other Podcasts about Fulfillment Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin
2/15/2021 • 36 minutes, 28 seconds
The Perfect Partner for the Owner-Operator with Mandy Morrow
2/11/2021 • 38 minutes, 3 seconds
Predict and Prevent Freight Damage with Ilya Preston
Predict and Prevent Freight Damage with Ilya Preston Ilya Preston and Joe Lynch discuss ways to predict and prevent freight damage. Freight damage is not only expensive and upsetting to customers, but it is also ridiculously hard to figure out where, when, and how it occurred. Ilya’s company, Paxafe creates sensors that enable companies to determine when, where, and how shipments were damaged. About Ilya Preston Ilya Preston is the Co-founder and CEO of PAXAFE. Ilya was formerly a strategy and operations management consultant within the Big 4 with both PwC and KPMG, advising Fortune 1000 clients across healthcare, technology, and private equity verticals. Prior to his time in consulting, Ilya was a Supply Chain Strategy Manager at Cummins Inc, where he oversaw $100M in spend and was responsible for developing the commodity strategy for sheet metal fabrication and raw metal purchases. Ilya earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Indianapolis. About PAXAFE PAXAFE predicts adverse events through the supply chain to de-risk B2B shipments and enable intelligent cargo insurance. By building machine learning models that properly diagnose and label excursions, PAXAFE is uniquely positioned to leverage more granular, contextual data to accurately identify when, where and under which conditions future adverse events are likely to occur. PAXAFE has developed an intelligence platform – CONTXT - that leverages near real-time telematics, third-party and ERP data to provide a digital twin to the physical supply chain capable of answering who, what, when, where, how, and why. CONTXT enables shippers, 3PLs / carriers and insurance providers the ability to intercept at-risk shipments, automate claim diagnosis and root cause analysis, and improve loss ratios via improved underwriting. PAXAFE’s platform decreases cargo loss while improving operational efficiencies. PAXAFE - a venture-backed C-Corp - is a graduate of gener8tor Accelerator, was a 2019 Accelerate Michigan startup competition finalist and a 2020 ACORD InsurTech Challenge finalist, and is a top 20 Wisconsin startup to watch in 2020 and 2021. PAXAFE is currently a part of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) - Risk stream. Key Takeaways: Predict and Prevent Freight Damage Freight damage and loss are extremely upsetting to shippers, transportation providers, and end customers. Additionally, freight damage and loss are very expensive. Every time a shipment is damaged or lost and freight claim is created, somebody must determine when, where, and how it happened. The company or person who was responsible is sometimes very hard to determine, and let’s face it most people will not want to take responsibility for the screw-up. In the interview, Ilya explains how his company has created small, affordable sensors that can be added to the shipment and precisely determine when and where the shipment was damaged, assuming the shipment is damaged. Additionally, the sensors can provide additional insights into the damage like whether the shipment was dropped or if it accelerated quickly during a truck spike stop. This additional context that the sensors provide enables shippers and transportation providers to analyze damaged shipment and then improve the process to prevent future damage. Lost shipments with the included sensors are usually easily found. In addition, PAXAFE has created temperature sensors that can prevent temperature excursions that lead to food damage. Learn More About How to Predict and Prevent Freight Damage Ilya Preston PAXAFE Recent Podcasts About Trucking The Internet of Trucking (IoT) with Tapan Chaudhari The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/7/2021 • 40 minutes, 49 seconds
Top Trends in Supply Chain Tech with Charley Dehoney
Top Trends in Supply Chain Tech with Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney and Joe Lynch discuss the top trends in supply chain tech. Charley is an entrepreneur, executive, and investor in companies that are transforming the logistics and supply chain with technology. About Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney is a growth-focused executive, board member, and investor, with more than 17 years of experience at the intersection of transportation and technology. He has helped launch, build, and scale companies that have supported hundreds of millions of dollars in growth. Charley is currently working on a number of freight-related projects including a stealth startup focusing on automating global trade and acquiring logistics business. Recently, Dehoney served as CEO of Manning’s Truck Brokerage, a 50-year-old, logistics company acquired in 2020 by Fitzmark, Inc. Dehoney has also held executive roles in several high growth and venture capital-backed logistics businesses. Charley earned a BS in Sociology from the San Jose State University where he also played on the varsity football team. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his beautiful wife and three strapping young sons. Key Takeaways: Top Trends in Supply Chain Tech The podcast interview was based on an article Charley recently wrote called: Top Trends in Supply Chain Technology for 2021. Trend number 1 - Transportation Marketplaces — We’re Never Going Back. Trend number 2 - Overlap between Digital Freight Brokers and Digital Freight Marketplaces. Trend number 3 - International Ocean Freight Data and Visibility. Trend number 4 - Freight FinTech. Charley highlighted companies that are leading these trends: Cargomatic, Emerge, Newtrul, Cargobase, FourKites, Project44, Vizion, RPA Labs, OpenTrack, OpenEnvoy, BasicBlock, PayCargo, Learn More About Top Trends in Supply Chain Tech Charley Dehoney Top Trends in Supply Chain Technology for 2021 How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/5/2021 • 56 minutes, 44 seconds
Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story
Ryan Schreiber and Kevin Nolan discuss Kevin's entrepreneurial journey and the Nolan Transportation Group Story. Kevin is the Founder of Nolan Transportation Group (NTG). About Kevin Nolan Kevin Nolan is the Founder and Chief Rhino at Nolan Transportation Group (NTG). Kevin founded NTG in 2005 with a small office, a box of cash, and two employees. NTG was built on a service promise and Kevin’s open communication style quickly earned the trust of both carriers and shippers. After five years in operation, NTG opened additional offices and began to take off, adding nine more offices between 2011 and 2016. Today, NTG has 13 offices nationwide. Kevin received his B.S. in Business Administration from Presbyterian College while playing college football, developing the competitive spirit he runs the business with today. After finding early success as a freight broker for C.H. Robinson, Kevin left the industry and went on to manage multiple Waffle House stores. He finished his career as the top sales manager across the company, honored with the Top Waffle Award. Kevin went on to earn his MBA at Mercer and completed the degree with a business model focused on the freight brokerage industry. With experience and education under his belt, Kevin was able to form the foundation for NTG. About Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) is a full-service, third-party Logistics Company dedicated to delivering the highest level of service in the transportation industry. NTG’s carrier base consists of over 30,000 independent transportation/trucking companies that facilitate the movement of our customers’ product. Whether you’re a carrier that needs to get loaded or a shipper that deserves the best possible service in the industry, our team is eager and ready to fulfill your needs and keep you charging forward. Visit our website to learn more about our capabilities and service at www.ntgfreight.com. NTG has been ranked a 2020 Top Freight Brokerage Firm by Transport Topics and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing, private companies for six consecutive years (2015-2019). NTG offers excellent career growth potential with an immediate opportunity to learn from our industry-experienced team members. NTG is headquartered in Atlanta, GA with 13 other locations throughout the U.S. Learn More About Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story Kevin Nolan Nolan Transportation Group From Top Waffle to Top Rhino Introducing Inside the Founders' Studio
2/4/2021 • 37 minutes, 55 seconds
The Internet of Trucking (IoT) with Tapan Chaudhari
The Internet of Trucking (IoT) with Tapan Chaudhari Tapan Chaudhari and Joe Lynch discuss the internet of trucking (IoT) which refers to all the connected devices and sensors that are being used in the trucking industry. About Tapan Chaudhari Tapan Chaudhari is the Founder and CEO of TruckX, a technology firm focused on the trucking industry. Tapan founded TruckX with the goal of bringing transparency, visibility, and efficiency to the trucking industry. Prior to the founding of TruckX, Tapan held leadership positions at several tech start-ups in the San Francisco Bay / Silicon Valley area. Tapan earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (India). About TruckX TruckX is a technology firm focused on the trucking industry. TruckX’s first product was an electronic logging device (ELD). Since then, TruckX has launched a series of devices and sensors that helps trucking companies gain additional transparency, visibility, and efficiency. TruckX products include fleet tracking sensors, electronic logging devices, dashcams, and asset trackers. TruckX is at the forefront of the internet of trucking (IoT). TruckX is headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Key Takeaways: The Internet of Trucking (IoT) In the interview, Tapan explains how the internet of trucking (IoT) began to gain momentum with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate that went into effect in 2019. To be compliant, carriers had to install and train drivers to use an electronic logging device, which tracks the driver’s hours of service (HOS) As carriers, brokers, and 3PLs implemented ELDs and other visibility solutions, the desire for more information increased. Today, companies like TruckX are launching trucking specific IoT products like: Dash cameras that will videotape the outward-facing (driver’s view) and inward-facing (view of the driver) are useful in the event of an accident. The video can also be used for driver training and recording video of vehicle theft. Cameras attached to side-view mirrors to capture footage, which would be useful in the in the event of an accident or theft. Temperature sensors inside the trailer of temperature-controlled shipments. The sensors enable drivers and carriers to document the temperature from pick-up to delivery. The sensors can also proactively alert drivers and dispatchers of temperature excursions. Trailer location sensors help with tracking the trailer and the products within the trailers. The sensors also help truckers find trailers inside truck yards. Door sensors that record when and where the trailer door was opened. This information would be very useful when investigating freight claims, preventing theft, and ensuring the doors are closed on temperature-controlled shipments. Sensors that can capture the approximate capacity used inside the trailer. This technology helps shippers and carriers measure trailer utilization. The integrated nature of the internet of trucking (IoT) products enables shippers and carriers to become more efficient and transparent. IoT also increases visibility, utilization, and proactive measures to solve little problems before they become big problems. Learn More About the Internet of Trucking (IoT) Tapan Chaudhari TruckX ELD, Driver Fatigue and Safety with Dean Croke The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/3/2021 • 39 minutes, 49 seconds
Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story
Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Joe Lynch and Jason Traff discuss Jason’s entrepreneurial journey and the Shipwell. Jason is the Co-founder of Shipwell, a cloud-based transportation management software company. About Jason Traff Jason Traff is the President and Co-founder of Shipwell, a cloud-based TMS solution based in Austin, TX that is transforming the supply chain industry by replacing opaque and manual processes through a tech-enabled, fully connected logistics ecosystem with more than 500,000 carrier partners. Prior to Shipwell, he co-founded and ran CopyCat Paintings, a global art reproduction company based in Shenzhen, China that employed over 1,000 artists and shipped to four continents, and Leaky, an insurance technology startup backed by Y-Combinator that provided over $300 million of insurance quotes. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. About Shipwell Shipwell is transforming the supply chain industry with a cloud-based shipping solution that grows with your business. Their connected SaaS platform combines the features and functionality of a TMS with advanced visibility and an integrated partner network in a simple solution that uses data analytics and workflow automation to maximize efficiencies and reduce the total cost of ownership. Shipwell’s innovative architecture delivers actionable, data-driven insights so customers can focus on high priority tasks, identify and resolve transportation issues, and quickly access capacity. From order management to financial reconciliation, Shipwell’s platform saves time, reduces cost, and optimizes the shipping experience throughout the entire supply chain. Shipwell is proud to be recognized as a notable vendor in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for TMS, as well as a Forbes 2020 Next Billion-Dollar Startup. Learn More About Jason Traff and the Shipwell Story Jason Traff Shipwell.com @shipwell LinkedIn Facebook.com/Shipwellinc. press@shipwell.com Related Podcasts Kevin Nolan and the Nolan Transportation Group Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
2/2/2021 • 42 minutes, 26 seconds
Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot with Ali Raza
Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot with Ali Raza Ali Raza and Joe Lynch discuss putting supply chains on autopilot. Ali is a theory of constraints (TOC) practitioner who founded a company to help supply chains to improve throughput. About Ali Raza Ali Raza is the Founder and CEO of Throughput, Inc., an AI-Powered software to help companies run leaner, faster, smoother, and safer operations out of the box. Ali comes from a deep academic and real-world industrial operations in process simulations and operations management. He has managed onshore/offshore/war zone logistics as well as batch, continuous, and discrete manufacturing setups. At Schlumberger, he became one of the youngest Geomarket Production Services, pioneering 3 projects and serving 50+ industrial clients. His production teams were responsible for billions of dollars of hydrocarbon output to the global economy. Ali joined his first tech startup while still an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, he has been eliminating one global bottleneck after another, with his current focus on optimizing supply chains that extend to Mars. About ThroughPut, Inc. ThroughPut Inc. is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supply Chain pioneer that enables companies to optimize their Operations by leveraging their existing Data Systems to increase Output, Quality and Profitability across their entire enterprise. ThroughPut's AI software, ELI, includes the only Bottleneck Management System (BMS) that utilizes existing enterprise data systems, such as ERP, MES, IMS, TMS, WMS, PLC, EAM, POS, CRM, SCADA, Historian, and other data systems, to solve for the $25 Trillion of annual Waste across global supply chains already today. Such constraints to the $90 Trillion global Economy could otherwise be dedicated to more productive, useful and sustainable purposes for the benefit of all stakeholders and communities. ThroughPut's AI software is designed by Fortune 500 Supply Chain & Logistics leaders, Silicon Valley AI and Analytics pioneers, and top global Operations Experts in the areas of the Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain Automation, Total Quality Management, and over four-dozen other leading best practices now digitized as part of the ELI software, with hundreds of years of hands-on experience in the space. Key Takeaways: Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot In the podcast, Ali provides an overview of throughput, theory of constraints, and Eliyahu Goldratt. Throughput is the amount of material or items passing through a system or process. Throughput can be calculated as Inventory = Rate multiplied by Time, where “rate” is the throughput. Ali and other followers of the theory of constraints believe that throughput is more like a way of life as opposed to a simple metric. The theory of constraints (TOC) is a management philosophy that views any manageable system as being limited in achieving more of its goals by a very small number of constraints. There is always at least one constraint, and TOC uses a process to identify the constraint and restructure the rest of the organization around it. Eliyahu Goldratt was an Israeli physicist turned management guru. Dr. Goldratt is best known as the father of the Theory of Constraints (TOC), a process of ongoing improvement that continuously identifies and leverages a system’s constraints to achieve its goals. He introduced TOC’s underlying concepts in his business novel, The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement, which has been recognized as one of the best-selling business books of all time. At ThroughPut.ai they have a world class team of industrial experts from the fields of operational excellence, artificial intelligence, supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, industrial automation, and finance with the goal of making and moving thing more efficiently. Their approach reduces the time from order to cash and produces in increased free-cash-flow. ai uses AI to help decision-makers identify and eliminate process, and supply chain bottlenecks. This AI driven approach enables companies to put their supply chains on auto-pilot – an optimized system that yield high throughput and cash-flow. Learn More About Putting Supply Chains on Autopilot Ali Raza ThroughPut Inc Throughput Economics: Making Good Management Decisions Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/31/2021 • 43 minutes, 58 seconds
Introducing Inside the Founders' Studio
Introducing Inside the Founders' Studio Ryan Schreiber and Joe Lynch are launching a new podcast called Inside the Founders Studio. Ryan and Joe will interview founders, key executives, and innovators to understand what makes them and their companies successful. About Ryan Schreiber Ryan Schreiber is the Director of Engagement at CarrierDirect in Chicago. Ryan was born and raised in Tampa Florida. Ryan earned a degree in History from the University of South Florida and then a Law degree from Michigan State University. Prior to joining CarrierDirect, Ryan worked at a variety of logistics companies and even started and exited a few tech-enabled freight brokerage start-ups. Ryan is a skilled technologist and strategist who has helped transform many leading transportation and logistics companies. In Ryan’s experience great technology is important but finding and keeping the right people is the key to success in the 3PL business. About Joe Lynch Joe Lynch is the host of The Logistics of Logistics podcast, one of the top-ranked logistics podcasts. Joe interviews logistics, transportation, and supply chain industry leaders about innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight. Prior to founding The Logistics of Logistics, Joe served as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of a non-asset based 3PL, managing less-than-truckload and truckload shipping for automotive suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and distribution clients. Earlier in his career, Joe led a supply chain consultancy, which focused on the automotive sector. Engagements included: value stream mapping, supply chain optimization, lean product development, module strategy, and quality improvement. Joe began his career as an automotive design engineer and eventually rose to program launch manager for Jeeps built in Thailand and China. Joe earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and from Cleary University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn (program specifically designed for facilitators, trainers, and consultants). Key Takeaways: Introducing Inside the Founders Studio Ryan and Joe are launching a new podcast called, Inside the Founders Studio. The new podcast will be interviews with founders, key executives, and innovators in the transportation, logistics, warehousing, supply chain, and technology verticals. The podcast has two goals. First, to let the founders and innovators tell the story of their companies. Secondly, understand the person(s) behind the company. If everything goes as planned, Joe, Ryan, and the listeners will learn what makes these folks tick. Interview topics will include: Company history Upbringing / Family influences Career highlights First logistics job Turning points and key challenges Mindset Managing failure What’s next for the founder and their company Learn More Ryan Schreiber Joe Lynch Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm
1/27/2021 • 37 minutes, 55 seconds
Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares
Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares Eric Ristow, Luis Pajares, and Joe Lynch discuss reimagining the food supply chain. The food supply chain has many challenges including poor customer experience, disconnected cold storage networks, and a lack of system integration resulting in limited visibility. About Eric Ristow Eric Ristow serves as Vice President of Product and Application Management at Lineage Logistics. In this role, he ensures custom-built software, as well as SaaS applications, meet the needs of Lineage’s customers. This includes identifying discrete business problems within the temperature-controlled logistics space and developing the requisite applications to enable the safe and efficient storage and transportation of food. As a technology leader for the world’s largest cold-chain provider, Eric is passionate about building more effective food management and delivery solutions for Lineage’s customers to improve the resiliency of the food supply chain in an increasingly challenging global environment. Prior to joining Lineage in 2014, Eric spent 7 years as a management consulting within the healthcare, pharmaceutical and retail spaces. These efforts include the large-scale post-merger integration of technical assets, deployment of global asset management programs, the integration of regulatory content systems, and the development of an enterprise resource planning program to support the strategic staffing of all IT projects, comprising an annual budget of $180 million and 2,500 global team members. Eric holds a BA in history from Dartmouth College and a JD/MBA from Emory University. About Lineage Logistics Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase the efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain. Lineage has grown its cubic feet by 60% annually since 2008 to 1.9 billion cubic feet, making it the largest global temperature-controlled industrial REIT. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations, Lineage was recognized as the No 1. Data Science company on Fast Company’s Annual list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2019, in addition to ranking 23rd overall in an evaluation of thousands of companies worldwide. About Luis Pajares Luis Pajares serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo. He brings over 30 years of experience in software and cloud technologies in both large publicly traded and start-up companies. Luis’s career has been focused on finding and developing disruptive technologies that modernize industries. At Turvo Luis is focused on applying his knowledge and experience in digital transformation to the logistics industry to create the world’s first collaborative logistics solution to unify every person, system, and organization in the supply chain. In his previous role as Group Vice President for Oracle Communications, he was a senior member of the leadership team responsible for strategy with oversight of worldwide sales, alliances and partnerships. Luis holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Dallas. About Turvo Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Reimagining the Food Supply Chain Food producers, especially those that require temperature control have traditionally depended on a hodge-podge collection of 3PLs to store and transport their product. Since no one 3PL had the service footprint (warehousing locations) adequate to service the entire country, food producers used multiple cold storage suppliers, which resulted in disparate systems and processes. Predictably, using multiple cold storage facilities led to inefficiency and waste, specifically wasted food. Meanwhile, the bar has raised for food producers. Due to customer demand for faster transit times, food inventory must be stored closer to customers. Additionally, everyone in the food supply chain wants fast, accurate, actionable data. Lastly, food waste has become recognized as a problem. Dumping food into a landfill when there may be hungry people in the community is a problem that must be addressed. Lineage Logistics is transforming the food supply chain. Lineage has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a national footprint that will enable food producers to utilize one 3PL for all their storage, logistics, and transportation needs. Today, Lineage Logistics moves approximately 30% of temperature-controlled food in the U.S. and nearly 10% worldwide. Link to Lineage’s acquisitions. In addition to their impressive service footprint (warehouse locations), Lineage has partnered with Turvo to launch Lineage Link. Lineage Link, powered by Turvo, is a unified and fully integrated supply-chain technology solution that seamlessly connects the Lineage network, driving collaboration, performance, and efficiency for all supply chain participants. The platform gives customers an unprecedented level of insight and control to enable more agile and informed decisions, providing visibility across locations, orders, inventories, transportation, and warehouse appointment scheduling. Learn More About Reimagining the Food Supply Chain Lineage Logistics Partners with Turvo to Launch Lineage Link Eric Ristow Lineage Logistics Luis Pajares Turvo Logistics Frictionless Logistics: It’s the Collaboration, Stupid with Ketan Karkhanis The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/16/2021 • 29 minutes, 50 seconds
Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin
Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin Guy Courtin and Joe Lynch discuss rethinking fulfillment in an era of explosive growth in ecommerce and fulfillment services. Guy and the team at 6 River Systems are making fulfillment faster and easier with a combination of collaborative robots, artificial intelligence, and operational expertise. About Guy Courtin Guy Courtin is the Head of 6 River Global Alliance and Partnership program. He brings over 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry. He has held senior leadership roles at Infor, Progress Software, and i2 Technologies. In addition, he has been an industry analyst covering the supply chain and retail spaces for SCM World and Constellation Research. Guy holds an MBA from the Olin School at Babson College, a Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago, and a Bachelor's degree from The College of the Holy Cross. About 6 River Systems, a Shopify Company Founded in Waltham, Mass. in 2015, 6 River Systems is a leading collaborative mobile robotics fulfillment solution provider and part of global commerce company Shopify Inc. Founders Jerome Dubois and Rylan Hamilton were previously executives at Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics). The 6 River Systems solution is operating in more than 20 facilities in the U.S., Canada and Europe, fulfilling millions of units each week for companies including Lockheed Martin, CSAT Solutions, ACT Fulfillment, DHL, XPO Logistics, and Office Depot. To learn about 6 River Systems and its wall-to-wall fulfillment solution, please visit www.6river.com. Key Takeaways: Rethinking Fulfillment The ecommerce and fulfillment industries have experienced rapid growth during the pandemic. With all the recent changes, many people, including Guy are taking a closer look at some aspects of the industry. In the podcast, Guy and Joe discussed the five following topics: Customer expectations. People expect more from retailers and ecommerce sellers than ever before. Some expectations can be maintained by the industry while others are untenable because of the cost. In the cases, the high cost of fast, free delivery is absorbed by the seller, but that will not be the case in the long term. Fulfillment flexibility. Consumers want lots of options when they buy including but not limited to buy online, pickup at curb (BOPAC), buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS), home delivery, and traditional retail. Fulfillment as a differentiator. Consumers make buying decisions based on fulfillment. Traditionally consumers bought products based on brand, price, availability, quality, reputation, etc., and now some people are buying based on the convenience of the fulfillment (example: same-day delivery). Sustainability. Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and they want to buy from companies that share their values. Ecommerce and fulfillment companies need to examine their supply chains from beginning to end and find ways to lessen their environmental impact. Labor. Working at a fulfillment company is strenuous and sometimes dangerous work. Leadership within fulfillment companies will need to find ways to make fulfillment work less physically taxing on employees. Fulfillment companies must compete for employees with gig economy jobs that are often easier and very flexible. Companies like 6 River Systems provide automation and technology solutions that can make fulfillment jobs easier and more attractive - while increasing throughput and efficiency. Learn More: Rethinking Fulfillment Guy Courtin 6 River Systems Shopify Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Twitter: @6riversystems facebook.com/6RiverSystems linkedin.com/company/6-river-systems The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/14/2021 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano
Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano Alfonso Quijano and Joe Lynch discuss leveraging automation to build a competitive advantage. The automation that Alfonso discussed is robotic process automation (RPA). In the discussion, Alfonso explains how RPA is not a physical robot, but a bot or technology that processes data and can help companies leverage employee´s performance by road-mapping repetitive task into one single digital organism. About Alfonso Quijano Alfonso Quijano is the CTO at Lean Solutions Group and the COO & Co-founder at Lean Tech. Alfonso is an electronic engineer, full-stack developer, and technology executive focused on the logistics industry. He has led the creation of state-of-the-art technology solutions such as fully automated vehicle access control systems with ALPR. Alfonso is a veteran head software developer knowledgeable in various high and low-level programming environments, IT project manager, and leader of software divisions. He is a versatile engineer with operations experience focused on building highly efficient technology teams and all supporting company departments, including HR, Marketing, Sales, PR, and IT. Alfonso earned an Electronic Engineering degree from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla Colombia. About Lean Staffing Solutions Lean Staffing Solutions provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage Alfonso and his team at Lean Tech are utilizing robotic process automation to help their customers become more competitive. Robotic process automation (RPA) is the use of software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. RPA can be used to manage typical emails received by logistics companies including freight quote requests, track & trace, invoicing, etc. RPA can also transfer freight information from emails to other systems like TMS, WMS, ERP, etc. RPA is also being used to automate sales and marketing emails, which is a lower-cost way to grow sales. Using RPA can help logistics and transportation companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, grow their sales, and ultimately become more competitive. Learn More: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage Lean Staffing Solutions Alfonso Quijano 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/10/2021 • 29 minutes, 40 seconds
The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall
The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall Christopher Wall and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of clearing customs. As the founder of a digital customs brokerage, Christopher has a deep understanding of the customs clearing process and some of the associated problems. About Christopher Wall Christopher Wall is the Founder and CEO of Zeus Logics, a next-gen digital customs brokerage platform. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur and investor in the logistics and enterprise software space. Christopher is also a partner at Phoenix Asset Management, a California-based venture capital fund, and software holding company. Previously, Christopher was Director of Technology Investing at Vision Capital Advisors, where he managed principal technology and logistics investing and portfolio workouts/turnarounds at the $1B+ hedge fund. Alongside his investment career, Christopher has had a leadership role at several tech start-ups that ultimately went public (initial public offering) or were successfully acquired. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Economics and Philosophy at Columbia University About Zeus Logics Zeus Logics is a full-service, digital-first customs brokerage platform, enhanced by a suite of global trade management tools. Zeus’s mission is to provide the world’s best customs brokerage experience by eliminating costly delays and penalties, giving importers visibility into their customs clearance processes, and dramatically reducing the time and effort importers spend managing clearance processes. The Zeus platform: 1. Automates data collection from multiple parties. 2. Stores and organizes all documents in a centralized digital library—not siloed email systems. 3. Provides instant document access to solve customs problems and speed audits. 4. Centralizes all communications in one place, so importers, forwarders, suppliers, and customs brokers can track the whole chain of communication. 5. Provides real-time updates on the status of customs clearances. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Clearing Customs The Customs Process 1. Customer Onboarding Power of Attorney (POA), must be signed by an officer of the company, ID must be verified. If a foreign entity needs to apply for an Importer of Record number. Helps to have information about the types of products being imported. A product database greatly speeds up the process. Bonding, either single entry or annual must be set up. Payment information for customs, either direct via ACh or handled by the broker for a fee. 2. Documentation (when the shipper is ready to import) If shipping by ocean, the customer provides an ISF (f.k.a. 10+2) information at least 24hrs prior to vessel sailing. Name and address of Seller. Name and address of Buyer. EIN, SSN for an individual of Importer of Record number. Name and address of Consignee. Manufacturer or Supplier. Ship to Party. Container Stuffing Location. Consolidator (Stuffer). Commodity and First 6 digits of the Harmonized Tariff. Country of Origin. Bill of Lading Number(s). Commercial Invoice Needs to include INCOTERMS of sale e.g. FOB, DDP date of sale Complete name and address of supplier, importer, and deliver to address A detailed description of goods being imported Price Per Unit Unit of Measure, e.g. cm2 for mirrors, boxes weighing “X”, etc The total cost of goods in the currency payment was made Any licenses for goods that have IP e.g. Logo merchandise Provides Packing list, sometimes is done in one doc along with the CI Description of goods Piece count Weights Dimensions Provides Any supporting docs for PGAs, eg. FDA FDA registration # If wood, LACEY act forms (to prevent the import of prohibited plants, endangered species) 3. Broker files the properly formatted information with Customs and PGAs and waits for responses from Customs. 4. Once a shipment is released, duties and fees must be paid via ACH. Common Problems in Clearing Customs Little integration of customs data into the digitalized supply chain. Lack of visibility into customs processes - black hole of customs. Delays caused by hiccups in the customs process generate expenses - typically demurrage. Little to no accountability of service providers. Opaque billing. Learn More: The Basics of Clearing Customs Zeus Logics Christopher Wall Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/10/2021 • 51 minutes, 59 seconds
Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel
Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel Noam Frankel and Joe Lynch discuss making carrier relationships more productive. Noam is a transportation industry veteran who has always advocated for building solid relationships between 3PLs, brokers, and carriers. About Noam Frankel Noam Frankel is the founder and CEO of FreightFriend, a cloud-based truckload procurement platform that helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Noam is a pioneer and innovator, Noam Frankel has spent more than 35 years building operations and technology in the logistics industry, originally as co-founder and COO of American Backhaulers. He later served as VP of Truckload at Echo Global Logistics, where he built their truckload division from the ground up, before founding Optimal Freight brokerage, which he sold to TFI International in 2018. . He has the unique perspective of having served as an executive on both the “industry” and technology sides of logistics. About FreightFriend FreightFriend is a cloud-based, AI-powered truckload procurement solution to help shippers and brokers build carrier relationships and find the right capacity to match to the right freight. The software solutions include a carrier relationship management (CRM) platform, the Capacity Guru dynamic routing guide, and Freight Guru intelligent freight matching. Key Takeaways: Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel In the podcast interview, Noam described his experience at American Backhaulers, a brokerage that was eventually acquired by C. H. Robison. American Backhaulers was based in Chicago and they pioneered the Chicago model or Split model described in this article by my friend, Kevin Hill: FREIGHT BROKER BUSINESS MODEL: CRADLE TO GRAVE OR THE BUY/SELL MODEL? At American Backhaulers, Noam recognized that carrier sales was one of the keys to success in the brokerage business. With the rise of technology, Noam believes that brokers and 3PLs have forgotten how to develop carrier relationships that maximize the benefits for both carriers and brokers/3PLs. FreightFriend's truckload procurement platform helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Learn More: Noam Frankel FreightFriend The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
1/2/2021 • 34 minutes, 28 seconds
The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer
The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer Jeremy Bodenhamer and Joe Lynch discuss the 5 APIs of the Apocalypse. Jeremy defines APIs and why they are such a powerful force in ecommerce. Jeremy recently wrote a book called Adapt or Die, a book for small and mid-size retailers that want to compete with the ecommerce giants. About Jeremy Bodenhamer Jeremy Bodenhamer is the founder and CEO of ShipHawk. Jeremy is also the bestselling author of Adapt or Die and a leading expert at the intersection of shipping and ecommerce. His articles have been been featured in Inc., TechCrunch, AOL, Fortune, Internet Retailer, and Entrepreneur. Jeremy is a frequent speaker on innovation, technology, and logistics; and was a 2018 Supply Chain & Executive Pro to Know. Jeremy is an active volunteer in the community, an avid Crossfitter, and surfer, and champions a company culture that promotes health, family, and happiness among employees. Jeremey earned a Bachelor of English from Westmont University. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Bethany who is an educator and youth advocate Bethany Bodenhamer - and their three sons. About ShipHawk ShipHawk is the premier packing and shipping software for ERP connected companies. Most businesses spend a ton of time and money trying to ship orders more efficiently. ShipHawk's shipping software helps automate order fulfillment and eliminate worker decisions so businesses can take control of their warehouse operations. Shippers often experience 5X order throughput and decrease shipping costs without adding headcount. ShipHawk works with high volume retail, wholesale, and ecommerce companies to lower their packing and shipping costs so they can compete on a level playing field with the ecommerce giants. Key Takeaways: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse API is an abbreviation for an application programming interface. An application programming interface is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. In other words, an API is the messenger that delivers your request to the provider that you’re requesting it from and then delivers the response back to you. APIs are widely used and have made connecting systems much easier, which has enabled the explosive growth of ecommerce. The 5 APIs of the apocalypse are Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, Alibaba, and Shopify. JD.com is China’s largest online retailer and its biggest overall retailer, as well as the country’s biggest Internet company by revenue. In the podcast interview, Jeremy refers to these industry giants as APIs rather than marketplaces or ecommerce companies because he believes much of their power comes from their ability to connect with consumers everywhere; phones, tablets, computers, cars, Alexa, etc.. Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, and Alibaba are enabling consumers to buy from anywhere and those transactions are built using APIs. Even though Shopify was included on the list, they are different from the other companies because they actually enable small and mid-size companies to become more competitive. Learn More: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse Adapt or Die (Jeremy's book) Adapt or Die on Amazon Jeremy Bodenhamer ShipHawk The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
12/31/2020 • 34 minutes, 3 seconds
Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn
Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn Mike Bradburn, Cathy Hayward-Hughes, and Joe Lynch discuss sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. Mike and Cathy are the founders of Crystal Creek Logistics, a fulfillment company that specializes in sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. About Mike Bradburn Michael Bradburn is the Co-founder and Vice President of Crystal Creek Logistics. Mike is forever a resident of the great Pacific Northwest. He has enjoyed an entrepreneurial spirit for most of his adult life and loves challenges. After graduating with a self-designed degree in Business with an emphasis on Advertising, Marketing and Consumer Buying Behavior from Western Washington University in 1982, Mike found his way into the Seafood industry where he marketed pacific coast species of seafood, mostly salmon - nationally and internationally for the better part of 20 years. All the while, Mike would purchase old fixer-upper homes and remarket them – long before it was the chic thing to do! Mike also worked on several of his own real estate projects including building an office and retail complex, 28 luxury condominiums, a mini-storage facility, and a few residential homes. It was between projects in 2007 that a high school buddy suggested they have a beer with another high school buddy who was selling seafood over the internet. Mike was enthralled by this new and (at the time) somewhat unusual venture and sought to pursue this radical new direction full steam ahead. Mike managed to find an experienced and willing business partner in Cathy Hayward-Hughes and thus formed Crystal Creek Logistics to support the very business that his friend had started – and ultimately, many others like it. About Cathy Hayward-Hughes Cathy Hayward-Hughes is the Co-founder and President of Crystal Creek Logistics. Cathy was born into a fishing family in Alaska. She spent her childhood and much of her professional life managing people, originally on processing ships in the Bering Sea, then later in manufacturing. Cathy holds a degree in Industrial Technology from Western Washington University. Cathy worked her way from the open oceans to land-based operations and eventually into internet fulfillment. Her long and varied career includes call center management, operations management, facilities management, packaging design and development, hiring and personnel retention programs, catalog development, production line design, product flow management, inventory management, and turnaround management. In 2008 Cathy, along with her partner Mike, started Crystal Creek Logistics, her own fulfillment company. What began with one client in a small warehouse operation in Ferndale, Washington, quickly expanded to 38 customers in five states with warehouses in Washington, Nebraska, Reno, and Virginia, and Tennessee. Cathy makes her home in Bellingham, Washington. In addition to running a successful business, in her free time, Cathy loves to paint, spend time with her family, and create new communities by renovating old buildings in Mexico. About Crystal Creek Logistics Crystal Creek is a direct-to-consumer fulfillment business that provides shipping for ecommerce retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Crystal Creek expertly ships perishable and non-perishable products at affordable rates. Crystal Creek is committed to successfully customizing and managing every step of the fulfillment process, from receiving orders to warehousing and shipping products. They specialize in transporting frozen food. Their climate-controlled warehouses will store your products until orders are fulfilled and shipped via carriers of your choosing. Crystal Creek also ships frozen orders to Canada for next day delivery, two-day, or ground service. By partnering with Crystal Creek, your company will reduce its operating, overhead, and infrastructure costs; perform efficiently with fewer employees, and let you focus more energy on your business. Crystal Creek is a Certified B-Corporation, which means the company meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Crystal Creek Logistics has fulfillment centers in Washington, Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, and Tennessee. Key Takeaways: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is the process of receiving, storing, packaging, and shipping orders that need to stay frozen. Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is much more challenging than ecommerce fulfillment because the product must stay below a certain temperature. Because the product (usually food) must maintain a low temperature, dry ice, and or frozen gel packs must be utilized. The longer the transit time, the more dry ice (and cost) is required so shippers must select a fulfillment company close to their customers. Sustainability is the management and coordination of environmental, social, and financial demands and concerns to ensure responsible, ethical, and ongoing success. Crystal Creek Logistics is a Certified B Corporation. B Corporation is a private certification for for-profit companies. B Corp certification is conferred by B Lab, a global nonprofit organization with offices in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. To be granted and to maintain certification, companies must receive a minimum score from an assessment of social and environmental performance. Companies must re-certify every three years to retain B Corporation status. Learn More: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Crystal Creek Logistics Cathy Hayward-Hughes Mike Bradburn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
12/24/2020 • 35 minutes, 57 seconds
Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols
Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols Tony Nichols, Shanna Greathouse, and Joe Lynch discuss overcoming supply chain disruptions. Tony and Shanna work at CarrierDirect, a company that specializes in helping companies minimize supply chain risk. About Tony Nichols Tony Nichols is a Vice President in CarrierDirect’s Supply Chain Practice. He has over 25 years of experience across all functions of the supply chain and IT in multiple industries including consumer products, life sciences, and industrial manufacturing. Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University. About Shanna Greathouse Shanna Greathouse is a Senior Business Consultant at CarrierDirect. Shanna has experience in a broad range of industries including oil & gas, health tech, and consumer goods. She has led programs ranging from acquisitions to technology deployment with a strong focus on lean manufacturing and data management. Shanna earned a BA and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. About CarrierDirect Since 2011 carriers, 3PLs, shippers, and logistics technology vendors have looked to CarrierDirect to deliver the efficiency, strategy, go-to-market plans, and technology that will elevate their business above their competition. CarrierDirect builds organizations and relationships, providing strategy and technology designed to maximize efficiency, reduce cost, and make your business stand out. CarrierDirect advises clients on the elements of their business most vital to success: strategy, organizational structure, compensation, technology, training, recruiting, workflows, processes, and more. CarrierDirect clients include Werner, J.B. Hunt, Covenant, CRST, and FedEx. Key Takeaways: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions The Causes of Supply Chain Disruptions include: Pandemics like the COVID 19. Natural disasters like forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes. Socio-political events like trade wars and political upheavals around the world. Rapid changes in consumer buying habits The Supply Chain Disruptions Include: Manufacturing capacity drops and become less efficient Labor shortages and cost increases. Raw material shortages and cost increases. Financial implications Port congestion Trucking capacity falls and costs increase. Final mile capacity demand increases. During the podcast interview, Tony and Shanna shared four (4) strategies for avoiding and or minimizing supply chain disruptions Flip the forecasting narrative. During unprecedented times, historical forecasting is not useful. Consumption-based forecasting and planning, which is demand-driven and based on consumer and customer consumption short-term patterns, is necessary to ensure customer commitments are realized when supply is constrained. Companies will need to implement solutions that give this data in real-time or in the shortest time possible. New partnership opportunities. Distribution center networks have expanded their footprint to allow for more immediacy in stock pulling and decrease time to the consumer. Visibility to data allows companies to work with novel partners including non-historically 3PL partners or competitors to change the distribution network to increase target addressable market and improve last-mile capabilities. More and more companies are looking at building consortiums with other companies to increase capabilities and meet consumer expectations and to be competitive with Amazon and Walmart. Unlock the true costs of goods. By understanding the true costs of goods, both direct and indirect expenses including cost of quality, rework, tariffs, expedited air, and safety stock can uncover overlooked sourcing opportunities that enable resilience and flexibility while reducing overall risk. Digital Twin/Sandbox. By creating one unified system, a holistic duplicate system or “Digital Twin” can be created to serve as a sandbox for scenario analysis. Running supply chain simulations enable a quantitative approach to assess risk. Resiliency modeling and can address key supply chain issues. CarrierDirect recently published a white paper, Data Transparency that contains additional strategies for assessing risk and overcoming supply chain disruptions. Learn More: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions Tony Nichols Shanna Greathouse Data Transparency - The Foundation of Modern Business Request a Free Consultation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
12/24/2020 • 31 minutes, 29 seconds
The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins
The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Bob Elkins and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of dedicated contract carriage. As the SVP of Ruan, a company that specializes in dedicated, Bob has a deep understanding of the service and the value it provides to shippers. About Bob Elkins Bob Elkins serves Ruan as Senior Vice President, Industry Vertical Operations. Bob has almost 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including global account management, operations leadership and commercial services. Prior to joining Ruan, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dedicated Services, Logistics, and first-to-final mile for Schneider National. Bob also served in the United States Army 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and early on in his transportation career he was an owner-operator of a small trucking company. About Ruan Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. With more than 85 years of transportation experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates in 48 states, employs over 6,000 team members, and has more than 300 locations nationwide. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) is a third-party service that provides dedicated equipment (vehicles) and drivers to a single customer for its exclusive use on a contractual basis. DCC is a flexible service that offers all the service advantages of a private fleet and the convenience of a for-hire carrier. DCC in a sense outsources many of the challenging functions associated with managing a fleet. Services and materials provided may include but are not limited to ongoing operations management, technology, drivers, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pickup and delivery instructions. Shippers who previously depended on carriers, 3PLs, and brokers switch to DCC to gain additional control, avoid price fluctuations and disruptions in the trucking market. Additionally, these shippers switch to DCC because they want the truck and driver branding that comes with a private fleet without the hassles of managing one. Shippers who previously owned their own fleet switch to DCC so they can focus on their core competencies and business. Companies that provide DCC, like Ruan are much better suited to manage the ongoing driver training, compliance and management. Additionally, the DCC provider is responsible for investing in new equipment, technology and ongoing maintenance. With dedicated contract carriage, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer's company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer's brand. The advantages of dedicated contract carriage include: improved on-time performance and service along with reduced cost and hassle. Learn More: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Bob Elkins Ruan Ruan - Red Magazine White Paper - Five Lingering Headaches to Address for Healthier Supply Chain in 2021 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
12/18/2020 • 30 minutes, 46 seconds
Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett
Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett Mitch Violett and Joe Lynch discuss why tech is the game changer for truckload communication. In his role as Principal Product Manager at Convoy, Mitch develops solutions that streamline the shipping process and improve communication. About Mitch Violett Mitch Violett is a Principal Product Manager at Convoy focused on building products to increase the efficiency of delivering freight and improve the experience for everyone involved. Prior to joining Convoy, Mitch worked in a variety of product and engineering leadership roles at Amazon, Boeing, and the Department of Defense. Mitch has an MBA from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Montana State University. About Convoy Convoy is the nation’s most efficient digital freight network. They move thousands of truckloads around the country each day through an optimized, connected network of carriers, saving money for shippers, increasing earnings for drivers, and eliminating carbon waste for the planet. Convoy uses technology and data to solve problems of waste and inefficiency in the $800B trucking industry, which generates over 72 million metric tons of wasted CO2 emissions from empty trucks. Fortune 500 shippers like Anheuser-Busch, P&G, Niagara, and Unilever trust Convoy to lower costs, increase logistics efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability targets. Key Takeaways: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication In the discussion, Mitch describes the communication challenges in the four phases of the shipping process. Mitch also reviewed and discussed ways that many common communication problems can be solved using technology. Technology can be used to automate routine, mundane activities, which frees people up to manage the tasks that require the human touch. Phase 1 - Quoting and Booking Typically in the quoting and booking the shipment phase, the communication involves a lot of back and forth discussion and negotiation. As a digital freight network, Convoy is able to provide an instant guaranteed quote, which greatly reduces the time and hassle. Additionally, Convoy provides an automated quote benchmark, which compares the bid to the market. With the automated quote benchmark, the shipper knows whether the quote provided by Convoy is above or below market rates. Phase 2 - Pre-Transit The pre-transit phase is critically important and is often overlooked. During this phase, appointments and docks are scheduled, which can make the load more attractive (or unattractive if not managed) to partner carriers. The communication during this process varies greatly based on the shipping and receiving locations. The Convoy team meets shippers and receivers where they are, meaning they provide the communication that best works whether it is automation, TMS, email, or phone calls. Phase 3 - In-Transit When the shipment is in-transit the communication challenges vary greatly based on who is moving the freight. For carriers and 3PLs who don't use visibility solutions, the communication is often managed with check calls to the drivers, which is not the most precise way of tracking a shipment. 3PLs often ask drivers to download a tracking app to their phone, but compliance is a problem. Convoy provides powerful incentives, including quick pay without a factoring fee to drivers who use their app. The use of the app along with predictive analytics (AI) enables Convoy to provide true real-time visibility and very accurate ETAs. Phase 4 - Closing out the Shipment After the shipment delivers, there is still a lot of communication that must take place to close out the shipment. Proof of delivery, detention, lumper pay, and unplanned accessorials must be communicated quickly and efficiently to the shipper and receiver. Since documents must sometimes be scanned and emailed, there are delays and errors. Convoy uses its app to automatically record, communicate, and pay detention. Additionally, drivers using the Convoy app must provide the documentation to close out the shipment and get QuickPay. Learn More: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication Mitch Violett Convoy Promotion - Up to $3K off truckload shipping The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
12/17/2020 • 26 minutes, 41 seconds
Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese
Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese Miles Varghese and Joe Lynch review and discuss freight forwarding basics. A freight forwarder is an agent in the supply chain whose objective is to organize a shipment, acting as the intermediary between the exporter or importer and transportation companies. About Miles Varghese Miles Varghese is the co-founder and CEO of Cargologik, an all-in-one transportation logistics collaboration software developed for freight forwarders. Prior to founding Cargologik, Miles was employee number three leading sales, and go-to-market strategies for Octopi Terminal Operating System (TOS), the first true SaaS TOS in the industry. While at Octopi, Miles traveled around the world, sold to and consulted with terminals, and deployed complex terminal operating systems across five continents, all while building real, human-to-human relationships. Miles is a proud first-generation, Indian-American, modern sales pro turned SaaS leader. Miles is a 2009 grad of Herbert Business School at The University of Miami. About Cargologik Cargologik is a modern, web-based freight collaboration and communication platform that helps independent, small-to-medium-sized, freight forwarders and brokers collaborate, better stay in-sync, and improve operations together with an affordable, digital customer experience. It is a two-sided facing application that sits between the independent forwarder and their small shippers, akin to slack or teams for freight forwarders and their customers. The platform provides automated tracking, document management, alerts to create and add structure to your business, and communication for you and your client. Cargologik is headquartered in Miami, Florida. Key Takeaways: Freight Forwarding Basics The process described below is the freight forward basics from the freight forwarder's perspective. 1. Receive initial quote request. 2. Gather and prep all the key information required to send a quote. 3. Build and share a quote using the best available options. 4. Present and obtain quote confirmation to win business and proceed with booking. 5. Share booking details with clients 6. Coordinating and communicating the movement of cargo and monitoring for exceptions 7. Modify the delivery plan as necessary 8. Confirm delivery, and collect payment Learn More: Miles Varghese Cargologik The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
12/5/2020 • 38 minutes, 37 seconds
Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston
Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston Justin Goldston and Joe Lynch discuss why sustainability is a competitive advantage. As a professor, advisor, and supply chain practitioner, Justin has helped supply chain and logistics companies gain a competitive advantage through sustainability. About Justin Goldston Justin Goldston, Ph.D., is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University where he works closely with The Penn State Sustainability Institute to blend technology into organizational sustainability efforts. Goldston has over 20 years of experience working with organizations worldwide on business performance improvement, organizational change, and enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Dr. Goldston is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on supply chain management and emerging technologies, of Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementations and is a five-time TEDx speaker. Goldston has also led and assisted in the development of Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Business Analytics programs at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, the IUBH University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. Goldston is also an executive on the International Standards Board at the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) and has evaluated Doctoral programs for the Department of Higher Education while serving on the Management Advisory Board at various higher education institutions. About Penn State University (PSU) Penn State is a top-ranked research university and Pennsylvania's only land-grant institution founded with a mission of high-quality teaching, expert research, and global service. In addition to its land-grant designation, Penn State is also a designated sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant university, one of only four U.S. academic institutions to be a member of all four federal research programs (along with Cornell University, Oregon State University, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa). With total annual enrollment totaling more than 97,500 graduate and undergraduate students and online through World Campus, Penn State is one of the largest universities in the United States and offers more than 160 majors. Key Takeaways: Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage Sustainability focuses on increasing social, economic, and environmental value-added. This is often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) or Triple Top Line (TTL). Triple Bottom Line is a method of accounting that measures social and environmental performance in addition to financial results. Also referred to as people, planet, and profit. Triple Bottom Line is a business methodology that aims to reduce waste and negative aspects of business operations. Example: reducing water usage by installing low-flow toilets and sinks in your office. Sustainable Logistics involves examining the ecological, social, and financial impacts of logistics, transportation, and supply chain activities. Assessing inputs and outputs from the value chain: Inputs: trucks, fuel, materials, machines, human resources, etc. Outputs: products and services for customers, value generated, but also pollution and waste. The environmental benefits of sustainable logistics: Improved air quality. Reduction of noise pollution. Conservation of natural resources. Reducing landfill waste. Prevention of harmful emissions. The social benefit of sustainable logistics: Improved job satisfaction. Improved quality procedures. A healthier community. Public relations. Better company culture. Safer work environment. The financial benefit of sustainable logistics: Reduced costs of packaging, labor, fuel, utilities. The marketing benefits of sustainable logistics: New Customers Differentiation in a commoditized market Corporate Social Responsibility Better Public Relations Opportunity for Partnerships Consumers are increasingly buying from companies that demonstrate sustainable business practices. To meet their customer's needs, businesses are beginning to build sustainability into their businesses. Logistics, transportation, and warehousing companies that support companies will soon be expected to incorporate sustainability into their businesses too. Many leaders within the 3PL space are already investing in sustainability because they sense that the market is changing - sustainability is no longer a nice to have, it is a must-have. Learn More: Penn State University - The Sustainability Institute Justin Goldston, PhD Video: Creating Sustainable Supply Chains with Blockchain with Professor Justin Goldston Justin Goldston Ted Talk New School Supply Chain Basics with the Supply Chain Queen, Sheri Hinish The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
12/4/2020 • 29 minutes, 52 seconds
Make System Integrations Great Again with Michael Sternberg
Make System Integrations Great Again with Michael Sternberg Michael Sternberg and Joe Lynch discuss how to make system integrations great again. System integration is an IT process or phase concerned with joining different subsystems or components as one large system. About Michael Sternberg Michael Sternberg is the Director of Sales at 3PL Systems, a TMS provider based in Signal Hill, California. Prior to joining 3PL Systems, Michael held a series of positions with increasing responsibility in technology and business development. Michael earned a Bachelor's degree in International Development from UCLA. About 3PL Systems 3PL Systems provides transportation management system software to help make freight brokers more profitable – both by helping them bring in more revenue and helping them to operate more efficiently. 3PL Systems’ BrokerWare is used to manage all shipping and transportation activities from one place, including dispatch, operations, routing, carrier selection, tracing, accounting, billing, collections, and much more. BrokerWare is a transportation management system (TMS) for Non-Asset Based Freight Brokers. Our freight broker software package has built-in support for many types of shipments including less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), expedited, rail, and any type of specialized equipment. Key Takeaways: Make System Integrations Great Again System integration is defined in engineering as the process of bringing together the component sub-systems into one system (an aggregation of subsystems cooperating so that the system is able to deliver the overarching functionality) and ensuring that the subsystems function together as a system, and in information technology as the process of linking together different computing systems and software applications physically or functionally, to act as a coordinated whole. Any discussion of logistics systems integration involves EDI and API. EDI is an acronym for electronic data interchange. EDI facilitates the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between business partners. API is an acronym for application programming interface. APIs are used when information between two program needs to be share data quickly. APIs are created by companies leaving parts of their software “open” so other software can easily integrate with them and request information. APIs are capable of syncing with software whenever there is a change in data. Learn More: Michael Sternberg 3PL Systems The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
12/3/2020 • 34 minutes, 24 seconds
Discussing the FreightTech 25 with Andrew Cox
Andrew Cox and Joe Lynch discuss the FreightTech 25, which is a list of 25 freight technology companies that have been recognized by FreightWaves as the most innovative. Andrew works at FreightWaves and manages the nomination and selection process for the FreightTech 25. About Andrew Cox Andrew Cox is the Retail Community Leader at FreightWaves. Andrew is also responsible for managing the FreightTech 25 nomination and selection process and is a co-host of the freight finance podcast, Great Quarter, Guys. Prior to his current role, Andrew was a research analyst in the Freight Intel Group at FreightWaves. Andrew earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Economics and Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: The FreightTech 25 The FreightTech 25 is published every year in the 4th quarter and the companies awarded will hold the honor for the upcoming year. FreightWaves has developed a robust nomination and selection process. The rankings of the FreightTech Award are determined by a peer-group of CEOs, industry leaders, and investors that are actively investing in the freight industry. In the podcast interview, Andrew discussed some themes and trends he observed in the FreightTech 25 Amazon, Project 44, and Convoy have appeared at the top of the list for the third year in a row. Autonomous vehicle companies fell off this year’s list perhaps because the product development time makes it difficult to maintain momentum and media buzz. As companies get larger, there are diminishing returns on their innovations. In other words, larger companies need to continue/accelerate innovation to move the dial. Warehousing robotics companies were recognized on this year’s list. Larger legacy transportation companies like C.H. Robison, J.B. Hunt, and FedEx made the list demonstrating that innovation isn’t just for tech startups. Visibility companies like project44 and Fourkites are on the list as shippers and 3PLs continue to seek visibility solutions. Learn More: Andrew Cox The FreightTech 25 Point of Sale SpaceWaves The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/30/2020 • 36 minutes, 3 seconds
Vaccinating the Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley
Vaccinating the Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley Andrew Kelley and Joe Lynch discuss vaccinating the supply chain. Andrew is the Chief Commercial Officer at BoxLock, a company that facilitates secure vaccine transfer for biotechs, manufacturers, labs, hospitals, and clinics. About Andrew Kelley Andrew Kelley is the Chief Commercial Officer at BoxLock. Andrew is an experienced technology executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, SaaS, software, and technology-enabled services businesses. Prior to joining BoxLock, Andrew held leadership positions at Bell Creek Partners, Haulme, Omnitracs, and Dell. Andrew has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University. About BoxLock BoxLock is the industry leader in secure, unattended delivery technology. The company’s inventory, access, and security solutions integrate into existing systems to help businesses make their supply chain more efficient, accountable, and reliable in the first and final mile. BoxLock’s unique combination of barcode scanner and connectivity allows an unprecedented level of secure integrations without the need for complicated and unreliable mobile software or key fobs. Key Takeaways: Vaccinating the Supply Chain Vaccine Supply Chain and Logistics Challenges xxx Driving Visibility, Security, and Accurate Audit Logs Many medical and pharma supply chain managers use BoxLock's access control and inventory management solution to make supply chains more accountable, more reliable, and more efficient, wherever assets are transferred. BoxLock has developed a unique padlock with a scanner that enables supply chain visibility and security at the point of asset transfer. The smart padlock works with a broad range of hasped storage containers, refrigerators, cabinets, and doors, for maximum compatibility and security. Note: a hasp is the metal hinge mechanism that enables a container or door to be locked. BoxLock is easy for delivery drivers to recognize and use for unattended deliveries. For secure unattended deliveries, the package barcode is scanned by the padlock scanner, the container opens, and the package can be put in the secure container and locked. The BoxLock scanner can also be used to facilitate secure vaccine transfer within biotechs, manufacturers, labs, hospitals, and clinics. In medical facilities, personnel badges can be scanned by the BoxLock scanner. The scan feature enables real-time visibility and a more accurate audit log. Learn More: Andrew Kelley BoxLock BoxLock Video Securing the First, Middle and Last Mile with Andrew Kelley Year 2025 – The Future of the 3PL Industry with Andrew Kelley The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/25/2020 • 36 minutes, 45 seconds
Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles
Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles Nick Dangles and Joe Lynch discuss making freightech sticky. In the podcast interview, Nick provides strategies for developing, marketing, and implementing freight technology that will be sticky. About Nick Dangles Nick Dangles is the C0-founder of Kinetic, a company that helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. Nick is a tenured veteran of full truckload freight brokerage who has firsthand knowledge of technology’s power in the freight industry. Nick’s operational focus and capacity to find a path forward, no matter the challenge, make his skills indispensable when working on a project, problem, or idea. Nick received his degree in Philosophy from The University of Illinois and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. About Kinetic Kinetic helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. It’s not enough to simply build a great product. To succeed, both startups and companies at scale need to make decisions about how to effectively acquire new customers and address their target audience. By leveraging our network and transportation experience, we assess the current market understanding of your product to help find product-market-fit and provide support to your sales and marketing teams. We also partner with your company to build and deliver effective training materials, drive adoption throughout an organization, and provide basic customer support. Key Takeaways: Making FreightTech Sticky FreightTech refers to technologies that aid in the movement of freight or management of supply chains through logistics. Sticky means anything about a technology that encourages a user to use it longer and more often. A technology is sticky if a user tends to stay for a long time and to return. FreightTech companies will be more sticky if they do the following: Develop tech that is: Visually appealing. Intuitive. Something users enjoy and want to share, the potential to go viral. Avoid feature bloat – keep it simple – solve the problem the user has elegantly. Useful – don’t attempt to change user behavior if possible. Reminders and messages reminding them to come back - suck them in Use data to see what features are getting used Many consumer technologies like Facebook, Twitter, Lyft, Uber, Shipt, etc. are considered sticky because users use the applications regularly. Create marketing campaigns and messaging that gets to the heart of why people buy. Freighttech marketers should get a deep understanding of why people buy their products. Ideally, the product has a brand that is: Relevant to the customer (something they care about) Ownable (something the company is capable of fulfilling) Differentiating (something that makes the company special, different, and better than the competition) Customer success and adoption is a critical element in making freighttech sticky and many companies overlook it's importance. Learn More About Making FreightTech Sticky Nick Dangles Kinetic The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/15/2020 • 31 minutes, 44 seconds
What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz
What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz Andy Nitz and Joe Lynch discuss what big shippers need from their 3PL. As the Director of Logistics at a very big shipper, Andy has unique insights into the shipper-3PL relationship. About Andy Nitz Andy Nitz is the Director of Logistics at Daikin Applied Americas. Prior to joining Daikin, Andy was the Vice President of a management consulting firm. Earlier in his career, Andy was the Vice President of Distribution and Logistics for a privately held safety products company. Andy started his career in logistics and distribution leadership first at Macy's and then at Toys R Us. Andy attended Bowling Green State University and graduated with a double major in Marketing and International Business while playing on the football team. About Daikin Daikin Applied designs and manufactures technologically advanced commercial HVAC systems for customers around the world. Daikin Applied products, solutions, and services are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service, and part offices. Daikin Applied’s parent company, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Is a Fortune 1000 company with revenues in excess of $20 billion and more than 50,000 employees worldwide, making it the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world. Key Takeaways: What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL RFP stands for request for partnership, not just request for pricing. Big shippers are looking for a strategic partner – not a transactional relationship (married, not dating). Cultural fit Big shippers are looking for 3PLs that have the right culture. Having a culture of continuous improvement, hon – help us get better – our goal is to be world-class Services and scale Big shippers need 3PL partners who can provide the services required to properly service their account. If the 3PL needs to partner with other companies, they should be accountable for their performance. Big shippers also need their 3PL partner to be big enough to be a true partner, which means they can invest in the relationship and support the shipper's growth goals. Hiring a smaller 3PL is risky for a large shipper. Technology Big shippers require their 3PL partner to be able to provide world-class technology. The 3PL should be able to procure, customize, implement, and maintain systems that enable the shipper to be world-class. Since fright tech is always evolving, the 3PL must stay abreast of enhancements and innovations. Reporting For the Shipper-3PL relationship to strive, they must agree on key performance indicators and meeting cadence including quarterly business reviews. Additionally, the 3PL must be completely accountable for the issues driving the KPIs. Learn More About What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL Andy Nitz Daikin Applied The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/14/2020 • 41 minutes, 24 seconds
How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney
How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney and Joe Lynch discuss how will you compete with Amazon. Charley is an entrepreneur, executive, and investor in the logistics and transportation space who has successfully launched and grown multiple companies. About Charley Dehoney Charley Dehoney is a growth-focused executive, board member, and investor, with more than 17 years of experience at the intersection of transportation technology. He's helped launch, build, and scale companies that have supported hundreds of millions of dollars in growth. Charley is currently serving as President of Fitzmark, a mid-sized 3PL. Previously, Dehoney served as CEO of Manning's Truck Brokerage, a 50-year-old, logistics company acquired in 2020 by Fitzmark, Inc. Dehoney has also held executive roles in several high growth and venture capital-backed logistics businesses. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his beautiful wife and three strapping young sons. About Fitzmark FitzMark is a leading Indianapolis-based transportation and logistics provider. Fitzmark delivers technology-enabled third-party logistics solutions to shippers and carriers. Fitzmark specializes in expedited transport, dry van, flatbed, refrigerated freight, warehousing, and multimodal. Fitzmark has warehousing locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. Additionally, Fitzmark has offices in over a dozen cities nationwide with new locations planned. Key Takeaways: How Will You Compete with Amazon In the episode title, "Amazon" represents all of the tech-forward competitors who have entered the transportation and logistics market. The Amazons of the world have some distinct advantages over the average 3PL or broker. A few of those advantages include: A worldview that technology can transform an industry and that great tech companies can and should scale very rapidly. A plan to build a better mousetrap - not just compete head to head with the existing players in the market. A goal to create a superior customer experience using technology. Access to capital either because of venture capital / private equity backing or because the company is publically traded. Money to invest in sales and marketing. While many 3PLs and brokers skimp on websites and digital marketing, the Amazons will invest because they know there is a good return on investment. Mindshare, which is a marketing term that describes the amount of consumer awareness or popularity surrounding a particular product, idea, or company. To successfully compete against the Amazons, Charley recommends the following: Build a niche and become extremely competitive within that niche. If you develop a service offering that solves the unique challenges of a specific niche, your company will be able to compete and win even against larger rivals. Leverage the proper capital sources to scale your companies growth: Angel investors/Venture capital for start-ups. Bank lending/Growth equity for relatively mature companies that are looking for capital to expand or restructure operations, enter new markets, or finance a significant acquisition without a change of control of the business. Private equity to fund strategic exit and or acquisitions. Learn More How Will You Compete with Amazo Charley Dehoney Fitzmark The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/14/2020 • 39 minutes, 13 seconds
Developing the Perfect Quote with Zeke Ziliak
Developing the Perfect Quote with Zeke Ziliak Zeke Ziliak and Joe Lynch discuss developing the perfect quote. As Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS, Zeke, and his team help transportation and logistics companies develop fast and accurrate freight quotes using dynamic pricing. About Zeke Ziliak Zeke Ziliak is the Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS. At PROS, Zeke and his team provide science-based pricing strategies to transportation and logistics companies. Since Joining PROS 15 years ago, Zeke has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Positions include Senior Product Manager, Director of Business Development, and Executive Account Manager. Prior to joining PROS, Zeke was a music promoter and talent manager. Zeke began his career in corporate risk mitigation for an energy company. Zeke earned a Bachelor of Science, Biology/Chemistry from the University of Houston. Zeke attended UH as a National Merit Scholar on a full academic scholarship. About PROS PROS (NYSE: PRO) provides AI-based solutions that power commerce in the digital economy. Using artificial intelligence, PROS accelerates customers’ ability to embrace digital selling and eCommerce channels. With predictive and prescriptive guidance, companies are enabled to dynamically price, configure and sell their products and services across all channels with speed, precision, and consistency. PROS customers, who are leaders in their markets, benefit from decades of data science expertise infused into our industry solutions. Key Takeaways – Developing the Perfect Quote The perfect freight quote would have the following attributes: Available quickly, instantly if possible. Accurate, meaning a high probability of getting the desired outcome, which usually means winning the business. Note: Sometimes companies provide a quote even though they don't want the business. In this case, you want to be able to provide a quote that will be too high. Easily developed, ideally automated with an opportunity for human review. Most transportation and logistics companies are able to provide freight quotes much faster than just a few years ago due to increasingly good technology and access to freight data. However, the industry leaders are using dynamic pricing powered by artificial intelligence, which provide the best in class speed and accurracy that shippers now expect. By using dynamic pricing to develop freight quotes, transportation and logistics companies can achieve the following" Fast quote turn around time (QTAT) Accurrate freight quote that access historical and market data along with internal tribal knowledge. Balance of all the internal competing objectives. Inside logistics providers, the sales, operations, and finance groups may all have competing objectives (margin targets) that must be considered on the freight quote. Collaboration. In order to get the perfect quote, transportation providers must be able to collaborate with their carrier networks and partners. Learn More About Developing the Perfect Quote Zeke Ziliak PROS PROS Video – Price Fast and Price Smart Dynamic Pricing is Transforming Logistics with Zeke Ziliak The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/14/2020 • 44 minutes, 18 seconds
A Better Solution for SMB Shippers with Ryan Collier
A Better Solution for SMB Shippers with Ryan Collier Ryan Collier and Joe Lynch discuss a better solution for SMB shippers. Small and midsize business shippers face unique challenges. SMB shippers often feel overlooked and undervalued by 3PL and brokers. About Ryan Collier Ryan Collier is a Principal Designer at Convoy focused on understanding the problem space and designing solutions to meet the needs of transportation professionals. Prior to joining Convoy, Ryan designed and led design teams in education, healthcare, and government services. Ryan earned a Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington. When not dreaming up new ways to help shippers, Ryan can be found dreaming up a new guitar lick or chasing his two kids around the backyard. About Convoy Convoy is the nation’s most efficient digital freight network. They move thousands of truckloads around the country each day through an optimized, connected network of carriers, saving money for shippers, increasing earnings for drivers, and eliminating carbon waste for the planet. Convoy uses technology and data to solve problems of waste and inefficiency in the $800B trucking industry, which generates over 72 million metric tons of wasted CO2 emissions from empty trucks. Fortune 500 shippers like Anheuser-Busch, P&G, Niagara, and Unilever trust Convoy to lower costs, increase logistics efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability targets. Key Takeaways: A Better Solution for SMB Shippers SMB shippers often face the following challenges when it comes to truckload shipping: Lack of process or a very manual process for getting freight quotes, booking, tracking, and paying for truckload shipments. Distrust of transportation providers and a belief that they are paying too much, not getting access to the same rates as larger shippers. Overpaying for truckload shipments. No insights or business intelligence on their freight spend. No dedicated logistics or transportation person internally because their smaller shipping volume doesn't justify the investment Ignored by many transportation companies who are not interested in smaller shippers. By utilizing a digital freight network provider like Convoy, SMB shippers can streamline their shipping process while reducing costs. In the interview, Ryan described the following advantages that SMB shipper gain when they use Convoy: Instant truckload freight quote from Convoy's website with a competitive price that is the same whether the shipper is Walmart or the corner store. Access to a huge carrier network that has fewer freight claims and fewer accidents. Because Convoy is a preferred shipper (tons of freight, great app, and free quick pay) they attract the best carriers. Superior customer experience enabled by industry-leading technology. Monthly business review to discuss shipper metrics and carrier performance. Phone app that makes tracking and tracing easy for both shippers and carriers. Real-time visibility. Additionally, Convoy is the preferred choice for many trucking companies because they have lots of good freight and a great phone app that streamlines the process. If carriers download the Convoy app to their phone, they will get quick pay with no factoring cost. Learn More: A Better Solution for SMB Shippers Ryan Collier Convoy Promotion - Up to $3K off truckload shipping The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/11/2020 • 37 minutes, 44 seconds
FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen
FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen Brad Forester, Mike Mulqueen, and Joe Lynch discuss FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers. Brad, Mike, and their team at JBF Consulting advise Fortune 500 companies on the assessment, selection, and implementation of supply chain software. About Brad Forester Brad Forester is the Founder and Managing Partner of JBF Consulting. Brad is a highly recognized senior supply chain leader with over 23 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport technology. He has a unique mix of carrier, shipper, software, and consulting experiences that benefit clients. With functional expertise in Global TMS Programs, Change Management, Organizational Design, and Systems Integration, he has been leveraging these skills to benefit clients since he founded JBF in 2003. Brad has a BA in Logistics Management from Michigan State University. About Mike Mulqueen Mike Mulqueen is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at JBF Consulting. Mike is a leading expert in logistics technology solutions with over 30 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport systems. His functional expertise is in Multi-modal Transportation Management, Supply Chain Visibility, and Transportation Modeling. Mike earned a Master of Engineering degree from MIT and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from the University of Maryland. About JBF Consulting JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF's background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers In the podcast, Brad and Mike explain the process they use for helping Fortune 500 shippers select and implement FreightTech. The process begins with a needs assessment, which is a systematic process for determining and addressing needs, or gaps between current conditions and desired conditions or wants. As part of the needs assessment, the following factors must be considered: Strategic plan for the company to ensure that the technology selected works even if there are acquisitions or rapid growth in locations. Users and their geographic locations. Supply chain resiliency to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions, like COVID. Transportation services required including inbound, outbound, TL, LTL, small parcel, etc. Supply chain visibility. Payment, auditing, and freight claims. Understanding the vision and technology roadmap for potential technology providers to ensure alignment with the shipper. From the needs assessment, a technology vendor is selected and the implementation begins. Implementing freight technology is potentially a high-risk project so a robust implementation framework is required. Custom integrations are typically required to connect systems. Experience and expertise in freight technology integration is a big plus. The return on investment (ROI) only happens only after the "go live" so Brad and Mike emphasize the importance of the stewardship phase. During the stewardship phase, the team focuses on user adoption, improvement, and maintenance. Learn More About FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers Brad Forester Mike Mulqueen JBF Consulting The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/4/2020 • 49 minutes, 47 seconds
Freight Forwarding Catches Up with Sharm Chelliah
Freight Forwarding Catches Up with Sharm Chelliah Sharm Chelliah and Joe Lynch discuss the topic, "freight forwarding catches up" which refers to the recent technology advancements made in freight forwarding that has enabled it to offer a customer experience and visibility on par with tech-enabled 3PLs and freight brokers. About Sharm Chelliah Sharm Chelliah is a Global Account Executive at Flexport, a digital freight forwarder, and customs broker. Sharm is laser-focused in achieving Flexport’s goal to make global trade easy and accessible to everyone with total visibility. With 15 years of experience in Healthcare, Retail, Supply Chain, Consumer Packaged Goods, Insurance, and Automotive industries and having delivered enterprise solutions to companies such as Coco-Cola and Home Depot, Sharm approaches each customer on their own merit, He maps out their unique supply chain requirements to deliver a customized platform that gives control to each client in an ever-changing operational environment. Sharm, having lived in several international cities, possesses in-depth knowledge of the diverse global environments and the vision to operate seamlessly in the global freight market space. Sharm earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Information Systems and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Maryland. Sharm enjoys spending time with his wife, their dog, and cat. An avid golfer, Sharm’s way of unwinding is at a golf course. About Flexport Flexport is a freight forwarding and customs brokerage company based in San Francisco, California. Flexport is the first international freight forwarder and customs brokerage built around an online dashboard. Flexport was first to market with purpose-built cloud software and data analytics platform, Flexport today serves more than 10,000 clients in over 100 countries, offering a full range of services, including ocean, air, truck and rail freight, drayage & cartage, warehousing, customs & compliance, financing, and insurance – all powered by Flexport’s software platform. Flexport has offices in San Francisco (HQ), New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Copenhagen, Vancouver, and Dallas (and expanding rapidly). We have warehouses in Los Angeles, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Chicago. Flexport is #8 on Inc. 5000, a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Freight Forwarding Catches Up Freight forwarding technologies and systems have lagged behind the tech-enabled 3PLs and freight brokers. One reason for the disparity in tech is the differences in the businesses. Freight forwarding is much more complex than domestic transportation. Each freight forwarding shipment involves many more companies, people, borders, languages, and cultures than the average domestic freight shipment. Because of the extra players, distances, timezones, and hassles, developing a system that would connect the far-flung operations was tougher. Today, freight forwarders like Flexport provide a system that enables their customers to enjoy the experience, automated functionality, visibility, connectivity, and speed of communication that is the hallmark of the best tech-enabled 3PLs serving domestic freight customers. The best freight forwarders are now able to deliver the following: Ability to manage by exceptions using filters. Predictive transit times with confidence levels. Easy to use, intuitive customer interfaces that improve communication and collaboration. Search functionality on a variety of attributes including part number, order number, invoice, customer name, etc.. Email functionality within the system so all communication is connected to the system of record. This functionality encourages faster, more useful collaboration around the shipment. Learn More: Freight Forwarding Catches Up Sharm Chelliah Flexport The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
11/4/2020 • 49 minutes, 45 seconds
Building Supply Chain Resiliency with Richard Sharpe
Building Supply Chain Resiliency with Richard Sharpe Richard Sharpe and Joe Lynch discuss building supply chain resiliency. Because of the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID 19, companies have a renewed interest in improving supply chain resiliency. About Richard Sharpe Richard Sharpe is the CEO of Competitive Insights, LLC. As an industry leader for the last 30 years, Richard is a frequent speaker at industry forums and a lecturer at Georgia Tech and is a founding member of the American Logistics Aid Network, a non-profit consortium serving Disaster Relief Agencies. Richard writes the DC Velocity blog on Analytics and Big Data. Formerly, President of CAPS Logistics, Inc., Richard leads the company which pioneered supply chain optimization solutions adopted by 15% of the Fortune 500 companies worldwide. About Competitive Insights Combining the power of supply chain expertise, data governance, and machine learning, Competitive Insights’ cloud-based solutions search, find and highlight opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs, increase efficiency and continuously drive profitable performance. Competitive Insights transforms multiple data sources into an actionable database, creates Net Landed Cost to Serve and Net Landed Profit for customers, products, and channels, provides insights from advanced analytics that pinpoints areas that need prioritized attention and monitors to measure decision impacts. With over 20 years of supply chain and data analytics expertise, these solutions are accurate, trusted, agile, repeatable, and efficient. About American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is an industry-wide organization that exists to provide supply chain assistance to disaster relief organizations (and other non-profits). We do this by bringing the expertise and resources of the logistics industry together with non-profit disaster relief organizations so that we can help solve their most pressing supply chain challenges immediately after disasters strike. That way, help – and hope – arrive sooner. Key Takeaways: Building Supply Chain Resiliency Supply chain resilience is the ability of a supply chain to both resist disruptions and recover operational capability after disruptions occur. COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains around the world and reminded supply chain professionals of the importance of building supply chain resiliency. While COVID is the latest crisis to disrupt supply chains, it is certainly not the last. Consumers, investors, governments, and communities may ultimately judge companies on how they respond to this period of disruption. As supply chains have become larger, more sophisticated, and global, there is a greater chance for disruption. There is a reactive and proactive element to building supply chain resiliency. There are 3 types of supply chain disruptions: geopolitical, commercial, and physical. Supply chain resiliency process begins with understanding where your supply chain is vulnerable to disruption. Once a supply chain vulnerability is identified, measures should be taken to minimize or eliminate the vulnerability. Learn More About Building Chain Resiliency American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) Competitive Insights Richard Sharpe The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/29/2020 • 39 minutes, 8 seconds
Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm
Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss using resilience to get out of your own way. In times of stress, people need to become even more aware of their mental fitness. In this interview, Ann describes some of the challenges people face when under stress along with some strategies to become more resilient. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Key Takeaways: Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. Below are some of the highlights from the interview with Ann. COVID has increased the stress levels for logistics and supply chain people and when people are stressed they may fall into predictable self-sabotaging behaviors. In the last podcast interview with Ann, the topic of grit was discussed. In this podcast, Joe and Ann discuss resilience or mental fitness which is the way we navigate the waters with ease and flow. When we are looking at mental fitness, we are looking at expanding our options and proceeding with a calm laser focus. But that's easier said than done. In fact, we often get in our own way and even get tricked into thinking we are actually doing the most optimal thing when we are not. In a previous podcast, we talked about saboteurs. We are bringing that back because right now, so many people's saboteurs are out in full force because of the uncertainty we are experiencing. High stress greatly increases the chances that we will get in our own way. The Positive Intelligence framework identifies the following 9 saboteurs. There are three saboteurs that try to create independence: The controller: individuals who must have control of everything. The stickler: somebody who is trying to make sure that every detail is covered. The avoider: an individual who doesn’t want to be pinned down. Next is the group that is trying to gain acceptance: The hyper-achiever: one who has no idea of what is good or excellent because they need to be perfect. The pleaser: an individual who tries to gain acceptance by pleasing everybody. The victim: people who feel like their situation is uniquely flawed and they can’t do anything about it. The last group is the people who are trying to gain security: The restless: people who are always wanting to move on to the next thing. The hyper-vigilant: always scanning the horizon for the next thing. The hyper-rational: they have a very difficult time with the relationship side of things. Strategies for building resilience: First of all, you need insight. You can't maximize your potential without accurate self-awareness. Most people think they are self-aware, but most people are not nearly as self-aware as they believe they are. A Harvard Business Review publication in 2018 revealed that 95% of us think we are self-aware but only 10-15% actually are. Self-awareness peels back in layers, almost like the layers of an onion. So, go to the Positive Intelligence website and take the free saboteur assessment. This will jumpstart your thinking on self-awareness If you'd like to go further, visit Ann's website www.annholm.net and schedule a free consultation to really dig into your report and get any questions answered. Then if you want to start building your mental muscle to make changes that will last, sign up for Ann's 6-week mental fitness Bootcamp that provides the structure, motivation, and ways to track your mental fitness progress. Learn More: Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Free Assessment - How You Self Sabotage Schedule Your Free Coaching Session to Review Your Self Sabotage Asesssment Ann Holm AnnHolm.net Related Topics: Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm Developing Grit with Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/28/2020 • 41 minutes, 30 seconds
Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers with Zach Ramirez
Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers with Zach Ramirez Zach Ramirez and Joe Lynch discuss why great prospects don’t become customers. As the director of sales and marketing at a leading logistics provider, Zach has learned the things in the sales and marketing process that scare off great prospects. About Zach Ramirez Zach Ramirez is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Ally Logistics. With a background in video advertising and a successful corporate consulting track record, Zach is passionate about educating the logistics industry on the power of marketing and clean processes. Zach is a believer in playing to people's strengths and bringing out the best in the teams he has the privilege of working alongside. Zach believes that: intentional listening leads to healthy communication and that healthy communication is the foundation for lasting relationships. About Ally Logistics Ally Logistics is a full-service brokerage servicing the U.S. and Canada. Ally operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and trustworthy relationships. Using these tools is what allows Ally to deliver maximum value, and an exceptional customer experience – every time. Founded in 2012 by Dan Manshaem and Jeff Chidester, Ally has seen continual growth throughout the years. Utilizing and building an environment where each rep thrives is the cornerstone of Ally's success. Key Takeaways: Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers 4 reasons that great prospects don’t become customers. Not Following Through on Your Brand Promises is a trust killer. Example: Saying “We service the hell out of our freight” then falling flat after 3 months and leaving the shipper hanging. Buy-in doesn’t exist from top brass to the individual contributors. RadioShack Example: RadioShack: You’ve Got Questions..We’ve Got Answers. Have you been inside a Radioshack Store? Very often questions aren't answered. Expertise isn't always felt when shopping in the stores. Apple Example: “Think Different” They’ve been pushing innovations for years in turn fulfilling their brand promise. Whether or not you are “bought-in” to their brand style or characteristics, if you own a smartphone you more than likely are holding on to a piece of tech influenced by Apple. No Separation Between You and a Competitor - You'll be reduced to price quickly! Do you have Brand Pillars? Promises? Cornerstone Values? The price will be a part of the customer conversation one way or another. Are you prepared to explain why your price is fair, higher? worth it? What differences are you bringing to the table and how are you elevating/amplifying those to the customer? These aren’t just marketing phrases to take for granted or get tangled in. These are values that both internal employees and external customers can unite around and find common ground. This also plays heavily into your hiring strategy and the type of candidates you’ll gain Siloed Marketing and Sales Teams - No bridges, No collaboration, No refinement = No (calculated) growth. I’ve seen many teams where there isn’t collaboration between “the creatives” and the “boots on the ground”...this is a huge pitfall When a sales team faces challenges in the sales cycle that should be the first place that marketing teams step in to receive feedback and listen to those challenges. This is one of the first places where creative problem solving can take place and link our sales teams with our marketing teams Calculated Pivots can’t be driven without Intentional Feedback Don’t get me wrong...feeling is a big part of what we as salespeople engage in. Although putting resources and spend behind “a feeling I have” isn’t going to get you far, especially in years like 2020 where unexpected variables are introduced at a rapid pace. Customer Onboarding is not tailored to the customer's needs. Do you know your customer profiles well enough to tailor their onboarding experience? A mom and pop shop is likely not going to respond well to a 12 step onboarding process, although major manufacture may need exactly this to feel secure in the buying cycle. The customer onboarding experience can play into the intended “tone” throughout the customer experience, but this expectation must be followed thru on. Learn More: Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers Zach Ramirez Ally Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/28/2020 • 31 minutes, 31 seconds
3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena
3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena Robert Cadena and Joe Lynch provide an introduction to 3rd party logistics. 3rd party logistics services include 5 major categories: 1.) Transportation 2.) Warehousing 3.) Logistics 4.) Technology and 5.) Special Services. Robert is the Co-Founder and CEO of a company that provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 3PLs, so he has a very thorough understanding of the business. About Robert Cadena Robert Cadena is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lean Staffing Solutions, which provides operational, marketing, sales, and technology services to the logistics and transportation industry. Prior to the founding of Lean, Robert was the Founder and CEO of Chain Express, Corp, a full-service transportation brokerage specializing in LTL, volume, and truckload transportation. Robert's experience and expertise in transportation, logistics, technology, and executive leadership make him uniquely qualified to run one of America's fastest-growing companies. Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Florida International University. About Lean Staffing Solutions Lean Staffing Solutions provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company's processes and systems. The Lean approach is low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics According to CSCMP, a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) is a company that provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers. Sometimes 3rd party logistics companies are described as: Asset-based – companies that own actual assets like trucks, boats, planes, warehouses Non-asset based – companies that don’t own assets like brokerages, service providers, etc.. these companies tend to invest in technology Asset light – companies with assets and brokerage capabilities The definitions are confusing because the space is so dynamic and ever-changing. The easiest way to look at 3rd party logistics is by the service they provide, which fall into 5 buckets: 1.) Transportation 2.) Logistics 3.) Warehousing 4.) Technology 5.) Special Services Transportation Services Small Package Air Cargo Less Than Truckload (LTL) Truckload Intermodal Ocean Rail Bulk Dedicated Contract Carriage Field Acquisition Equipment / Drivers Final Mile Warehousing Services Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly Cross-docking Distribution Center Management Site Location Transloading Vendor Managed Inventory Fulfillment Logistics Services LLP/4th Party Logistics Integrated Logistics Just-in-Time (JIT) Global Trade Svcs Inbound Logistics Logistics Process Reengineering Payment Auditing / Processing Inventory Management Vendor Management Shared Services Technology Services Customer / Supplier Management EDI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Freight Payment / Claims Auditing Global Trade Management (GTM) Optimization Predictive Analytics SC Design Sustainability Transportation Management System (TMS) Visibility Warehouse Management System (WMS) Special Services Direct to Store Direct to Home Foreign Trade Zone Import / Export / Customs Reverse Logistics / Product Lifecycle Management Marketing / Customer Service Global Expansion Supply Chain Security Analysis Contingency / Crisis Planning Logistics/Transportation Consulting Labor Management Sustainability and Green Logistics Learn More: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics Lean Staffing Solutions Robert Cadena The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/23/2020 • 50 minutes, 20 seconds
Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo
Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo Nicholas Reasoner, Jeff Dangelo, and Joe Lynch discuss launching a successful 3PL in the age of tech. Nick is the founder and CEO of a 3PL that uses technology to deliver a superior customer experience and gain a competitive advantage. Jeff is the co-founder of a technology company that developed the collaborative logistics platform used by Nick's company. About Nicholas Reasoner, Founder & CEO of Transloop Nicholas Reasoner is the founder and CEO of Transloop, a digital freight network revolutionizing logistics for shippers and carriers. Nick has significant experience and expertise in transportation and logistics especially truckload shipping. Nick began his career at Total Quality Logistics, the second-largest freight brokerage firm in the nation. While at TQL, Nick held various positions of increasing responsibility within sales, logistics, and operations. Nick left TQL to join FourKites, a real-time visibility platform for supply chain logistics companies. Nick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Public Relations, from the University of Cincinnati. About Transloop Transloop is a digital freight network revolutionizing logistics for shippers and carriers. Transloop brings cutting-edge technology together with white-glove service to deliver unprecedented transparency, industry-leading reliability, constant innovation, and real-time collaboration with every shipment. Transloop's mission is to be a true partner for the road ahead, and their battle-tested team has experience working with companies of all sizes, from small shippers moving one load a day to Fortune 500 brands shipping thousands. Transloop has locations in Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN. About Jeff Dangelo, Co-Founder of Turvo Jeff Dangelo is a Co-founder of Turvo leading the enterprise sales organization. Before founding Turvo, Jeff spent 13 years in the logistics and transportation space. Jeff was the Vice President of Sales at a third-party logistics start-up. As the first employee, he was tasked with building and growing the sales organization. He was instrumental in its growth to $150m in sales in less than 5 years. Prior to joining the 3PL start-up, Jeff was a Senior Sales Executive at TQL, a $4 billion third-party logistics company, where he helped grow revenue from $20m to over $500m in sales. Jeff is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH), with a degree in Marketing and Operations. About Turvo Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech The transportation and logistics space is becoming increasingly competitive. To survive and thrive 3PLs and brokers will need to up their game. The following problems are still common in the industry: Inefficient manual processes that drive extra headcount to make follow up phone calls. Outdated, legacy systems that do not enable companies to automate processes. Poor customer experience - too many touchpoints, poor interface, clunky technology, no system integration. No real-time visibility. Poor hiring practices and bad culture leading to high employee turnover (resulting in inconsistent customer service). Bad relationships with carriers. Launching a successful 3PL in the age of tech requires business leaders to take a fresh new approach that should include the following: A superior customer experience from beginning to end. To accomplish this transportation companies must understand customer needs. A tech-centric approach that delivers easy-to-use interfaces, automated processes, real-time visibility - a system that customers will want to use. A collaborative logistics platform that is built not just for the 3PL, but for the shipper, suppliers, carriers, and any other organization within the digital ecosystem. Eliminating manual processes with digital automation. Contract or strategic customers who want their 3PL to become an extension of their suppply chain group. A culture that emphasizes ethical values and win-win relationships with both customers and carriers. Hiring, training, and retaining the best people – people who believe in the company and culture. A partnership with technology providers who can provide a collaborative logistics platform that will give your company a competitive edge. Learn More About Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech Transloop Turvo Nicholas Reasoner Jeff Dangelo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/20/2020 • 33 minutes, 13 seconds
The New Reality of Amazon FBA with Ephraim Ausch
The New Reality of Amazon FBA with Ephraim Ausch Ephraim Ausch and Joe Lynch discuss the new reality of Amazon FBA, also known as Fulfillment by Amazon. Ephraim is an expert in Amazon FBA and he works closely with Amazon sellers. About Ephraim Ausch Ephraim Ausch is the Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics, an end-to-end provider of supply chain logistics services. Ephram is a trusted advisor to retailers, ecommerce companies, and Amazon sellers. Ephram is an expert in Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Ephraim started his career at a bulk candy company that had retail locations in New York. Ephraim was given to opportunity to relaunch candy sales on Amazon and grew sales to over $1,000,000 per year. After his success with selling candy on Amazon, Ephraim launched a gift basket company and became a successful Amazon seller. Ephraim started and developed Tactical's Amazon FBA business into one of Tactical's biggest customer segments. About Tactical Logistic Solutions Tactical is an end-to-end provider of supply chain logistics that specializes in freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and domestic transportation. Tactical boasts end-to-end logistics designed for maximum flexibility and cost efficiency, allowing clients to outsource all or specific parts of their supply chain requirements. Tactical has a highly experienced management team with decades of collective experience in the logistics industry, and the latest technology necessary to streamline the process. Tactical has warehouses in both Chino, California, and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Key Takeaways: The New Reality of Amazon FBA The COVID 19 pandemic resulted in a huge sales surge at Amazon. The sales increase pushed Amazon's operational capacity and capability. To manage the increased volumes, Amazon has implemented higher standards for Amazon sellers. The new reality of Amazon FBA: Carriers picking up and delivering to Amazon locations will now be measured on a carrier performance scorecard. The new performance metrics were a result of carriers arriving late and or missing appointments. If carriers fail to meet Amazon standards, they will be unable to schedule appointments with Amazon facilities. The Inventory Performance Index, (IPI) is a score Amazon assesses to determine how well sellers are managing their inventory. Sellers can score between 0 and 1000 on the IPI. If sellers fall below 500 (previously 350) on the IPI, they will have unit restrictions imposed on them. Amazon raised the bar and the IPI because their warehouses are overflowing with goods. There are four factors that affect a sellers IPI: Reducing excess inventory to increase profitability Increasing sell-through to balance your inventory weeks of cover Ensuring inventory is buyable by fixing listings that are stranded Increasing sales by keeping popular items in stock Amazon is limiting the amount of inventory that sellers can send to Amazon warehouses. The unit restrictions on sellers are in response to Amazon's warehouses having too much inventory. Learn More About The New Reality of Amazon FBA Ephraim Ausch Tactical Logistic Solutions White Paper: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Workflow SOP 5 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make When Using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) with Ephraim Ausch Seller Chain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/20/2020 • 44 minutes, 35 seconds
Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly
Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly Chris Jolly and Joe Lynch discuss what it takes to become more confident on the phone. Chris is an experienced freight sales coach and consultant who helps transportation and logistics professionals grow their sales. About Chris Jolly Chris Jolly is the founder of CJolly Freight Consulting and the host of Coffee w/#TheFreightCoach podcast. Chris has over 14 years of experience in transportation with the bulk of his experience in freight brokerage. His experience within freight brokerage includes operations, sales, and leadership ranging from start-ups to one of the largest brokerages in the transportation industry. His passion is training and development of sales and operations professionals in the brokerage business. Chris earned his Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stout located in Menomonie, WI and holds an associate in Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. About the Freight Coach (CJolly Freight Consulting) CJolly Freight Consulting partners with growth stage transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. Our main objective is to utilize niche specific transportation training methods to improve efficiencies within the sales process and use our experience to enhance your operations team to execute your freight mix at a higher level. The Freight Coach provides one on one training with leadership as well as carrier and customer sales representatives to ensure that they overcome the barriers they are facing now to pave the way for greater success. Key Takeaways: Becoming More Confident on the Phone To become more confident on the phone, follow these tips from Chris: Be yourself, the best version of you, engaged, positive, authentic, and interesting. Don't be salesy and don't use your sales voice - it's a turn-off. Skip the canned sales script that makes you sound fake. Reading a canned speech makes you sound inauthentic and inexperienced. Whatever you say, own every word. Be passionate about what you are selling. Pick a niche, specialize in a particular area of the business. Become a little famous by blogging, vlogging, podcasts, and or social media. Being a recognized expert in the industry will help you grow your sales. Learn More About Becoming More Confident on the Phone Chris Jolly The Freight Coach The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/13/2020 • 32 minutes, 58 seconds
Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin
Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin Erik Malin and Joe Lynch discuss eliminating detention and delighting drivers. Detention and dwell time is upsetting and expensive. As driver satisfaction and hours of service (HOS) become increasingly important to the industry, detention and dwell time must be addressed. Baton has developed an innovative solution to eliminate detention and dwell time. About Erik Malin Erik Malin is the Head of Operations and a member of the founding team at Baton, a freight tech startup focused on eliminating dwell and waste in truckload transportation. In his current position, he is responsible for ensuring promises to customers are kept and scaling Baton’s operations. Erik Malin was the Vice President of Operations strategy at Loadsmart, a digital freight technology company. In this position, he was responsible for leading strategy development and strategic initiatives focused on enabling growth and operational scale. Previously, Malin hailed from AFN, a truckload broker, where he served as Director of Corporate Strategy and was responsible for strategy development and change management initiatives. In a previous role, he was the Executive Vice President of a boutique strategy consultancy, CarrierDirect where he advised publicly-traded and hyper-growth private logistics companies like Werner, Worldwide Express and BlueGrace Logistics on growth opportunities and related change management initiatives. Malin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University. About Baton Baton's motto is "no wasted hours in trucking." Baton is a technology platform that eliminates detention and dwell for truck drivers. Baton's goal is to divide long haul routes into two segments - an urban “final mile” segment and a highway-only segment. Local drivers in the final mile will have the flexibility to deliver off-peak when there is less traffic and lower wait times at warehouses. Long-haul drivers will spend more time on highways allowing them to earn more money with greater predictability on working hours. This all leads to improved profitability for carriers and a decrease in the cost of goods for all of us. Baton is based in San Francisco, CA. Key Takeaways: Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers A detention fee is assessed when the truck is held at the pickup or delivery location longer than the allotted “free time.” Now, the “free time,” varies depending on the carrier. Generally, it’s two hours at pickup and two hours at delivery. Usually, detention charges are only applied in truckload shipping. Though it is possible to get these fees in LTL, they are rare. Detention and dwell time is a big problem for everyone involved in shipping: For carriers and drivers, detention and dwell time reduces their opportunity to drive and earn. Since detention and dwell time is hard to predict, drivers and carriers struggle to plan around it. With hours of services (HOS) and driver satisfaction becoming more important to the industry, limiting and or eliminating dwell time is very important. For shippers, detention results in additional costs in the form of detention charges. Additionally, carriers and drivers will be less likely to work with shippers who make them wait to load and unload. Carriers and drivers will eventually charge shippers with long dwell time higher rates. Baton eliminates detention and dwell time, which will reduce detention costs and help carriers and drivers to better plan their time and log more miles. Baton is a logistics service that eliminates waste (wait time, traffic, empty miles) for carriers (trucking companies) in the final mile of long-haul trucking through a nationwide network of drop zones positions just outside major metro areas. Carriers drop off and pick up loads at these drop zones, and then Baton local drivers handle the final mile of delivery so long-haul drivers don’t have to waste hours in detention or traffic. Baton’s software infrastructure coordinates the operation between carriers, drop zones, warehouses, and local drivers, and uses convex optimization to optimize our network and minimize cost. Learn More About Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers Erik Malin Baton The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/13/2020 • 37 minutes, 35 seconds
What is SONAR with Adam Robinson
What is SONAR with Adam Robinson Adam Robinson and Joe Lynch answer the question, what is SONAR. As the Vice President, Product Marketing SONAR at FreightWaves, Adam is the perfect person to explain SONAR. About Adam Robinson Adam Robinson is the Vice President, Product Marketing of SONAR at FreightWaves. Prior to joining FreightWaves, Adam had a brief stint at Turvo where he was Director of Product Marketing. Adam's first foray into logistics was as the Marketing Manager at Ceresis, where he oversaw marketing strategy including website development, social media and content marketing, trade show marketing, email campaigns, and webinar marketing. At Ceresis, Adam established himself as one of the top marketers in the logistics space. In addition to his corporate success, Adam built a social media start-up into a multi-million dollar agency. Adam attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Science in government and business with a minor in marketing. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: What is SONAR FreightWaves is the leading FreightIntel provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves' SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The FreightWaves platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves.com, the company's news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the industry, serving up over 2.5M page views a month and over 1.5B monthly impressions. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Learn More About SONAR Adam Robinson FreightWaves SONAR SONAR: Forecasting Benchmark Spot Rates Gaining Favorable Attention with Adam Robinson The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/8/2020 • 32 minutes, 32 seconds
3PL Basics: The 11 Transportation Services with Jeremy Thone
3PL Basics: The 11 Transportation Services with Jeremy Thone Joe Lynch and Jeremy Thone discuss the 3PL basics: the 11 transportation services provided by 3rd party logistics providers. About Jeremy Thone Jeremy Thone is the Marketing Director at 3PL Systems, which is a transportation management system software company based in Signal Hill, California. Jeremy grew up in the 3PL business because his father is the co-founder of Diversified Transportation based in Torrance, CA. Jeremy worked in 3PL sales with Diversified and then left joined a number of high-tech start-ups prior to joining 3PL Systems. Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Science, Marketing from the University of Southern California. About 3PL Systems 3PL Systems, Inc. provides transportation management system software to help make freight brokers more profitable - both by helping them bring in more revenue and helping them to operate more efficiently. 3PL Systems' BrokerWare is used to manage all shipping and transportation activities from one place, including dispatch, operations, routing, carrier selection, tracing, accounting, billing, collections, and much more. BrokerWare is a transportation management system (TMS) for Non-Asset Based Freight Brokers. Our freight broker software package has built-in support for many types of shipments including less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), expedited, rail, and any type of specialized equipment. Key Takeaways – 3PL Basics: The 11 Transportation Services Transportation Service #1 – Small Package Package delivery or parcel delivery is the shipping of packages (parcels) or high-value mail as single shipments. While the service is provided by most postal systems, private package delivery services have also existed in competition with and in place of public postal services. Package delivery or parcel delivery is the shipping of packages (parcels) or high-value mail as single shipments. While the service is provided by most postal systems, private package delivery services have also existed in competition with and in place of public postal services. Transportation Service #2 – Air Cargo Air transportation is used to transport air cargo by plane. Air cargo or air transport is a vital component of many international logistics networks. Air transport is a vital part of international commerce. Air transport involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, and packaging. Transporting goods to and from the airport is also an essential part of the process. Transportation Service #3 – Ocean Ocean transport is used to move goods across the ocean or larger lakes. There are many different types of cargo that are moved in various types of ships. The ship types include bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, refrigerated ships, and roll-on / roll-off ships. Bulk carriers are cargo ships used to move bulk cargo like coal, ore, grains, and liquids. Bulk cargo is commodity cargo that is transported unpackaged in large quantities. It refers to material in either liquid or granular, particulate form, as a mass of relatively small solids, such as petroleum, grain, coal, or gravel. This cargo is usually dropped or poured, with a spout or shovel bucket, into a bulk carrier ship's hold, railroad car, or tanker truck/trailer/semi-trailer body. Container ships are cargo ships that carry their entire load in truck-size containers, in a technique called containerization. They form a common means of commercial intermodal freight transport. Informally known as "box boats," they carry the majority of the world's dry cargo. Tankers are cargo ships for the transport of fluids, such as crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas and chemicals, also vegetable oils, wine, and other food. Refrigerated ships (reefers) are cargo ships used to transport temperature-controlled transportation, mostly fruits, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products, and other foodstuffs. Roll-on/roll-off ships are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trailers, or railway carriages. RORO (or ro/ro) vessels have built-in ramps which allow the cargo to be efficiently "rolled on" and "rolled off" the vessel when in port. A Multi-purpose ship (sometimes called a general cargo ship) is used to transport a variety of goods from bulk commodities to breakbulk and heavy cargoes. To provide maximum trading flexibility they are usually geared and modern examples are fitted for the carriage of containers and grains. Breakbulk cargo or general cargo is a term that covers a great variety of goods that must be loaded individually, and not in intermodal containers nor in bulk as with oil or grain. Breakbulk cargo is transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums, or barrels. Unit loads of items secured to a pallet or skid are also used. Transportation Service #4 – Less Than Truckload Less Than Truckload (LTL) is a shipment that does not require a full 48 or 53-foot trailer. There are many carriers that specialize or offer this service and like full truckload carriers, the LTL carriers themselves specialize in different services such as lift gate and residential pick-ups and deliveries, guaranteed services, temperature control, transit, and bottom-line cost to name a few. Within a local area, the LTL freight operator has a number of vehicles that collect shipments from their customers. After finishing the daily collection, the shipments are taken to a terminal where the vehicles are unloaded. Each shipment is weighed and rated which allows customer bills to be processed. The individual shipment is loaded onto an outbound vehicle which contains shipments from other customers bound for the same geographic area. The outbound shipments are trucked to appropriate regional terminals, where they are unloaded. The shipments are sorted and placed on local vehicles for delivery. Each individual shipment is handled a number of times from the time it is picked up from the customer until it reaches its final delivery location. Transportation Service #5 – Truckload Truckload shipping is the movement of large amounts of similar freight, usually the amount necessary to fill an entire semi-trailer or intermodal container. A truckload carrier is a trucking company that generally contracts an entire trailer-load to a single customer. Full truckload carriers normally pick up and deliver dedicated shipments. Typically, shipments are picked up at the shipper and delivered directly to the consignee. Truckload shipments are generally handled less, cost less per unit shipped, and have less freight damage. Transportation Service #6 – Dedicated Contract Carriage Dedicated contract carriage is a third-party service that provides dedicated equipment (vehicles) and drivers to a single customer for its exclusive use on a contractual basis. DCC is a flexible service that offers all the service advantages of a private fleet and the convenience of a for-hire carrier. DCC in a sense outsources many of the challenging functions associated with managing a fleet. Functions including, but not limited to ongoing operations management, technology, drivers, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pickup and delivery instructions. Transportation Service #7 – Intermodal Intermodal refers to transportation by more than one means of transport such as a ship, truck, and rail. The intermodal containerization of cargo has revolutionized the supply chain logistics industry. The reduced handling results in increased efficiency, which has lowered shipping costs substantially. Transportation Service #8 – Final Mile Final mile (last mile) describes the movement of goods from a transport hub to a final destination. Transporting goods via freight rail networks and container ships is often the most efficient and cost-effective manner of shipping. However, when goods arrive at a high-capacity freight station or port, they must then be transported to their final destination. The last mile problem can also include the challenge of making deliveries in urban areas where retail stores, restaurants, and other merchants in a central business district often contribute to congestion and safety problems. Transportation Service #9 – Rail Rail transport utilizes freight trains to haul cargo. Oftentimes, the freight cars are customized for a specific type of freight. Freight trains are very efficient, with economies of scale and good energy efficiency. However, pick-up and delivery to the railhead are costly and inconvenient. Container trains have become the dominant type in the US for non-bulk haulage. Containers can easily be moved to other modes of transportation like ships and trucks. Rail is the most efficient mode for transporting bulk shipments like coal, ore, grains, and liquids. Bulk is transported in open-topped cars, hopper cars, and tank cars. Transportation Service #10 – Fleet Acquisition Fleet acquisition services help companies acquire trucks. Fleet acquisition companies conduct an analysis of the client’s needs so they can acquire the right truck(s) for their clients. To specify the truck fleet, the following information is considered: customization, driver requirements, market information, maintenance costs, financing options, taxes, etc. Other functions include project management, inspection, and delivery. Generally, fleet acquisition services will help their clients save money through market intelligence, volume pricing, and close relationships with the OEMs. Transportation Service #11 – Equipment / Drivers There are logistics companies that sell or lease transportation equipment to their clients. Transportation equipment is used to move material from one location to another, like between a loading dock and a storage area, etc...) within a facility or at a site. Typical equipment includes conveyors, cranes, industrial trucks. There are also logistics companies that provide temporary and/or fully-outsourced driver leasing services. These companies manage the driver workforce, enabling their clients to focus on their business. Driver leasing companies specialize in hiring, training, driver management, employee retention, and benefits management. Learn More About 3PL Basics: The 11 Transportation Services Jeremy Thone 3PL Systems The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/30/2020 • 25 minutes, 34 seconds
How Nuclear Verdicts are Killing the Trucking Business with Quinn Damon
How Nuclear Verdicts are Killing the Trucking Business with Quinn Damon Joe Lynch and Quinn Damon discuss how nuclear verdicts are killing the trucking business. As a vice president of an insurance company that insures trucking companies, Quinn is very knowledgeable of nuclear verdicts and the underlying causes. About Quinn Damon Quinn Damon is a Vice President and Risk Management Consultant with Lockton. He currently leads the property/casualty practice for Lockton Michigan and works with transportation, construction/real estate, and manufacturing companies for risk management and insurance. He works with firms all across the country. Originally from Kansas City, Quinn is a graduate of the University of Missouri where he studied finance. His entire career has been with Lockton starting at the global headquarters in Kansas City and now in Detroit. Quinn earned a Bachelor of Science, Finance from the University of Missouri. About Lockton Lockton is the largest independently owned insurance brokerage in the world. Ranked #9 globally, they have all of the resources available to global players but with a family-owned atmosphere. The Lockton Transportation & Logistics Practice consists of 30+ individuals under one roof solely dedicated to the industry. They work with 18 of the top 50 private carriers and 6 of the top 50 for-hire carriers. In total, they oversee the insurance for over 150,000 power units. Despite working with some of the nation’s largest carriers, they also work heavily with the middle-market space. Key Takeaways – How Nuclear Verdicts are Killing the Trucking Business A nuclear verdict is defined as a jury award in which the penalty exceeds $10 million. Other sources consider any jury award over $5 million as a nuclear verdict. Nuclear verdict awards are growing rapidly in the trucking business and the resulting insurance rate increases are killing trucking companies. The nuclear verdicts are increasing for the following reasons: Distracted driving has grown with the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices. More drivers on the road, as the economy grew and the population grew, there are more cars and drivers, which leads to more accidents. As the public and lawyers became aware of the nuclear verdicts, it fueled the growth further. Sophisticated advertising campaigns for personal injury lawyers have also fueled public awareness and growth in lawsuits. In some cases, investors are backing the lawsuits, which means lawyers are more likely to pursue a jury trial rather than settle the case. Juries are now more willing to award nuclear verdicts perhaps because the millennial generation, which is now larger than the baby boomers, have different attitudes about trust in businesses and corporate responsibility. To avoid nuclear verdicts trucking companies should do the following: Install inward and outward-facing cameras to record accidents so they are better able to defend against suits where the trucking company was wrongfully accused. Implement best in class driver and fleet safety programs to prevent accidents and to avoid a gross negligence suit, which is more likely to become a nuclear verdict. Implement best in class vehicle maintenance programs to avoid a gross negligence suit, which is more likely to become a nuclear verdict. The increased number of nuclear verdicts has caused some insurers to leave the trucking business. Trucking companies faced with higher insurance premiums (sometimes as much double) are closing their operations. The industry, in general, will need higher rates and margins to cover the increased insurance costs. Learn More About How Nuclear Verdicts are Killing the Trucking Business Lockton Quinn Damon The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/30/2020 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
Digital Sales Strategy: Overcoming the Barriers to Growth with Tony Verre
Digital Sales Strategy: Overcoming the Barriers to Growth with Tony Verre Joe Lynch and Tony Verre discuss the importance of having a digital sales strategy. As an SEO expert and ecommerce strategist, Tony has significant experience working with clients who are growing their online sales. About Tony Verre Tony Verre is the Vice President, Ecommerce at The Integer Group. With over 11 years of SEO, ecommerce, and multi-discipline digital marketing experience (paid search, social, analytics, and UX) under his belt, Tony is helping to pave the future of ecommerce and digital at Integer. He is currently building and executing strategies to connect, parallel, and intersect the consumer journey at multiple touchpoints to accelerate commerce. His passion, knowledge and relentless quest for “better” in digital marketing and ecommerce are the driving forces behind the work. He spent his career bridging and blending the gap between the art and science of digital marketing. Tony is a US Army veteran who was deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tony earned a BA, Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and an MA, Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. About The Integer Group The Integer Group is one of the world's leading commerce agency, relentlessly focused on delivering Great Work That Works. The Integer team believes in creativity that is fueled by data, informed by culture, and delivered to the touchpoints that create connections and ultimately drive a transaction. The firm focuses on retail marketing, ecommerce, brand communications, media & connections, and data & analytics, that accelerate conversion and build a brand's lifetime bond with its consumers. A key member of Omnicom Group Inc., The Integer Group has more than 1,100 associates in 25 offices across the globe, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. The Integer Group’s clients include AT&T, FedEx, Mars/Wrigley, Michelin, Nestlé, P&G, PepsiCo, Starbucks, and more. Key Takeaways - Digital Sales Strategy: Overcoming the Barriers to Growth When it comes to digital sales strategy, the common barriers to growth are as follows: A solid website is the foundation of a digital sales strategy, but many firms launch sites that do not represent their company well and are not easily found by potential customers. A company's website should be constructed on one of the top platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, etc.) and meet all development best practices. The website should also be SEO optimized and updated on a regular basis. Lastly, the website should contain reasons to believe (RTB) in the company's brand. Prior to any website development, the company leadership should develop a solid brand that sets it apart from the competition. The second barrier to growth is not developing great content for the website on an ongoing basis. To be successful, companies must continue to create great content that will attract customers. The third barrier is not adopting a growth mindset. Companies treat their digital strategy as a cost rather than as an investment in their sales growth. Creating great content (websites, podcasts, videos, articles, social media, etc.) costs money, but not creating that content will result in lost opportunities. The last barrier to growth is becoming overwhelmed by the omnichannel content strategies. Omnichannel refers to cross-channel content strategy that organizations use to improve their user experience and drive better relationships with their audience. Many companies are intimidated by the omnichannel options and the associated investment. One strategy to avoid the overwhelm and investment is to employ very targeted campaigns that reach your prospective customers where they are. In other words, if your customers attend specific conferences and or websites, focus your marketing investment there rather than spreading your marketing investment across all the marketing channels. Learn More The Integer Group Tony Verre The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/26/2020 • 35 minutes, 24 seconds
Why Integrated Supply Chains are More Durable with John Tillison
Why Integrated Supply Chains are More Durable with John Tillison John Tillison and Joe Lynch discuss why integrated supply chains are more durable. John is the SVP in charge of sales and marketing at A. Duie Pyle, a company that specializes in integrated transportation and warehousing solutions. About John Tillison John Tillison began his logistics career as a management trainee at Roadway Express. John rose through the ranks at Roadway/YRC, eventually being named Group Vice-President. John chose to leave Roadway/YRC in 2010 to join Pitt Ohio Express. John headed up Pitt Ohio’s enterprise solutions group. In 2019, John was recruited to A. Duie Pyle to become SVP, Sales & Marketing. John graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management & Marketing About A. Duie Pyle A. Duie Pyle is the Northeast’s premier transportation and logistics provider. A. Duie Pyle provides less than truckload, truckload, custom dedicated, brokerage, and warehousing & distribution. A. Duie Pyle provides a range of integrated transportation and distribution services supported by 24 LTL service centers and 11 warehouse facilities comprised of over 2.7 million square feet of space. As an asset-based transportation and warehousing company, A. Duie Pyle is able to offer shippers an integrated solution that reduces risk, transit time, and costs. Many of ADP’s truck terminals also have full-service warehousing facilities. Key Takeaways - Why Integrated Supply Chains are More Durable An integrated supply chain attempts to minimize the handling, touches, distance, movement, and opportunity for problems from order to delivery. When supply chains are not integrated, there is a potential risk to on-time delivery, accuracy, and service performance. Additional supply chain partners can drive risk (cost, delays, errors) into the supply chain. Each additional company can add risk because they are separated by distance, systems, corporate walls, and motives. Most 3PLs don't have capabilities in trucks, warehouses, technology, people, and know-how to manage large supply chains so they partner with other providers. It all works on a good day, but they aren’t all good days. The advantages of an integrated supply chain include: Distance is eliminated or greatly reduced because the warehouse is attached to the terminal. Communication is faster, better, cheaper – everybody works at the same company, one organization, one management team, easier to get everyone on the same page. Everybody is using the same systems, no system integrations required, which saves money and time. A. Duie Pyle is a true supply chain partner who has the warehousing, trucks, people, expertise, and experience to deliver a fully integrated supply chain solution. Learn More John Tillison A. Duie Pyle The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/24/2020 • 27 minutes, 53 seconds
Every Salesperson's Secret Weapon with Jamin Alvidrez
Every Salesperson’s Secret Weapon with Jamin Alvidrez Jamin Alvidrez and Joe Lynch discuss every salesperson’s secret weapon. Jamin is an accomplished 3rd party logistics sales leader and coach. About Jamin Alvidrez Jamin Alvidrez has worked in logistics and transportation for the past 16+ years. Jamin’s supply chain and tech adventure has seen him have success at a wide range of roles at companies of differing size from CH Robinson to several start-ups and now his own venture. His experience combined with his charismatic positivity allows Jamin to uniquely engage with his network which covers all corners of the supply chain industry. About Freight Tribe Jamin is the founder of Freight Tribe and the host of the podcast "Logistics & Beyond!" on the Supply Chain Now platform where he highlights the personalities and mindsets of the best in logistics, transportation, and freight tech. He also is a regular co-host on various "Live" industry shows. In addition to his podcast work, he works with logistics and transportation companies to promote their brand and increase their sales. Key Takeaways – Every Salesperson’s Secret Weapon According to Jamin, every salesperson regardless of their experience or skill level has a secret weapon – optimism! Optimism differs based on the situation and the person. Optimism is very easy when things are going well. Optimism is obviously harder when you are having a bad day, on those days you must develop the right perspective and embrace the suck. Being optimistic does not mean being unrealistic. To be successful, you must pair your optimism with realism and hard work. Not every salesperson exhibits optimism in the same way. Jamin has observed salespeople who seem negative, yet their actions show a belief in a positive outcome. Good sales managers are optimistic and lift their sales team. Learn More: Jamin Alvidrez Supply Chain Now Freight Tribe The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/17/2020 • 33 minutes, 10 seconds
Winning Strategic Accounts with Michael Neme
Winning Strategic Accounts with Mike Neme Michael Neme and Joe Lynch discuss winning strategic accounts, understanding buyer behavior and aligning sales efforts to the customer’s buying behaviors. In the podcast interview, Mike shares his approach to strategic account sales, which has enabled him to consistently win enterprise logistics accounts. About Michael Neme Michael Neme is a rising young Supply Chain Consultant with GlobalTranz, who has proven over the last 7-years of his career that in an industry that is such a commodity, it pays to be different. Mike started his career with Worldwide Express back in 2014 where from the beginning he realized providing solutions to increase an organization's profitability and enhance efficiencies was more impactful vs trying to win a few loads or be added to a rate list. About Globaltranz GlobalTranz is a technology-driven freight brokerage company specializing in LTL, full truckload, expedited, and managed transportation solutions. GlobalTranz is leading the market in innovative logistics technology that optimizes the efficiency of freight movement and matches shipper demand and carrier capacity in near real-time. Leveraging its extensive freight agent network, GlobalTranz has emerged as a fast-growing market leader with a customer base of over 25,000 shippers. GlobalTranz was recently recognized as the 8th largest Brokerage Company in Transport Topics' Top Freight Brokerage Firms of 2019. Key Takeaways - Winning Strategic Accounts Strategic accounts, sometimes called enterprise accounts, refer to an organization’s most important customers. In the logistics and transportation business, strategic accounts typically mean a given shipper has contracted all of their shipments to the 3PL. The account executive develops a strategic plan to maximize sales opportunities while protecting loyalty by ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction. To win strategic accounts: Recognize that the sales cycle is longer for strategic accounts. While a transactional business can be booked in days or weeks, strategic accounts may take 3 to 6 months. Given the longer sales cycle, the company leadership must be supportive of the additional time required to win strategic accounts. The company must be organized to support strategic accounts, which may mean the cradle to grave sales model is not appropriate. People, resources, and technology must be aligned to support the strategic account model. Technology investment and integration is typically a requirement for strategic accounts. Companies and salespeople who want to win strategic accounts must understand how their prospective customers make their buying decisions. Successful strategic account salespeople have a different mindset. Mike describes his attitude towards accounts as "all or nothing," meaning that he won't pursue accounts unless they agree to send all their business to him. Learn More About Winning Strategic Accounts Michael Neme Globaltranz The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/14/2020 • 33 minutes, 54 seconds
Supply Chain Basics with Jason Miller
Supply Chain Basics with Jason Miller Jason Miller and Joe Lynch discuss supply chain basics. Jason is a professor of supply chain at Michigan State University, which is ranked as one of the top supply chain schools in the world. About Jason Miller Jason Miller (PhD The Ohio State University) is a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics and the John D. and Dortha J. Withrow Endowed Emerging Scholar at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. His primary research stream examines firms' logistics operations, with an emphasis on studying motor carrier safety, productivity, pricing dynamics, and driver turnover. Jason has been recognized with multiple awards for research and teaching. He was recognized as the undergraduate faculty member who had the greatest impact on students based on the 2017 graduating senior survey. The website Poets & Quants has recognized him as one of the top 40 undergraduate professors. Click here to see Jason’s profile on MSU’s website About Michigan State University, Department of Supply Chain Management Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855. Today, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States and has approximately 634,300 living alumni worldwide. MSU’s Department of Supply Chain Management is the consistently ranked as the top supply chain management school in the country. The department educates students to succeed in careers such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and customer service. Students graduate with foundational knowledge across all areas of SCM, positioning them to work in multiple capacities for the top global companies. The business world views Broad’s graduates and faculty as the voice of the SCM field. Key Takeaways – Supply Chain Basics Supply Chain Definition A supply chain is a system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer. Supply chain activities involve the transformation of natural resources, raw materials, and components into a finished product that is delivered to the end customer. The Three Main Supply Chain Functions Sourcing and Procurement Supplier development Supplier selection Supplier relationships Scorecards Negotiations Commodities Operations Manufacturing strategies New product development Quality Project management Forecasting Production scheduling Service design Voice of the customer Logistics Transportation Carrier management Distribution design Channel selection Warehousing Inventory management Technology Learn More About Supply Chain Basics Jason Miller MSU Supply Chain Management Program The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/11/2020 • 56 minutes, 45 seconds
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast with Joe Lynch
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast with Joe Lynch Steve Elwell and Joe Lynch discuss The Logistics of Logistics podcast including its founding, evolution and future. Joe Lynch is the host of The Logistics of Logistics podcast. About Joe Lynch Joe Lynch is the host of The Logistics of Logistics podcast, where he interviews logistics and supply chain leaders. In addition to the podcast, Joe also works closely with supply chain companies (shippers) and 3PLs. He advises shippers on selecting and managing their logistics partners. Joe also helps logistics providers grow their sales. Prior to founding The Logistics of Logistics, Joe served as GM and COO for a non-asset based 3PL. Joe also led a supply chain consultancy, focused on the automotive sector. Joe began his career as an automotive design engineer and eventually was promoted to program launch manager for Jeeps built in Thailand and China. Joe earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and from Cleary University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan. About The Logistics of Logistics Podcast The Logistics of Logistics podcast is consistently one of the top-ranked logistics podcasts. The podcast is dedicated to exploring how things get places and the people who get them there. The host, Joe Lynch talks with logistics, transportation, and supply chain industry leaders about innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight. Learn More The Logistics of Logistics Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Joe Lynch The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
9/6/2020 • 24 minutes, 39 seconds
The Ecommerce Lifecycle with AJ Khanijow
The Ecommerce Lifecycle with AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow and Joe Lynch discuss the the ecommerce lifecycle. As the founder of an ecommerce fulfillment company, AJ works closely with ecommerce companies and is an expert in ecommerce fulfillment. About AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow is the founder of Fulfyld, a warehousing and fulfillment company based in Huntsville, Alabama. AJ and his team at Fulfyld specialize in e-commerce fulfillment. Prior to founding Fulfyld, AJ held business development and leadership positions in the manufacturing, technology, packaging, and consulting industries. AJ earned an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University. About Fulfyld Fulfyld is an e-commerce fulfillment and warehousing company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Fulfyld’s unique service offering includes the technology and customer service required by direct to consumer brands along with deep expertise in value-added services, product sourcing, and packaging that enables them to become an extension of their customer’s supply chain. Customers range from local to global companies, each with unique e-commerce fulfillment needs. Fulfyld integrates directly with e-commerce marketplaces and shopping carts to simplify your shipping process. Fulfyld ships same-day, every day, for one flat-rate. Key Takeaways: The Ecommerce Lifecycle The Ecommerce Lifecycle The prospective customer comes to the website, usually using a computer or tablet, but increasing via phones. Prior to the visit, lots of things happened, website development, SEO, messaging, branding, etc.. The prospective customer becomes a customer by adding something to their cart, buying something. The transaction begins. The customer’s transaction is processed via sales channels or online commerce platform that ecommerce companies use to run their business. For ecommerce, the sales channels include marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Jett, or Walmart. The customer’s transaction is converted into an order so that it can be provided to the fulfillment center for picking, packing, and shipping. Fulfillment centers typically used a warehouse management system (WMS) to manage orders. The fulfillment center associate receives the order via a printed sheet or handheld scanner. Next, the associate scans the product and adds it to a tote. The tote, which contains one product is taken to the packing area. Once the tote arrives in the packing area, the products within the tote are scanned again to ensure the right products got picked. The products are packed according to the size of the order and predefined packaging and packing guidelines. Lastly, the barcode scanner prints out the shipping label, and the shipping team associate adds the label to the package. In the background, the tracking information is communicated to the customer. The package is picked up, usually by USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Returns process The consumer initiates a return online. Once the return is approved, a shipping label is generated by the WMS or sales channel. The shipping label is emailed to the consumer. The consumer repacks the product, adds the shipping label, and gives it to the small parcel provider. The returned product is received and scanned into by the return center (often the same fulfillment center that shipped it). The returned product is added back to inventory, discarded, or repaired. Once the product is received and scanned, the inventory count is updated and the sales channel initiates a refund or exchange transaction. Common problems in the Ecommerce Lifecycle Ecommerce sellers don't watch or monitor their orders closely enough which is an issue because sometimes there are glitches in systems and orders don’t move through the order process. Managing barcodes and SKUs (duplicates) – details matter Lack of inventory planning If you run out of inventory, the marketplaces like Amazon penalize ecommerce sellers who run out of inventory. If your product isn't available, your company will move lower on Amazon page rankings Customer expectations have risen in regards to online buying and they expect the product they purchase to be available To avoid problems ecommerce sellers must manage their SKUs - incorrect, duplicate, or too many SKUs can drive errors and additional costs. Selecting the wrong fulfillment partner is another common mistake in the ecommerce business. Managing ecommerce fulfillment can be challenging and not every warehousing company is capable. There are a lot of new fulfillment centers that are new and lack the proper experience. Many of the older warehousing companies specialize in other industries and are not used to the high volume of ecommerce shipments or home deliveries. If your warehousing company specializes in automotive OEM, they might not be good for your Etsy customers. Learn More About the 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success AJ Khanijow Fulfyld Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success with AJ Khanijow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/28/2020 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
The Logistics of Building a Brand with Chip Humitz
The Logistics of Building a Brand with Chip Humitz Joe Lynch and Chip Humitz discuss the logistics of brand building. As a top marketing and branding strategist, Chip explains the key elements of brand building and how it relates to the transportation and logistics space. About Chip Humitz Chip Humitz is the Marketing and Strategy Director at LUDWIG+, a full-service marketing consultancy. Chip has worked in marketing and brand strategy for over 25 years. Chip has significant experience and expertise on both the client and agency side of the business. Chip has held various positions of increasing responsibility with top marketing, advertising, and branding agencies. Chip's experience on the client-side includes stints at top consumer brands including Heinz, Domino's Pizza, and Mahindra Automotive. Chip earned a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Advertising and Marketing from Michigan State University. LUDWIG+ LUDWIG+ is a full-service, women-owned marketing consultancy based in Bingham Farms, MI. LUDWIG+ excels in mind-blowing digital technology, infectious social media, brilliant strategic planning, laser-focused media planning, efficient media buying, insightful analytics, and a wicked creative powerhouse. Key Takeaways: The Logistics of Building a Brand Brand and Brand Positioning Defined A brand is much more than just a logo or tagline. A brand should create value in the mind of your audience or customer. A brand is a set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another. Your company's brand is an image or idea that lives in the mind of your customer. Chip shared the following quote about branding, “A brand is a living entity – and it is enriched or undermined cumulatively over time, the product of a thousand small gestures” - Michael Eisner, CEO Disney. Brand Positioning can be defined as the positioning strategy of the brand with the goal to create a unique impression in the minds of the customers and in the marketplace. Positioning refers to the place a brand resides in the mind of customers. That brand can be a company’s products and services, or the company itself. It defines the sales and marketing approach used with customers and can even affect the content of business proposals. Brand positioning is typically built around one of the following attributes: price, experience, access, product, or service. A brand value proposition and branding position is developed based on three factors: 1.) what you do as a company, 2.) audience (customer) wants and needs, and 3.) competitive environment. The brand is the salesman that is there when the salesman isn’t there. The Logistics of Building a Brand Discovery Phase During the discovery phase, the brand strategists will work with your team and customers to deep dive the 1.) audience, 2.) brand, and 3.) competitive environment. Talk with customers to fully understand how your company is perceived Determine what makes your company special – customer’s perspective Customer perspective of your company – what are you know for What does your ideal customer expect? Want? Be completely honest in this assessment Develop a vision of what you want your company to be The vision usually becomes evident during the discovery phase. The branding process articulates and amplifies the positive things that were already happening at the company Pick a niche and then fully invest to own that niche Know everything your ideal customer wants Get the internal team aligned to the vision Make sure the employees understand the vision and why it is important Align the sales and marketing messaging to the vision Update marketing materials, websites, and social media to reflect the new brand Learn More About the Logistics of Building a Brand Chip Humitz Ludwig+ The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/27/2020 • 44 minutes, 46 seconds
ALS Sucks with Larry Cepuran
ALS Sucks with Larry Cepuran Larry Cepuran and Joe Lynch talk about how ALS sucks and there is still no cure and few treatments for this awful disease. Larry Cepuran is a friend of Joe's who has been diagnosed with ALS, which is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Donate to ALS TDI About ALS TDI The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is the world's foremost drug discovery lab focused solely on ALS. As a nonprofit biotech we operate without regard to profit or politics. Led by drug development experts and people with ALS, our Cambridge, Massachusetts based lab is funded by a global network of supporters unified to end ALS. Our mission is to discover and develop effective treatments for ALS. Donate to ALS TDI ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Sucks There are currently no known effective cures or treatments to stop disease progression of ALS. ALS is a complex disease that varies from person to person and far more research is necessary to discover effective treatments for each person living with ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease that causes the death of neurons controlling voluntary muscles. Some also use the term motor neuron disease for a group of conditions of which ALS is the most common. ALS is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size. It may begin with weakness in the arms or legs, or with difficulty speaking or swallowing. About half of the people affected develop at least mild difficulties with thinking and behavior and most people experience pain. Most eventually lose the ability to walk, use their hands, speak, swallow, and breathe. The cause is not known in 90% to 95% of cases, but is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. The remaining 5–10% of cases are inherited from a person's parents. About half of these genetic cases are due to one of two specific genes. The underlying mechanism involves damage to both upper and lower motor neurons. The diagnosis is based on a person's signs and symptoms, with testing done to rule out other potential causes. Donate to ALS TDI Learn More About ALS Sucks Larry Cepuran Donate to ALS TDI The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/24/2020 • 29 minutes, 18 seconds
Developing Grit with Ann Holm
Developing Grit with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss developing grit, which is having perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Grit is often recognized as one of the keys to success. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Key Takeaways: Developing Grit According to Ann, you can develop grit by doing the following: Have a growth mindset that recognizes that you can continuously improve your attitude, skills, and knowledge. Treat setbacks as an opportunity to grow and improve. Know your why, which will remind you to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to do the work, take risks, and push forward regardless of how hard the path becomes. Identify a movie character or scene that moves you to keep going and bring that extra effort. Listen to a song or songs that inspire you to push forward regardless of the odds or obstacles. Avoid negative media that can sap your energy and demotivate you. Think of a relative like a parent or a grandparent who embodies grit in your mind. Avoid the "what the hell" effect which is the feeling you get when you’ve already failed so you decide you might as well fail spectacularly. To keep the progress going, manage your slips. Learn More About Developing Grit Listeners can take the free saboteurs assessment to see how they get in their own way at this link https://www.positiveintelligence.com/assessments/ Ann will help you understand your results with a complimentary consultation at the following link: https://go.oncehub.com/MentalFitnessConsultAnnholmnet Ann Holm AnnHolm.net Related Topics: Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/16/2020 • 33 minutes, 10 seconds
Transforming the Shipper, Freight Forwarder Relationship with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey
Transforming the Shipper, Freight Forwarder Relationship with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and Joe Lynch discuss transforming the shipper, freight forwarder relationship. As the founder of a company designed to connect shippers and freight forwarders, Sarah understands the dynamics of the shipper, freight forwarder relationship. About Sarah Barnes-Humphrey Sarah Barnes-Humphrey is a logistician turned supply chain marketer, passionate about bringing stories to life in an industry that has traditionally been about stats and numbers. As the host of the popular Let’s Talk Supply Chain Podcast (LTSC) blog and The SC, Supply Chain TV on YouTube, Barnes-Humphrey helps tell the stories and bring awareness to brands and hot topics in the industry, which includes her infamous Women in Supply Chain series. Recently named Top 100 most influential women leaders in Supply Chain (global) and Top 100 most influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain, Barnes-Humphrey has spent the past 20 years in logistics and supply chain and has now co-founded Shipz, a new technology platform encompassing all of her experience and knowledge in the supply chain bringing innovative, collaboration to the shipper and forwarder experience. Shipz Shipz is an online transportation booking platform for international freight movements and a supply chain ecosystem. Shipz helps importers and exporters move their products easily and more efficiently to grow their business outside their borders. Many mid-sized companies do import and export, and want to work with forwarders, but they are limited by the current process. Meanwhile, forwarders are equally strained by the amount of “free” work they do, and by being treated like a bank. Shipz is a neutral bid-and-ship platform for mid-market shippers, providing forwarders with a safe space to stay in the ring. Let’s Talk Supply Chain Let’s Talk Supply Chain is one of the Top supply chain podcasts and blogs on the market, In both, the podcast and the blog, you will learn about best practices, changes in the industry, and “hot topics” surrounding Supply Chain. Listeners have will hear from amazing thought leaders, women in supply chain, and disruptors in the industry. Key Takeaways: Transforming the Shipper, Freight Forwarder Relationship Small and Mid-Market Shippers and Freight Forwarders Struggle with the Quoting Process The relationship between small and mid-market shippers and freight forwarders is often strained. Small and mid-market shippers who are importing and exporting goods typically don't have the resources, volumes, and expertise of larger shippers so they require extra support from freight forwarders. Freight forwarders often find themselves spending additional time on smaller accounts and making less money. Small and mid-market shippers often need a freight quote as part of their sales quote to their customers. Freight forwarders are wary of working hard on quotes that they may never move. Small and mid-market shippers can also be wary and untrusting of freight forwarders because getting a quote is complicated and the quotes contain lots of line items and potential penalties. Additional resentment from freight forwarders occurs when they find themselves submitting a lot of quotes and not winning very much business. An Online Transportation Platform Specifically Designed for Freight Forwarders and Small to Mid-Market Companies Streamlines the Process and Eases the Tension Shipz offers an online transportation platform that streamlines the quoting, booking, and payment processes while removing many of the factors that were aggravating for shippers and freight forwarders. Shipz provides shippers a benchmarking tool (business intelligence) for estimating shipment pricing based on average cost for that origin/destination. With solid business intelligence at their disposal, shippers have confidence when working with freight forwarders, plus they don't have to pester freight forwarders for estimated pricing. Shippers can also get a quote from multiple freight forwarders quickly and easily. The Shipz system compares the quotes "apples to apples" which saves time and money for both freight forwarders and Shippers. Freight forwarders using Shipz gain access to serious shippers who don't neccessarily needs lots of quotes for their sales process because they have access to business intelligence pricing tools (price benchmarking based on average priced paid). Freight forwarders using Shipz quote on more business and win more business because the system provides competitive feedback in a way that doesn't violate anybody's confidential pricing. Lastly, freight forwarders using Shipz get paid fast, because no freight forwarders wants to be a bank. Learn More About Transforming the Shipper, Freight Forwarder Relationship Sarah Barnes-Humphrey Let’s Talk Supply Chain Shipz The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/16/2020 • 30 minutes, 10 seconds
The Customer is the Hero with Tom Augenthaler
The Customer is the Hero with Tom Augenthaler Joe Lynch and Tom Augenthaler discuss why the customer is the hero. As the founder of an influencer marketing company, Tom helps companies tell stories that make the customer the hero. Having customers and influencers talk positively about your company is one of the best ways to attract and win new business. About Tom Augenthaler Tom Augenthaler is the Founder and CEO of The Influence Marketer. On the website, Tom shares his ideas and knowledge of influencer marketing with others looking to learn about this powerful strategy. Tom is a pioneer in the space and has been working with influencers since 2007 while with Hewlett Packard, and as a consultant helping corporate clients since 2009. He is an international speaker, corporate trainer, and recognized as one of the Top 50 experts in the field by Talking Influence. Tom writes for several media outlets including Social Media Examiner and Social Media Today. Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Gettysburg College and a Master of Liberal Arts in English and American Lit from Harvard University. About 551 Media and The Influence Marketer The Influence Marketer is the best place to learn about B2B influencer marketing. Tom Augenthaler has been helping top brands utilize B2B influencer marketing since 2007, he is a true pioneer in the space. The Influencer Marketer provides lots of free content on influencer marketing and is the place to go for any company looking to start or improve their use of influencer marketing. Tom offers full team training on the many different aspects of the process, one on one mentoring, or strategy calls. He consults digitally and in-person to help B2B businesses build a marketing strategy that is right for them. Key Takeaways: The Customer is the Hero When a company or salesperson talks too much about themselves or their company, they are not treating the customer as the hero. In business, the most compelling story is a customer (or sometimes an influencer) talking about their positive experience with a product or service. Successful marketers are using the success stories of their customers to attract and win new customers. The heroic customer journey can be viewed as a transformation from their previous state (stuck, unsuccessful, unhappy) to their new desired state. In the journey, the customer is positioned as the hero and the brand is the guide helping the customer overcome their challenges and accomplishing their goals. Sales and marketing people need to better understand the problems and challenges faced by their prospective customers. Customers and prospects are busy, and they do not always share their reasons for buying. As marketers, we must dig deeper, beyond the superficial to get a true understanding of the customer's challenges and motivations for buying. In the podcast interview, Tom said the company, Coupa does a great job positioning its customers as heroes. On their website and at their conferences they let their successful customers share their stories of successful transformation. Learn More Tom Augenthaler Linkedin The Influence Marketer Tom Augenthaler Twitter A Better Way to Reach Your Target Market with Tom Augenthaler The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/10/2020 • 36 minutes, 11 seconds
REPOST: Cold Calling on Steroids with Brad Seaman
8/5/2020 • 40 minutes, 1 second
REPOST: A Better Way to Sell Logistics Services with Matt Collins
8/5/2020 • 29 minutes, 14 seconds
REPOST: The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell
8/5/2020 • 23 minutes, 2 seconds
5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success with AJ Khanijow
5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success with AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow and Joe Lynch discuss the 5 keys to direct to consumer success. As the founder of an e-commerce fulfillment company, AJ works closely with direct to consumer companies and he has helped his clients avoid the many pitfalls. About AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow is the founder of Fulfyld, a warehousing and fulfillment company based in Huntsville, Alabama. AJ and his team at Fulfyld specialize in e-commerce fulfillment. Prior to founding Fulfyld, AJ held business development and leadership positions in the manufacturing, technology, packaging, and consulting industries. AJ earned an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University. About Fulfyld Fulfyld is an e-commerce fulfillment and warehousing company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Fulfyld’s unique service offering includes the technology and customer service required by direct to consumer brands along with deep expertise in value-added services, product sourcing, and packaging that enables them to become an extension of their customer's supply chain. Customers range from local to global companies, each with unique e-commerce fulfillment needs. Fulfyld integrates directly with e-commerce marketplaces and shopping carts to simplify your shipping process. Fulfyld ships same-day, every day, for one flat-rate. Key Takeaways: 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success Background Most DTC brands included above have a few things in common: They sell mainly physical goods as opposed to services like home cleaning or music streaming. They are mostly vertical brands, meaning they produce and distribute their own physical goods, rather than acting as marketplaces that sell many brands. Many DTC firms have backed by venture capital at some stage(s). They have smaller product catalogs than traditional retailers. They avoid mainstream manufacturing. They appeal to younger generations by evidencing their ethical supply chains and using their brand’s story to connect with their audience. The DTC e-commerce revolution is still pretty new, with e-commerce still only representing about 10% of retail sales in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. During the pandemic, e-commerce sales surged, and it may result in permanently higher sales for the e-commerce sector. The ten top DTC advertisers: SmileDirectClub, DoorDash, 23andMe, Poshmark, UNTUCKit, Touch of Modern, Hims, Casper Sleep, Stitch Fix, ThirdLove, AJ Khanijow’s 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success Develop a Great Brand. A company’s brand is it’s promise to its customers. The brand tells them what they can expect from the company’s products and services, and it differentiates the company from its competitors'. While some DTC companies skimp on branding in the start-up phase, the best DTC companies develop strong brands. Create a Memorable Customer Experience. Whether they are buying online or retail, customers increasingly expect a great experience. The best DTC businesses have learned to create a great consumer experience. DTC brands can most effectively build relationships with consistent yet personalized communications, delivered throughout the customer’s lifecycle. Data, Data, Data. Every DTC firm recognizes the value of customer and marketing data. In AJ’s experience, many DTC firms struggle to develop good supply chain analytics. As a result, some DTC brands struggle with sales forecasting and product shortages. Prepare to Sell on Every Channel. Many of the successful direct to consumer businesses have begun selling in traditional retail stores. While this may seem counter-intuitive, the businesses are responding to the needs of the consumer. Conversely, older brands (pre-DTC) are beginning to adopt DTC offerings. The bottom line, companies need to offer their products on the channels where consumers want to buy. Select the Right Fulfillment Partner. Hiring the right e-commerce fulfillment company is key because that fulfillment partner could be the difference between success and failure. The fulfillment partner can greatly impact customer satisfaction because they own the order fulfillment process (order processing, pick and pack, shipping, documentation, delivery, and if necessary, returns). Fulfillment is just the starting point. DTC brands often need expertise and service beyond warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution. The right fulfillment partner should be capable of providing whatever value-added service is needed for the brand to succeed and grow. Look for a company that can assist with the following services: procurement, sourcing, manufacturing, and fabrication, assembly, and packaging. Learn More About the 5 Keys to Direct to Consumer (DTC) Success AJ Khanijow Fulfyld Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/5/2020 • 35 minutes, 2 seconds
LTL Basics with Doug Sartain
LTL Basics with Doug Sartain Doug Sartain and Joe Lynch discuss LTL basics. LTL is short for less-than-truckload. Doug is the Vice President of LTL Services at Redwood Logistics and the perfect guest to explain LTL basics. About Doug Sartain Doug Sartain is the Vice President of LTL Services at Redwood Logistics. Doug has worked in transportation and logistics for over 30 years. Doug has significant experience and expertise in over the road transportation especially less-than-truckload. Doug has held various positions of increasing responsibility within the trucking and logistics industries. Doug earned a Bachelor of Science, Pre-law and Labor Relations, from State University of New York at Albany. About Redwood Logistics Redwood Logistics is a privately held top 100 provider of a wide range of strategically integrated transportation and logistics services. For more than 15 years, the company has been providing solutions for moving and managing freight and sharing its knowledge across North America. The Redwood family of companies includes Redwood Multimodal, a freight brokerage company; Redwood Supply Chain Solutions, a technology-powered freight management company; Redwood Distribution, a warehousing and freight forwarding company; and Freight Exchange of North America, a Redwood Company, an asset-based full truckload, dry van carrier. Learn More About LTL Basics Doug Sartain Redwood Logistics White Paper: How to Become a Shipper of Choice The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/29/2020 • 37 minutes, 31 seconds
Dynamic Pricing is Transforming Logistics with Zeke Ziliak
Dynamic Pricing is Transforming Logistics with Zeke Ziliak Zeke Ziliak and Joe Lynch discuss how dynamic pricing is transforming logistics. As Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS, Zeke and his team help transportation and logistics companies align supply, demand, and pricing decisions to realize additional revenue and profit. About Zeke Ziliak Zeke Ziliak is the Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS. At PROS, Zeke and his team provide science-based pricing strategies to transportation and logistics companies. Since Joining PROS 15 years ago, Zeke has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Positions include Senior Product Manager, Director of Business Development, and Executive Account Manager. Prior to joining PROS, Zeke was a music promoter and talent manager. Zeke began his career in corporate risk mitigation for an energy company. Zeke earned a Bachelor of Science, Biology/Chemistry from the University of Houston. Zeke attended UH as a National Merit Scholar on a full academic scholarship. About PROS PROS (NYSE: PRO) provides AI-based solutions that power commerce in the digital economy. Using artificial intelligence, PROS accelerates customers' ability to embrace digital selling and eCommerce channels. With predictive and prescriptive guidance, companies are enabled to dynamically price, configure and sell their products and services across all channels with speed, precision, and consistency. PROS customers, who are leaders in their markets, benefit from decades of data science expertise infused into our industry solutions. Key Takeaways - Dynamic Pricing is Transforming Logistics Dynamic Pricing Basics Dynamic pricing, also referred to as surge pricing, demand pricing, or time-based pricing is a pricing strategy in which businesses set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands. Businesses are able to change prices based on algorithms that take into account competitor pricing, supply and demand, and other external factors in the market. PROS was founded in 1985 and became a pioneer in revenue management within the airline industry, PROS expanded into price management and price optimization by combining pricing science with software automation designed to help businesses increase revenue and profitability through improved pricing practices. Industries that PROS currently serve include airlines, automotive, consumer goods, distribution, energy & chemicals, food & beverage, manufacturing, medical devices & healthcare, services, technology, and transportation & logistics. Transportation and logistics was a natural fit for PROS because the industry depends on origin and destination data just like PROS original customers, the airlines. PROS B2B commerce platform is powered by artificial intelligence and a highly secured cloud infrastructure. PROS focuses on industry-specific pricing and selling challenges based on that industry’s economy. Dynamic Pricing in the Transportation and Logistics Industry Pricing fast and smart is crucial to a company's success in the transportation and logistics business. Pricing people in the industry, armed with increasingly better data, have developed very sophisticated pricing models. Even though the pricing people have gotten much better, there are still some challenges including: Data that is lacking, old, or not available. Pricing knowledge is inconsistent and usually in the head of a few smart, experienced indiviudals, not in systems that can be deployed across the organization. The lack of data and pricing systems causes inconsistent results. Even the best pricing people can not match the speed, accurracy, and insights provided by a dynamic pricing system powered by artificial intelligence. PROS dynamic pricing is the secret weapon that many industry leaders use to gain a competitive edge in pricing. Companies using PROS Dynamic Pricing Management Software gain the following advantages: Top line revenue increases of 2-5% and margin increases of 10%. Pricing based on real-time data, using proven scientific pricing models. More accurrate quotes, developed much faster, with less effort. Win rate optimal pricing that ensures that more of your quotes are accepted. Learn More About Dynamic Pricing is Transforming Logistics Zeke Ziliak PROS Outperform - A Virtual Conference Experience, October 7- 8, 2020 PROS Video – Price Fast and Price Smart The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/25/2020 • 36 minutes, 45 seconds
Freight Moves on Relationships (and Trucks) with Nicole Glenn
Freight Moves on Relationships (and Trucks) with Nicole Glenn Nicole Glenn and Joe Lynch discuss the topic, freight moves on relationships and trucks. As the founder and president of a transportation company that specializes in time-sensitive, high-touch shipments, Nicole believes that communication and good relationships drives positive business results. About Nicole Glenn Nicole Glenn, Owner and President of Candor Expedite, a critical expedite service provider as well as a white-glove B2B company. Prior to opening and operating Candor, Nicole worked hand in hand with company owners to develop their companies and grow their customer following and elevate their sales and operations teams. From building asset-based fleets to successful brokerages that specialized in expedite and standard truckload Nicole would also focus her efforts on her teams to enhance and lift the individuals that help move the companies forward. Nicole obtained a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Northwood University. About Candor Expedite Candor is a woman-owned and operated hotshot ground and white-glove service provider with offices in Illinois and Texas. Candor specializes in hotshot ground, time-sensitive, and white glove delivery services. Because Candor manages so many high-touch, time-sensitive shipments, they have developed a culture of customer service, precision, special handling, and open communication – after all, Candor is the company name. Because shipment and truck visibility is so important on critical shipments, Candor utilizes Trucker Tools to track shipments and provide real-time updates. While no two clients or urgent shipments are the same, Candor has significant experience with customers in manufacturing, trade shows, hotels and hospitality, air-freight, and facility services. Key Takeaways: Freight Moves on Relationships (and Trucks) Shippers who do not have good relationships with their 3PLs and carriers often suffer with the following problems. Poor service including, but not limited to late shipments, damage, billing problems, paying too much for transportation (measurable stuff) Bad communication, poor attitudes, lack of respect, lack of visibility, lack of transparency, lack of integrity, (stuff that is not measurable) Some typical advantages that shipper realize when they have good relationships with their 3PLs and carriers. Superior service Good communication Freebies (expedites or cost reductions when there is a problem) Account familiarity A partner (carrier or 3PL) that invests in the relationship. The investment may take many forms including, visits, quarterly business reviews, improvement initiatives, specialized technology or assigning an account manager. The Speed of Trust To foster solid business relationships with 3PLs and carriers, shippers should do the following: Have regularly scheduled meetings where you review performance, problems, continuous improvement initiatives. Invite senior management to the kick-off meetings to set the tone and show their support. Ideally, the meeting can be aligned with the senior manager's objectives. Informal phone calls outside Have fun events like happy hours, barbeques, parties, dinners, where casual conversations can flourish. Learn More About Freight Moves on Relationships (and Trucks) Candor Expedite Nicole Glenn Strategic Shippers vs Transactional Shippers The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/21/2020 • 38 minutes, 29 seconds
Frictionless Logistics: It's the Collaboration, Stupid with Ketan Karkanis
Frictionless Logistics: It’s the Collaboration, Stupid with Ketan Karkhanis Ketan Karkhanis and Joe Lynch discuss logistics collaboration and the friction that limits productivity for shippers, 3PLs, brokers, and trucking companies. About Ketan Karkhanis Ketan Karkhanis is the Chief Product Officer at Turvo, the first real-time collaborative logistics platform that uses artificial intelligence to perfect the science of movement. Prior to joining Turvo, Ketan worked at Salesforce for ten years where he held a series of senior management positions. While at Salesforce, Ketan led the development and launch of analytics and cloud products. Before joining Salesforce, Ketan spent nine years at Cisco in various roles including IT, product management, and consulting. Ketan holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (India) and an MBA from Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. About Turvo Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways - Frictionless Logistics: It’s the Collaboration, Stupid Ketan and the Turvo team have taken a fresh look at the way freight moves and the people involved in each shipment. Some observations: Logistics is a team sport and the team can't function at a high level without collaboration. Many existing TMS are built with a system view, not a customer view. The system view created point solutions and the need for time-consuming, costly system integrations. Technology stacks, legacy systems and a focus on individual silos result in a poor customer experience The goal of collaboration should be connecting people and systems to move things effectively and efficiently. Turvo has designed their platform to enable shippers, carriers, 3PL, and any other stakeholders to collaborate around one true record. Turvo's goal is to create one seamless experience that includes visibility, collaboration, and execution all in one place. The experience is elegant, intuitive, and in-context to the work that needs to be done. Frictionless logistics means doing the basics incredibly well. To reduce the friction and hassle, Turvo puts the visibility, collaboration, and execution all in one place Turvo's goal is to create an elevated customer experience that includes these key functions in one place: System of records (one truth of the transaction) Systems of engagement (communication and collaboration) System of intelligence (AI, analytics, etc.) Learn More Ketan Karkhanis @karkhanis Turvo Turvo Partners with Ryder for Real-Time Visibility and Collaboration to Enable RyderShare The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/17/2020 • 34 minutes, 16 seconds
REPOST: Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies with Peter Stefanovich
Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies with Peter Stefanovich Peter Stefanovich and and Joe Lynch discuss buying and selling transportation/logistics companies. Peter is a co-founder of Left Lane Associates, a Canadian mergers and acquisitions firm focused exclusively on the North American supply chain industry. About Peter Stefanovich Peter Stefanovich is the Managing Partner at Left Lane Associates, a mergers and acquisition firm representing buyers and sellers in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries in North America. Prior to co-founding Left Lane Associates, Peter worked at Radiant Global Logistics (formerly Wheels Group) as a Senior Business Development Manager. Peter’s clients included Sobeys, BestBuy, Steris, and many others. Peter earned a dual major in Business Finance and Political Science at Western University. About Left Lane Associates Left Lane Associates is a Canadian mergers and acquisitions advisory firm focused exclusively on the North American supply chain industry. Left Lane helps maximizes enterprise value for shareholders looking to sell their businesses. For companies looking to buy, Left Lane provides strategic thinking and thought leadership that helps their clients find the perfect cultural, geographical, and sector fit. Key Takeaways - About Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies Peter shares the insights that he has gained from working with both buyers and sellers in the logistics industry. He tells us such things as why now the best time is to sell a logistics company, things to do when preparing to sell, how long the selling process takes, and why sellers choose to use a broker. Owners of transportation and logistics companies hire Left Lane to sell their business because: Owners in this industry have likely never sold a company before, so they want to trust the process with someone more experienced in the process. You only get one chance to sell your business - once it’s done, you can’t go back Brokers specialize which lets owners focus on their business while preparing to sell. Owners have many reasons for wanting to sell – personal, economy, retirement, industry, change of pace, etc. Owners of transportation and logistics companies often sell because of the four dreaded Ds: divorce, death, delinquent partner, and disease. To receive top dollar for their companies, owners must prepare by taking care of the following: Legal issues must be resolved – internal and external Get authorizations and certifications in order Get rid of underutilized assets Release underperforming employees Lean out the organization Maximize EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) Develop a specialization Technology (CRM, TMS, website, and social media) What people perceive about your company is often based on your web presence. Any dollar you save could be worth 3x-4x more when you sell Learn More About Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies Peter Stefanovich monetizeyourco Left Lane Associates The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/12/2020 • 37 minutes, 25 seconds
REPOST: Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller
Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller Craig Fuller and Joe Lynch discuss why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of trucking. Craig and his company, FreightWaves is one of the reasons, Chattanooga is called the Silicon Valley of Trucking. About Craig Fuller Craig Fuller is CEO and Founder of FreightWaves, the only freight-focused organization that delivers a complete and comprehensive view of the freight and logistics market. FreightWaves’ news, content, market data, insights, analytics, innovative engagement, and risk management tools are unprecedented and unmatched in the industry. Prior to founding FreightWaves, Fuller was the founder and CEO of TransCard, a fleet payment processor that was sold to US Bank. He also is a trucking industry veteran, having founded and managed the Xpress Direct division of US Xpress Enterprises, the largest provider of on-demand trucking services in North America. Craig earned a Bachelor of Business Administration/Entrepreneurship from Baylor University. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Interview [01:04] Tell us a little bit about you and your company. I am Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves, which is based in Chattanooga, TN. I grew up in a trucking family and worked in my dad’s company. FreightWaves is the leading Freight Intel provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. [03:50] Your content at FreightWaves is so insightful. I’ve noticed that to write about logistics, you have to know logistics. We tried to get the traditional trucking press to write about what we were doing, but it was apparent that they didn’t understand the content. Out of frustration, we decided to write our own content. Our writer was on vacation, so I once wrote about a hurricane under his name. That’s when the site exploded. We actually do hire a lot of great writers that don’t have experience in the space and combine them with market experts. [08:54] Why and when did you start FreightWaves? The business started in 2016, but we didn’t get our first venture funding until 2017. I didn’t want to go back to work in the family business. I wanted to do something on my own. My brother is the CEO of that business now, but my father is still active in it. I’m sure that my brother faces difficulties because the vision was created for him. We have to report to our board, but they’re very supportive which gives us room to do things how we want. [15:05] Steve Case has a venture fund and tour called The Rise of the Rest. Tell us about it and why he named Chattanooga the Silicon Valley of trucking. His theory was that he could go find startups in smaller cities to pitch to touring venture capitalists. FreightWaves won the tour’s stop in Chattanooga. This city has more people connected to logistics per capita than any other city in America, so it was only natural that Chattanooga become the Silicon Valley of Trucking Steve wrote a book called The Third Wave which deals with a deep understanding of how industries work. At FreightWaves, we’ve combined our tribal knowledge with influencers who are connected throughout the industry. Creating credibility has been the key to our success. [21:27] We’re educating kids to leave our cities to go be successful in Silicon Valley. A lot of venture capitalists promote staying in your own city now. Money goes a lot further in places like Chattanooga rather than Silicon Valley. I think the next generation of venture capital will be in places like Detroit, Des Moines, Houston, Cleveland, etc. Investors are shocked that we pay our employees about the same as companies in Silicon Valley. It helps us attract and retain talent. We don’t have to worry as much about an employee leaving us in a few months to work for another company down the road. [27:48] For many generations, kids have gone to school in places like Chattanooga and then left to work elsewhere. Now, they don’t have to. 45 out of our 130 employees in Chattanooga have moved here from other cities. It’s great to have a combination of homegrown employees and ones that were willing to relocate. [30:00] You mentioned tribal knowledge, so expand on how it helped make Chattanooga the Silicon Valley of trucking. The machine that produces carpet was invented in Chattanooga and Dalton, Georgia (just south of here), and that carpet needed to be hauled. Those businesses created a lot of organic knowledge in Chattanooga, but they didn’t recycle capital. In the early 2000s, a guy at C.H. Robinson decided to build a brokerage business inside a brick business owned by the father of his frat brother. They founded Access America, and it grew to about $600 million in revenue in 2014. It merged with Coyote, and Coyote was acquired by UPS. A lot of the talent ended up leaving, but they were young. They started tech businesses and made investments. This created a lot of trucking companies. [35:41] Are there companies that are moving to Chattanooga because that’s where the logistics community is? FreightWaves started in Fort Worth, Texas, but we moved here. Others include WorkHound, Reliance Insurance, and Bellhops. There’s a ton of industry energy around the space that’s being guided by people who have a deep understanding of how the market works. [36:58] Is Tennessee a business-friendly state? It is. There’s no state income tax and the capital gains tax is being phased out. There are very low real estate taxes. I pay about one sixth of what I paid in Texas. The more money you can get into your employees’ hands, the better quality of life they’ll have. [38:44] In Michigan, we used to look down on The South because so many people moved away from it to work in Detroit. During the 1930s, people didn’t have electricity and plumbing until FDR created a new deal. That spurred the initial stages of economic development. The South and Canada have a lot in common; effectively the same population and economic size. That’s pretty astounding. [41:21] This has been great. Why don’t you give us a little summary? I love talking about these trends. Not because I think Chattanooga is the best city in the world, but there are things that have made us successful that can be applied in other places. We’ve got FreightWaves Live in Chicago in November. It will be a vibrant event with lots of really good speakers. We’re launching FreightWaves TV soon. Our spirit at FreightWaves is that if we do something, we do it well. [45:09] Tell us a little bit about your SONAR project. People call it the Bloomberg of freight. It is the leading freight market dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. [47:10] Let’s say I’m a little trucking company or freight broker. What problem do you solve for me? If you’re a freight broker, it’s about price and capacity discovery. Also, identifying volatile markets. Most of the data that has been available to freight brokers is weeks old. We’re speeding that up. For trucking companies, it can let you know which markets to move trucks to. It’s bad to make decisions with data that is so old, and we fix that problem. Learn More About Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking Craig Fuller LinkedIn Profile FreightWaves FreightWaves SONAR The Third Wave by Steve Case Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/12/2020 • 52 minutes, 45 seconds
REPOST: Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow
Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow and Joe Lynch discuss selecting an e-commerce fulfillment partner. For e-commerce companies the difference between success and failure is fulfillment. As the founder of an fulfillment company that specializing in e-commerce, AJ knows what companies should look for in an e-commerce fulfillment partner. About AJ Khanijow AJ Khanijow is the founder of Fulfyld, a warehousing and fulfillment company based in Huntsville, Alabama. AJ and his team at Fulfyld specialize in e-commerce fulfillment. Prior to founding Fulfyld, AJ held business development and leadership positions in the manufacturing, technology, packaging and consulting industries. AJ earned an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University. About Fulfyld Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Fulfyld has offered e-commerce fulfillment services for every step of the supply chain since 2016. Our customers range from local to global companies, each with unique e-commerce fulfillment needs. Fulfyld integrates directly with e-commerce marketplaces and shopping carts to simplify your shipping process. We ship same-day, every day, for one flat-rate. Key Takeaways - Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner First e-commerce companies should conduct a thorough internal assessment of their company to determine what they want from an e-commerce fulfillment partner. Companies should understand all the moving parts internally and what exactly your partner is going to be doing vs what will be managed in-house. Next, determine suitable locations for e-commerce fulfillment. Fulfillment locations should be close to carrier transportation hubs, ports, customers, and suppliers. Decide if you would like to fulfill externally or internally. Figure out how your ERP and e-commerce platform will integrate with your e-commerce fulfillment partner. Cultural Fit: How does your business fit within the culture of your fulfillment partner? I always look to see if I can hang out with potential partners, that way you knows if it will be a good fit. Range of Services: Ensure they offer all the services necessary for your supply chain to succeed. If your partner makes a critical mistake, it could be detrimental to your business. Third-Party Logistics: Will they be able to accommodate all of your SKUs? Technology Integration: Many traditional 3PLs specialize in TL and LTL shipping so their systems may not be suitable for managing small parcel shipments. Booking a dozen TL shipments is very different from processing thousands of small parcel shipments. To manage that volume of customer orders, you must have the right systems (technology) for the job. Location: Your partner needs to be in close proximity to the carrier terminals. For instance, Huntsville is great for us because it is close to three of the biggest hubs (terminals) for small parcel carriers: Louisville, Memphis, and Atlanta. Make sure you are in a state that is low cost and good for business. The labor rate in L.A. is almost double what it is in Alabama. Dedicated Customer Service: The ability to pick up the phone and talk to someone who is dedicated to your account is something I highly recommend. Essentially, your e-commerce fulfillment partner is running your supply chain so communication is critical. Problems must be identified and solved quickly, which means you can't be directed to a call center - you need an account manager who knows your business. E-commerce Experience: Having experience in the e-commerce business is a requirement. E-commerce companies are usually young companies, so they need to select an e-commerce fulfillment partner who is experienced in e-commerce fulfillment, small parcel and B2C shipping. There are large, established 3PLs who have great capabilities but know very little about e-commerce fulfillment. Operational Excellence: To be successful, your fulfillment partner must have great operations. Ask questions about how they manage orders. Do they have defined processes? Does their technology and order management system allow you to view things in real time? Do they have relationships with the small parcel carriers? Reputation and References: Ask your prospective partner for references and talk to some of their current customers. Check out their LinkedIn company page and look at LinkedIn profiles for some of their employees. LinkedIn can tell you quite a bit about the size and capability of a company. Contract: Review their contract and determine if it is fair. Is the contract biased and filled with unnecessary legal jargon? Are you being charged ridiculous fees? If you are picking a strategic partner, the contract shouldn't be transactional. Make sure the contract is transparent and your interests are aligned. Engage the Cross-functional Team: Perhaps the most important thing you can do when selecting an e-commerce fulfillment partner is to engage the cross-functional team (accounting, sales, engineering, operations, etc..) in the process. An e-commerce fulfillment partner is an extension of your company and it touches virtually every function, so get input from each functional area. Your e-commerce fulfillment partner is the beating heart of the business because they are ones who convert an order into delivery and hopefully a satisfied customer. Learn more About Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner Fulfyld Ajesh (AJ) Khanijow Reducing Cost and Improving Transit Time for eCommerce Shipments from China with Brian Miller The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/12/2020 • 27 minutes, 43 seconds
What Does FreightWaves Do with Dooner
What Does FreightWaves Do with Dooner Tim Dooner and Joe Lynch discuss the topic, What does FreightWaves do. FreightWaves is a freight industry leader in data and analytics, logistics industry news and commentary. As one of FreightWaves’ leading voices, Dooner shares his interesting and spirited insights on FreightWaves, podcasting, careers and content marketing. About Dooner Dooner is the Director of Audio and an On-Air Host at FreightWaves. Dooner is currently creating new podcast, radio, video, and multimedia content for FreightWaves. Dooner is a 15-year supply chain industry veteran who has held leadership positions in operations, sales, consulting, and marketing. Having worked with FedEx, Reebok, Adidas, L.L. Bean, Hasbro, Louis Vuitton, and many more high-level clients across the full spectrum of the field. You can watch and listen to him on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Put That Coffee Down, FreightWaves Morning Minute, FreightWaves Insiders podcasts, and FreightWaves Radio on SiriusXM's Roaddog Trucking. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves' SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company's news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways – What Does FreightWaves Do FreightWaves provides current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves is made up of three interconnected pillars: FreightWaves' SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves.com, the company's news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the space, serving up over 2.5M pageviews a month and over 1.5B monthly impressions. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. FreightWaves TVand audio podcasts provide up-to-the-minute freight industry news provided by hosts who understand the freight business. FreightWaves TV and podcasts are informed by FreightWaves' freight data analytics and presented in interesting and engaging shows. Learn More: Tim Dooner FreightWaves Put That Coffee Down FreightCasts The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
7/6/2020 • 50 minutes, 4 seconds
Building a Foundation for Sales Growth with Mike Temple
Building a Foundation for Sales Growth with Mike Temple Mike Temple and Joe Lynch discuss building a foundation for sales growth. Logistics company owners often engage with Mike to help them build a foundation that will jumpstart growth and position the company for long-term success. About Mike Temple Mike Temple is the founder of Temple Executive Coaching. Mike has worked with small to medium-size business owners in the logistics and franchise industries for 10+ years. As a past business owner himself, he has honed a unique skill in the art of helping business leaders craft their true vision. With this background, deep industry knowledge, and vast experience, Mike works with business owners and CEOs as a leadership and strategy adviser. About Temple Executive Coaching Temple Executive Coaching works with business owners, CEOs, and executive leaders on leadership, strategy, and culture. After the engagement is complete, clients typically benefit in the following ways 1) Being grounded in and focused on what matters most 2) Having a leadership model where the entire organization is aligned and accountable 3) Resolving issues of personal conflict with the organization's values, vision, and priorities 4) Knowing what the most important things are for success and customer satisfaction. Prior to founding Temple Executive Coaching, Mike held leadership positions in the logistics, financial, and franchise industries. Mike earned a BA in Business Administration from Utah State University. Key Takeaways - Building a Foundation for Sales Growth In the interview, Mike describes a typical lifecycle for a logistics company. During the startup phase, the founder(s) and their team experience a wild ride where everything is new, sales is king and there are few rules or processes. For a small team, communication and management are easy. As the company grows, problems arise because the company lacks a solid foundation for growth. Typical challenges include a lack of financial controls, HR issues, recruiting & training problems, and leadership gaps. These growing pains frustrate and exhaust the owner because the strategies that worked well in the beginning, aren’t working anymore. Founders and their leadership teams often engage with coaches like Mike to help them build a foundation that will jumpstart growth and position the company for long-term success. The building blocks of the foundation include the following: Vision and mission Roles and responsibilities (organization charts with job descriptions) Executive leadership to head up sales and marketing, operations, and finance. To be successful, each area needs a point person who will be fully accountable for the department. Culture Processes and systems Learn More About Building A Foundation for Sales Growth Mike Temple Temple Executive Coaching The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/20/2020 • 31 minutes, 54 seconds
New School Supply Chain Basics with the Supply Chain Queen, Sheri Hinish
New School Supply Chain Basics with the Supply Chain Queen, Sheri Hinish Sheri Hinish and Joe Lynch discuss new school supply chain basics. As a supply chain thought leader and change agent, Sheri is leading the way toward sustainable supply chains, new paradigms, strategy, and leadership. About Sheri Hinish Sheri Hinish is The Supply Chain Queen and she is on a mission to change the world through sustainable supply chains, evangelizing The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and building technology grounded in the principles of sustainable development. She helps executives and their teams explore new school supply chain, digital readiness, sustainability, innovation, design thinking, and connected value networks. Sheri earned a BS (Maryland) and an MS (Rutgers) in Supply Chain Management. Sheri is currently a Master of Arts Candidate, Sustainability at Harvard. The Supply Chain Queen In her work as the Supply Chain Queen, Sheri has made a career simplifying the complex, rethinking supply chain strategy and customer experience, the way we design, connect, and influence each other. Sheri helps executives and their teams reimagine their approach by 1) leveraging new ways of thinking about supply chain, sustainable development, and corporate sustainability in the world we share. 2) helping leaders design, guide, & inspire organizations through complex transformations, bridging workforce generations. 3) using next-generation leading practice to develop the right technology, supply chain, and solution strategy for ecosystem orchestration and stewardship. Key Takeaways – New School Supply Chain Basics The new school supply chain basics (below) that Sheri described on the podcast also appear on the Supply Chain Revolution website. New School Supply Chain. The “we’ve always done it this way” operating model is over. Supply chain has never had a bigger seat at the table. Advances in supply chain technology, data science, corporate social responsibility create opportunities like no other decade in our existence to building a new global economy that is circular. This requires a “new school” shift that puts the customer experience, supply chains with purpose, and leadership front and center. Corporate Sustainability. Corporate Sustainability isn't philanthropy. We help companies understand supply chains are a conduit for social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the win-win of ' doing well and doing good" to transform the world we share. Circular Economy & Circular Thinking. We are leaving value on the table and take-make-waste, or linear economy is costing our planet and our supply chains billions in value leakage annually. The Supply Chain Revolution embraces circularity, making fiscal sense of shifting toward regenerative, restorative processes and designing for zero waste in end-to-end supply chain orchestration. Sustainable Development & the SDGs. This is the decade of action. Propelled by purpose, new school leaders understand the inter-connectivity of industrial, technological, environmental, and human systems. Sustainable Development and Supply Chains are a conduit to realizing many of the SDGs by 2030. Diversity & Inclusion. The way we lead, hire, think, design, connect, share in communities of practice is shifting. New diversity includes challenging paradigms for inclusion by transforming culture, developing multi-disciplinary teams, and encouraging diversity, divergence, and radical collaboration. Leading & Influencing Change. The ability to lead in Supply Chain 5.0, digitalization, the future of work, and transition toward sustainable, circular models requires new-school leadership. Themes include headspace, modus operandi, stewardship, and understanding new impacts in transformation and beyond. Learn More About New School Supply Chain Basics Sherri Hinish Supply Chain Queen Supply Chain Revolution Podcast The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/19/2020 • 45 minutes, 11 seconds
5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America with Demo Perez
5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America with Demo Perez Demo Perez and Joe Lynch discuss 5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America (LATAM). The LATAM region is huge and growing fast so many North American, European, and Asian companies are anxious to enter the market. LATAM is a golden opportunity, however, there many problems unique to the region. Demo has been helping global companies expand into Latin America for over two decades and he shares some of his valuable insights. About Demo Perez Demo Perez is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of the IPL Group, based in Panama. Demo and the IPL team specialize in Latin American warehousing and distribution. Demo has proven expertise in warehousing, distribution, logistics, value-added services, logistics technology, government affairs, and international trade. Prior to founding IPL Group, Demo held leadership positions at Logistics Services Panama. Demo is the President of CSCMP, Panama Roundtable, and the Vice-Chair of the Customs and Trade Facilitation Committee (Chamber of Commerce). Demo has worked with a number of Panamian government and trade groups and advised Georgia Tech on logistics innovation. Demo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Panama. About IPL Group IPL Group helps global firms expand their business into the Latin American market. IPL Group is based in Panama, which is the go-to country for companies that want to expand into the huge, fast-growing Latin American market. IPL Group specializes in Latin American warehousing and distribution. IPL offers a wide array of value-added services that help customers comply with the rules and regulations of the different countries in the LATAM region as well as special needs from distributors, retailers, and individual customers. IPL Group is also a full-service freight brokerage and freight forwarder. Key Takeaways – 5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America LATAM region is comprised of over 30 countries and each has its own unique culture, customs, dialects, federal regulations, currency, tariffs, and consumer tastes. When expanding into the region, companies must recognize the difficulty and complexity of entering into each individual country. Many business people used to large homogeneous markets like the USA will need to change their attitudes to be successful in LATAM. Managing inventory is a major concern for companies expanding into LATAM. Developing accurate sales forecasts is often a problem for companies new to the region. If a product doesn't sell, moving excess inventory is challenging. Companies are better off, keeping their inventory at a regional distribution center rather than committing to local inventory. The regional DC should be in Panama because of the strategic location. Panama also has the logistics expertise, infrastructure, and experience required to manage a LATAM regional distribution center. To minimize investment when entering LATAM, companies often find distributors who work in the region. Distributors can offer some advantages, however, they are separate entities that can't be easily controlled. Distributors may work with your competition and they may not fully commit to selling your product. The costs added by distributors may make your product unattractive to the LATAM markets. In many cases, companies new to the market will be better served by a regional 3rd party logistics provider (3PL). To successfully expand into the LATAM region, companies must partner with the right 3PL. Hiring a 3PL that can manage warehousing, value-added services, logistics, and distribution will enable your team to focus on growing the revenues in the region. Learn More About 5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America Demo Perez IPL Group Related Topics: 7 Reasons Panama is the Latin American Supply Chain Capital with Demo Perez The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/17/2020 • 30 minutes, 14 seconds
Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm
Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss emotional intelligence in sales. Ann reviews the basics of emotional intelligence and how to apply it to sales. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan with focuses in psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Key Takeaways - Emotional Intelligence in Sales Self Awareness - Know your strengths and weaknesses. Social Awareness - Understanding the cultural environment of your customer so you can behave properly (when in Rome). Self Management - Build self-management skills so you can adjust your behavior to the situation. Relationship Management - Do the things that foster the relationship between you and your customer. Learn More About Emotional Intelligence in Sales Ann Holm AnnHolm.net Related Topics: Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt with Steve Elwell Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/7/2020 • 35 minutes, 20 seconds
Accelerating Time to Value for 3PLs with John Golob
Accelerating Time to Value for 3PLs with John Golob John Golob and Joe Lynch discuss accelerating time to value for 3PLs implementing and onboarding new accounts. 3PLs, freight forwarders, and carriers are increasingly concerned with the timely implementation of new customers. A poorly managed or late implementation can be very costly for both the LSP and the shipper. Additionally, the damage to the business relationship could last for years and cost the LSP an opportunity to win additional business from the shipper. About John Golob John Golob is the founder and CMO of Winmore, a San Francisco based software firm that has developed the Customer Success Platform (CSP) for Logistics Companies which helps commercial teams win more RFPs, minimize scope creep, and build customer relationships at scale. Winmore is John’s sixth start-up since graduating from USC in 1991. Previous early-stage ventures include Scopus Technology (acquired by Siebel for $500 million), Octane Software (acquired by E.piphany for $1.3 billion), Digital Impact (acquired by Axciom for $190 million) and Xobni (acquired by Yahoo for $90 million) and Good Technology (acquired by Motorola for $500 million). John earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. About Winmore Winmore brings years of industry expertise and a passion for redefining logistics through innovation and digitization. Winmore's business is helping logistics service providers become more successful. Winmore provides three solutions: 1.) RFP & Tender Collaboration software streamlines the bid qualification process, increases the efficiency of your bid desk, and improves overall win rates by as much as 25%. 2.) Customer Solution On-Boarding software manages the onboarding of complex customer implementations, accelerates time-to-value, minimizes scope-creep, ensures compliance, and delights customers. 3.) Business Process Design Studio is a drag-and-drop business process modeling tool for developing and publishing multi-stage, collaborative workflows that accelerate and streamline your business processes. Key Takeaways – Accelerating Time to Value for 3PLs The Consequences and Causes of Mismanaged and Delayed Customer Implementations When logistics services providers (LSPs) are awarded a large account by a shipper, the expectation is that the implementation will run smoothly. Unfortunately, that is seldom the case, especially for larger implementations. The consequences for a poorly managed implementation are: customer dissatisfaction, lost business in the event the customer doesn’t renew, extra cost for manpower to remedy the situation, lost business, lawsuits, frayed relationships, lost savings for the shipper, and lost revenue for the LSP. Large LSP-shipper implementations are hard. The onboarding, integration, and communication are very difficult to manage. Data sharing and hand-offs between the 3PL and shipper are problematic, especially as the project moves through the RFP process. The RFP process includes the following process steps: 1.) RFP, 2.) Response from 3PL, 3.) Evaluation, 4.) Contract, 5.) Implementation, and 6.) Continuous improvement. In each process step, there are new people involved, actions undertaken, and decisions required. Accelerating Time to Value for 3PLs To properly manage a shipper implementation and integration, 3PLs need to utilize a stable, effective process, that ideally enabled by a system. Winmore has specifically developed its Customer Solution On-Boarding to help LSPs onboard new customers. Winmore’s comprehensive, but easy-to-use software solves the three most critical pain points that impact customer solution delivery. Process control - manages and monitors the end-to-end solution delivery process, providing feedback and alerts to identify and solve bottlenecks quickly. Internal compliance - clearly communicates requirements, status, success criteria, and results to all stakeholders, helping ensure adherence to your internal processes. Continuous improvement - Six Sigma black belts and continuous improvement people love Winmore’s Process Studio, Kanban boards, and stage/gates, helping them remove waste from their operations. Learn More: John Golob Related Topics: Increase Your RFP Win Rate by Fixing the Bid and Tender Process with John Golob The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/5/2020 • 28 minutes, 34 seconds
5 Challenges to Expanding into Europe with Joe Paris
5 Challenges to Expanding into Europe with Joe Paris Joe Paris and Joe Lynch discuss 5 challenges to expanding into Europe. As an American entrepreneur and recognized expert in operational excellence living in Germany, Joe Paris has unique, first-hand insights into the challenges facing American companies expanding into Europe. About Joe Paris Joe Paris is the founder and CEO of the XONITEK group of companies. Joe has devoted his entire career of over 30 years to helping companies become high-performance organizations. As an international entrepreneur and a sought-after strategist, consultant, mentor, and speaker with engagements around the world – and through the considerable experiences Joe has had, the research he has conducted, and the articles he has written. Joe is a world-recognized thought leader on the subject of operational excellence. About XONITEK XONITEK is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to helping companies in their pursuit of achieving operational excellence. XONITEK mostly works with publicly listed firms with international operations or value-chains. Clients typically have a mature continuous improvement program. They aspire to press further to become high-performance organizations with a clear vision, unmistakably communicated, and vigorously pursued. XONITEK consultants are highly capable subject matter experts who are eager to engage, highly communicative, and can help you move quickly from assessment to action. Key Takeaways – 5 Challenges to Expanding into Europe In Joe’s experience the biggest problems American’s companies struggle when expanding into Europe, for the following reasons: Taxation is a major concern when expanding into Europe because you will most likely be doing business in multiple countries, with very different tax codes. American businesspeople who are used to the large US market underestimate the accounting and tax expertise required to do business in the European market. Human resources are very different in Europe. In the USA, most employees are usually “at will” which means they can be released with a minimum of hassle. In Europe, employees are protected by government regulations and employment contracts. As a result, employing people in Europe is more rigid and expensive. Investment capital in Europe tends to be risk-averse and less plentiful compared to the USA. Companies expanding into Europe will need to pay extra attention to how their expansion will be financed. Lack of flexibility is a challenge for US businesspeople who are used to developing plans for the US market. In Joe’s experience, companies expanding into Europe should avoid big investments in real estate, people, and operations until they fully understand the market. Companies are better off entering the market slowly, partnering, and outsourcing to avoid a big investment. Postpone investment until you have a better understanding of the customer, risks, and opportunities. Environmental regulations in Europe are very different and often more stringent than in the USA. For businesspeople interested in European expansion, understanding the environmental impact and country-specific regulations is very important. Bonus challenge! Understanding customs and cultures is sometimes a struggle for companies expanding into Europe. Each country has its own unique culture and customs, which is very different from the US market, which is mostly homogenous. In general, Europeans have more national holidays, vacation days, and sick days. They also value their time off and create boundaries between work and play, which contrasts greatly to the culture of most American businesspeople. Learn More: Joe Paris XONITEK Operational Excellence Society The Readiness Institute Podcast - The Outliers Inn Related Topics: 4 Pillars to Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain with Yatish Desai The Hidden Solution to Most Supply Chain Problems with Ron Crabtree The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
6/4/2020 • 36 minutes, 53 seconds
Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell
Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales with Steve Elwell Steve Elwell and Joe Lynch discuss why avoiding fear, uncertainty, and doubt in the sales process will help you close more deals. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt in a buyer’s mind almost always kill the sale. About Steve Elwell Steve brings a strategic and practical approach to the challenges of leadership and business profitability. He is expert in the growth and turnaround of small and medium manufacturing, logistics, and technology businesses. He led the turnaround of 5 troubled companies and started 2 new businesses. He successfully recruited and led 6 sales forces, introduced dozens of new products, and entered 10 new markets. As a retained executive search consultant, he built C-suite leadership teams for clients in a variety of industries. Steve earned a BA in Economics and Management and a MBA. He lives with his family in suburban Detroit. About Steve Elwell’s Work Steve Elwell helps business owners with challenged businesses increase liquidity, improve sales, leadership, efficiency, and growth. Business situations include turnaround, sales stagnation, customer-market concentration, and rapid growth. Key Takeaways – Avoiding Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in Sales Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt – Definitions and Causes Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) is the game behind the game. FUD emotions will not be openly discussed, but they may kill your sale. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. Uncertainty is the state of being uncertain. Also, unpredictability, unreliability, riskiness, chanciness, precariousness, unsureness. Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction – uncertainty. Also, lack of certainty, unsureness, indecision, hesitation, hesitancy, apprehension, suspicion, confusion, insecurity, inhibition, uneasiness. Typically, FUD is caused by the mistakes made by the salesperson. Inconsistences in the sales process like miscommunication, unanswered emails, bad grammar or language, poor presentation, inappropriate dress, late to meetings, outdated websites, lack of social proof online like no LinkedIn profile. Unforced errors cause FUD. Anything that might make the prospect uncomfortable, potentially causes FUD. FUD is hard to overcome once it has been introduced, so it must be avoided. To Avoid Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) in Sales, Demonstrate the 5 C’s Character – display integrity and high morals in business and personal life. Competence – show your clients and prospects that you can do your job effectively and efficiently. Become the expert professional that they want to work with. Care – pay attention to the project, show your customer that their project is important to you. Communication – Have your written and verbal correspondence on-point and on-time. Connection – build a relationship, a bond with your prospective client. Get on their wavelength and empathize with your prospect. Learn More: Steve Elwell Related Topics: The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/31/2020 • 27 minutes, 45 seconds
Reducing Cost and Improving Transit Time for eCommerce Shipments from China with Brian Miller
Reducing Cost and Improving Transit Time for eCommerce Shipments from China with Brian Miller Brian Miller and Joe Lynch discuss eCommerce shipments from China, which can be challenging for small to mid-size eCommerce companies. Brian and his company, Easy China Warehouse have a unique approach that can reduce the cost and transit time for shipping from China to the USA. About Brian Miller Brian Miller is the founder and CEO of Easy China Warehouse (ECW) based in Shenzhen, China. Prior to founding ECW, Brian co-founded a blue tooth speaker eCommerce company so he understands the unique challenges faced by eCommerce companies shipping from China. Earlier in his career, Brian held leadership positions with Chinese manufacturing companies. Brian earned a BS in Business Administration from The University of Connecticut. Brian speaks fluent Mandarin and lives in Shenzhen. About Easy China Warehouse Easy China Warehouse, based in Shenzhen, specializes in warehouse and transportation solutions for eCommerce and Amazon FBA sellers. With its proximity to Hong Kong, Easy China Warehouse (ECW) can provide customers with the fastest and most economical shipping lanes in the world. ECW ships to all Amazon FBA warehouses globally and can drop ship from its Chinese warehouse directly to customers anywhere in the world. In addition, they provide value-added services such as product kitting, bundling, simple assembly, and package, and insert manufacturing. ECW provides the most flexible and cost-effective global fulfillment solution for eCommerce sellers manufacturing in China. Key Takeaways – Reducing Cost and Improving Transit Time for eCommerce Shipments from China Typical Problems for eCommerce Shipments from China (particularly LCL) For many eCommerce companies, their product is manufactured in China and then shipped to the USA. Smaller eCommerce companies, especially start-ups, do not always have enough product (sales) to fill a shipping container so they are forced to use Less Than Container Load (LCL) services. Less Than Container Load (LCL) is a shipment that will not fill a container. With an LCL shipment, you pay for your load to be shipped in a container with one or more loads from other customers of the freight transport provider. While LCL is a good option for many, it is more expensive than buying a full container and the consolidation and coordination often increases the transit time. Reducing Cost and Improving Transit Time for eCommerce Shipments from China On the podcast, Brian Miller explained another approach to ocean shipping for eCommerce companies that typically would use LCL. Brian’s company, Easy China Warehouse, and other companies like his use this approach. Rather than ship your product to a freight forwarder in China for LCL consolidation and eventually shipping to the USA, the product is shipped to a China warehouse that labels the product with shipping instructions (UPS, FedEx) and consolidates it with other companies product. While it is similar to the LCL consolidation, the process is faster and saves days or even a week in transit time. Since the product is labeled in China, the breakdown and shipping coordination in the USA is greatly reduced saving more time and money. Since Brian’s company, Easy China Warehouse specializes in eCommerce shipments, they understand the unique challenges faced by eCommerce companies. Learn More About eCommerce Shipments from China Brian Miller Easy China Warehouse Related Topics: 5 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make When Using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) with Ephraim Ausch Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast can be heard on the following players: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/30/2020 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Stop Toiling in Obscurity with Ann Holm
Stop Toiling in Obscurity with Ann Holm Ann Holm and Joe Lynch discuss why you should stop toiling in obscurity. To build a successful career in the 21st century where most people will have dozens of different jobs, you must work smart and become known within your industry. Toiling in obscurity hoping to be noticed and rewarded for all your labor is not a healthy or smart approach for managing your career. About Ann Holm Ann C. Holm, MS, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan with focuses in psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Key Takeaways – Stop Toiling in Obscurity The Problem with Toiling in Obscurity The definition of toil is to work extremely hard, incessant labor, grinding without rest or peace. The definition of obscurity is the state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant. Obviously, no one wants to toil in obscurity, but if you are not proactive, you can find yourself being a doer and not a leader. Toiling in obscurity means you lack leadership, influence, and you are not recognized for your contributions. Some problems associated with toiling in obscurity: People sometimes struggle to step out of obscurity because moving into the light requires them to leave their comfort zone. Toilers often are not familiar or native to the social media tools that are useful for getting found. Many people in their 50’s and 60s’ did not grow up with social media so they do not use them. People living in obscurity sometimes do not fully understand their value proposition. Not realizing their value to the deal, they are hesitant to share their expertise. Many people who are flat out experts have a distorted view of themselves. They undervalue their expertise and experience in a field, which makes them hesitant to Sometimes individuals hold on to outdated thinking about their role. They perceive themselves as doers rather than as a leader or influencer. This behavior will not help you be discovered. You must choose yourself. Put Yourself Out There - Join the Conversation When you become more active with the logistics community via social media, content creation, and networking, you can become a thought leader with more influence and a network of trusted contacts. When you put yourself out there, you get the following benefits: Gain legitimacy Grow your network Recognize your value proposition Leave your comfort zone Increase your confidence How to Become Part of the Conversation – Put Yourself Out There Create a professional, high-quality LinkedIn profile with a nice headshot, headline, and list of accomplishments. Develop a network on LinkedIn and get to know the people your connected to. Participate in discussions, join some LinkedIn groups, share an article, podcast, or video, and include your comments. Volunteer to represent your company at a networking event, speak at an event, Create content like an article, podcast, or video. Learn More About Toiling in Obscurity Ann Holm AnnHolm.net The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/29/2020 • 39 minutes, 58 seconds
The 5 Billion Dollar Overcharge with Steve Ferreira
The 5 Billion Dollar Overcharge with Steve Ferreira Steve Ferreira and Joe Lynch discuss the 5 billion dollar overcharge which refers to the amount that ocean shippers are overcharged every year. Steve is well recognized expert in ocean freight auditing and in the interview, he describes the problem of ocean freight overcharges and ways to recapture the difference. About Steve Ferreira Steve Ferreira is the founder and CEO of Ocean Audit. Steve has spent his entire career in global container shipping. He established Ocean Audit in 1994 when he realized general freight audit practices reverse no more than 50% of overcharges occurring in ocean transportation. Today, Steve’s process is leading edge and utilizes machine learning to identify and validate ocean freight invoice errors. Initial recovery validation can be accomplished with only a very basic requested client-side report. Steve Ferreira is often featured in leading business publications like USA Today, Journal of Commerce, and as a guest commentator on CNBC. About Ocean Audit Ocean Audit is the leader in ocean freight invoice auditing. Ocean freight billing is very complex, and few shippers fully understand all the charges. As a result of this complexity, ocean freight shippers are commonly overcharged. Ocean Audit and Steve Ferreira specialize in ocean freight auditing. Ocean Audit uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify invoice inaccuracies and overcharges. Ocean Audit utilizes its expertise on a contingency only basis, which means Steve only gets paid if he discovers a saving. Key Takeaways - 5 Billion Dollar Overcharge The Problem with Ocean Freight Invoices In Steve’s experience, ocean freight invoices are usually inaccurate. The average high-volume ocean freight shipper is overcharged by 1-2% with some shippers getting overcharged by much more. Ocean freight invoices are very complex and there are few supply chain people who have the time and or expertise required to audit the invoices. Auditing of the ocean freight invoices frequently falls in a gap somewhere between accounting and the supply chain group. Ocean freight invoicing is often very antiquated and technology improvements implemented are far behind the truckload and LTL modes. The top five reasons ocean freight invoices are inaccurate: Double billing (the ocean freight provider may double bill when they discover a surcharge not added to the freight bill). Date cusp issues Fuel surcharges Not checking container numbers Contract complexity Ocean Freight Auditing – Recapturing the 5 Billion Dollar Overcharge Shippers can conduct their own ocean freight auditing; however, they would need to hire an internal resource that would have a deep understanding of ocean freight auditing. This specialized knowledge is not easily found. Shippers can also hire a pre-auditing firm, which is a 3rd party company that audits the freight bills prior to the shipper paying the invoice. Since most pre-auditing firms specialize in over the road trucking freight audit, they may lack the knowledge required to conduct an effective ocean freight audit. For many ocean freight shippers, the right audit solution is a company that specializes in ocean freight auditing. Ocean freight auditing is too complex to hire a firm that just dabbles in the space – hire a specialist. Ocean freight shippers hire Steve Ferreira because he has over 40,000 hours of expertise in all areas of ocean freight invoicing and dispute management. Steve is the world’s leading expert in recovery auditing for the container shipping industry. Ocean Audit is the only international company specializing in all aspects of ocean freight recovery. Learn More: Steve Ferreira Ocean Audit Business Insider FreightWaves The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/22/2020 • 32 minutes, 30 seconds
The Niches Have Riches with Kevin Hill
The Niches Have Riches with Kevin Hill Kevin Hill and Joe Lynch discuss why the niches have riches, which refers to the advantage of specializing and owning a niche. In the logistics and transportation business, competition is intense and increasingly the best 3PLs are developing market segments, so they can customize their services to a specific niche (market segment). About Kevin Hill Kevin Hill is the Director of Editorial and Research at FreightWaves, which publishes proprietary research on all things transport and logistics. Kevin is also the co-host of the popular freight sales podcast, Put That Coffee Down. Additionally, Kevin is the founder of CarrierLists, which is the only carrier database that provides a comprehensive profile of carriers that go beyond what is available in public records. Earlier in his career, Kevin held leadership positions in both the financial and logistics industries. Kevin earned an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. About FreightWaves FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves' SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company's news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways – The Niches Have Riches The Problem with One Size Fits All The competition is fierce in the transportation and logistics business and without a niche, you and your company will struggle to stand out from the crowd. The “we are everything to everyone” messaging is a sure loser Shippers look to 3PLs for answers to their transportation and logistics problems. Shippers are increasingly looking for industry-specific expertise and if you do not have it, they will work with your competition. Content marketing begins with market segmentation (niches). If you want to gain favorable attention with a food shipper, you better be able to create content that appeals to them. Food shippers are obviously different than hazmat shippers, and vice versa. With a one size fits all strategy, your marketing and messaging is going to be a “mile wide and an inch deep” which won’t for shippers who want to work with experts in their business. The Niches Have Riches Approach When logistics providers develop their own niche, they have a better chance of winning business with shippers in that niche. To develop the selected niche, learn about the biggest problems facing the niche industry - that your company can solve. Once understood, incorporate the problems along with your solutions into your marketing and sales messaging. With industry knowledge, your chances for a sale increase. Since your company is focused on a niche, the confidence of the sales team will be much higher. Logistics market segments include: Automotive Chemical and Plastics Industrial and Manufacturing Gov & Defense Energy and Petrochemicals Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Furniture Food and Beverage Appliances Electronics Health, Pharma, Life Sciences Industry leaders like CH Robinson are using market segmentation and thought leadership to grow their business: https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/industries/ Learn More: Kevin Hill FreightWaves Put That Coffee Down CarrierLists The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/22/2020 • 34 minutes, 50 seconds
Securing the First, Middle and Last Mile with Andrew Kelley
Securing the First, Middle and Last Mile with Andrew Kelley Andrew Kelley and Joe Lynch discuss securing the first, middle and last mile. As supply chains evolve, the need for secure asset transfer increases for both consumers and business to business applications. About Andrew Kelley Andrew Kelley is the Chief Commercial Officer at BoxLock. Andrew is an experienced technology executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, SaaS, software, and technology-enabled services businesses. Prior to joining BoxLock, Andrew held leadership positions at Bell Creek Partners, Haulme, Omnitracs, and Dell. Andrew has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University. About BoxLock BoxLock is the industry leader in secure, unattended delivery technology. The company’s inventory, access, and security solutions integrate into existing systems to help businesses make their supply chain more efficient, accountable, and reliable in the first and final mile. BoxLock’s unique combination of barcode scanner and connectivity allows an unprecedented level of secure integrations without the need for complicated and unreliable mobile software or key fobs. Key Takeaways - Securing the First, Middle and Last Mile The Problem with Unsecured Shipments With the rise of e-commerce, supply chain logistics has evolved into more small package deliveries to both consumers and businesses. Many of the deliveries are to locations where there is nobody available to receive the package. This is true for both home and business deliveries. One option is to deliver the package to the porch or dock and hope that it does not get stolen or discovered by insects or rodents in the case of food deliveries. When a driver leaves a package unattended on a porch or dock, the proof of delivery can potentially be disputed. A second option is for the delivery company to keep the package and attempt to deliver when the receiver is available. Re-delivery results in inconvenience, delayed deliveries, and added costs. Clearly, after-hour and unattended location deliveries are the weakest links in the supply chain. There is a high risk of theft, loss, time delays, privacy concerns, and additional costs associated with these types of deliveries. Securing the First, Middle and Last Mile Both businesspeople and consumers want the convenience of a shipment direct to their home or business whether they are there or not– and those shipments must be safe and secure. Shippers and the logistics companies they work with also want the option of delivering to a location even when there is no one available to receive the shipment. Of course, shippers and 3PLs, do not like the lack of security of leaving a package unattended on a porch or dock – it puts them at risk. BoxLock has developed a unique padlock with a scanner that enables supply chain visibility and security at the point of asset transfer. BoxLock is easy for delivery drivers to recognize and use. Once the package barcode is scanned by the padlock scanner, the container opens, and the package can be put in the secure container and locked. The scan feature enables real-time visibility and proof of delivery notification. The smart padlock works with a broad range of hasped storage containers, sheds, gates, and doors, for maximum compatibility and security. Note: a hasp is the metal hinge mechanism that enables a container or door to be locked. Learn More: Andrew Kelley BoxLock BoxLock Video Year 2025 – The Future of the 3PL Industry with Andrew Kelley The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/21/2020 • 22 minutes, 58 seconds
Upgrading to One Integrated Suite for all Logistics Operations with Naval Sabharwal
Upgrading to One Integrated Suite for all Logistics Operations with Naval Sabharwal Naval Sabharwal and Joe Lynch discuss why using one integrated suite for all logistics operations is the best approach for driving logistics and supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. Utilizing fragmented systems limits logistics companies from fully leveraging the data in their systems. Data equals dollars and the 3PLs that best harvest the data (dollars) in their systems will be the most profitable. About Naval Sabharwal Naval is Global Head of Supply Chain and Logistics at Ramco Systems, where he leads a team that is building a logistics software platform that meets the end to end needs of transportation and logistics providers. Prior to joining Ramco, Naval held leadership positions at a variety of companies including Safexpress, Reliance Logistics, Reliance Retail, Unipart Logistics and Hexaware Technologies. Naval has a Postgraduate in Material Management from the National Defense Academy. He served the Logistics stream of the Indian Air Force for 20 years before taking pre-mature retirement in September 2004 as a Wing Commander. About Ramco Ramco’s Logistics Software is a unified cloud-based software covering the end to end needs of third-party logistics, freight forwarders, and parcel/courier service providers who are seeking a high-performance logistics software. Ramco Logistics Software will not only help you manage your business with ease but also swiftly respond to evolving imperatives of business, regulatory changes, market conditions, etc. without having to go through the pains of integration again and again. Noteworthy Questions [7:45] Logistics companies don’t necessarily have the talent in-house to manage information systems. [20:10] Trying to integrate systems from different suppliers is where the problems begin. [28:30] Why do we need an integrated solution for all of our logistics operations? Key Takeaways - Integrated Suite for all Logistics Operations The Problem with the Fragmented Approach to Software Most transportation and logistics companies have purchased stand-alone, single-function software like TMS, WMS, CRM, HR, tracking, and fleet management to better manage their business. The problem with this hodge-podge approach to software is that each system is disconnected, and the data created is not easy to share between software systems. Some companies integrate their disparate software, which is time-consuming and costly – and with uncertain results. Fragmentation of software systems and data causes a lack of visibility and data that is too old to act on. Real-time data enables real-time decision making. As logistics companies push for additional efficiencies, business intelligence, and real-time insights, the fragmented systems can not deliver. The Advantages of One Integrated Suite for All Logistics Operations Customer (shippers) expectations are rising, they need a fully integrated suite for all logistics operations. The platform seamlessly connects every function from the CRM through freight claims. The integrated suite eliminates silos, enables continuous innovation, and provides real-time data and insights that can help improve service and lower costs. An integrated suite for all logistics operations (like Ramco’s solution) is a platform that is completely configurable by operations people – no IT people required. By utilizing a completely integrated platform, logistics companies can take advantage of artificial intelligence/machine learning, which will take their business to the next level Pick a Strategic Partner for Your Logistics Company Software Needs Most 3PLs do not have the internal expertise required to compete with the best 3PL software development teams. To stay competitive, 3PL should consider partnering with a 3PL software company that can build and support a comprehensive, end-to-end software suite that includes CRM, freight rating, billing, operations, WMS, cross-docking, profitability, claims, finance, and HR. When selecting a 3PL software partner, logistics companies should look for three things: 1. Design capabilities, 2. Flexibility and 3. Investment capabilities. Technology is advancing quickly and companies need to invest to stay ahead of the curve. 3PLs must look to the future and make lasting technological and digital partnerships that will ensure their competitive advantage. Learn More: Naval Sabharwal on LinkedIn Ramco Ramco Webinars The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/17/2020 • 32 minutes, 40 seconds
A Better Way to Reach Your Target Market with Tom Augenthaler
A Better Way to Reach Your Target Market with Tom Augenthaler Joe Lynch and Tom Augenthaler discuss what it takes to reach your target market more effectively and more efficiently. Tom is an influencer marketing expert and he shares how influencer marketing can be used to boost your company’s growth and form better relationships with your customers. About Tom Augenthaler Tom grew up in Long Island and studied finance at Gettysburg College. Finding himself unfulfilled by the world of finance, Tom went on to study American English Language at Harvard before entering the PR industry. Tom worked with HP for years which is where he discovered how to utilize influencer marketing during the economic crash of 2008. About 551 Media and The Influence Marketer The Influence Marketer is the place to go for any company looking to start or improve their use of influencer marketing. Tom offers full team training on the many different aspects of the process, one on one mentoring, or strategy calls. He consults digitally and in-person to help B2B businesses build a marketing strategy that is right for them. Reach Your Target Market Using Influencer Marketing Individuals are more likely to be trusted over brands. Think of when your friend recommends a movie or T.V show to you; you are much more likely to watch than if it were recommended by an anonymous entity. Finding bloggers who already have an audience in the same demographic you are looking to target makes it easy to effectively convey your message and increases its relevancy. Utilizing influencer marketing effectively will enable your business and brand to grow, resulting in your own brand becoming an influencer in the B2B industry. Why Use Influencer Marketing in the B2B industry? The landscape of traditional marketing has evolved to trend more towards digital. While businesses do still have to run advertising campaigns to maintain a presence, influencer collaborations are often a cost-effective way to increase your audience, especially in the B2B industry. B2B is a harder market to corner in some respects because you often can’t give bloggers a physical product to review. Often, influencers in the B2B industry will be a more inexpensive choice to collaborate with as their audiences are smaller and more focused. Tom has also found it will usually be a quid pro quo situation. Digital Vs. Influencer Marketing Digital marketing includes things like articles, SEO optimization, and social media. This can be costly and hard to see an ROI on. There is no right or wrong answer. Track what works for you and see which offers the best return. The consumer and market changes quickly. In terms of B2B the sales process is a longer one than other industries. Influencer marketing is a way of keeping up with your target audience in a more immediate fashion than using a digital strategy to launch over a longer period of time. Noteworthy Questions [3:29] What are some of the problems people are experiencing in trying to reach their target market? [18:22] How does content creation and SEO compare to influencer marketing? [22:15] How can companies get started using influencer marketing? Key Takeaways - A Better Way to Reach Your Target Market Know your objectives - are you looking for more brand awareness and consideration or are you looking for more sales leads? Don’t work with too many influencers at once - be selective about who you work with and develop a relationship with them for a lasting partnership. Choose a strategic over transactional relationship; it will offer more benefits in the long run. Leverage your relationship with current collaborators to find new people to work with. Learn More Tom Augenthaler Linkedin The Influence Marketer Why Marketing is Your Best Sales Person with Jim Bierfeldt The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/2/2020 • 29 minutes, 56 seconds
Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm
Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm Joe Lynch is joined by Ann Holm and Ryan Schreiber to discuss sales personality type. When you understand your sales personality type it enables you to play to your strengths and account for your blind spots. Knowing your individual sales personality type leads to greater self-awareness, a starting point for self-improvement activities, and better sales results. About Ryan Schreiber Ryan is the Director of Engagement at CarrierDirect in Chicago. Ryan was born and raised in Tampa Florida. Ryan earned a degree in History from the University of South Florida and then a Law degree from Michigan State University. Prior to joining CarrierDirect, Ryan worked at a variety of logistics companies and even started and exited a few tech-enabled freight brokerage start-ups. Ryan is a skilled technologist and strategist who has helped transform many leading transportation and logistics companies. In Ryan’s experience great technology is important but finding and keeping the right people is the key to success in the 3PL business. About Carrier Direct Since 2011 carriers, 3PLs, shippers, and logistics technology vendors have looked to CarrierDirect to deliver the efficiency, strategy, go-to-market plans, and technology that will elevate their business above their competition. CarrierDirect builds organizations and relationships, providing strategy and technology designed to maximize efficiency, reduce cost, and make your business stand out. CarrierDirect advises clients on the elements of their business most vital to success: strategy, organizational structure, compensation, technology, training, recruiting, workflows, processes, and more. CarrierDirect clients include Werner, J.B. Hunt, Covenant, CRST, and FedEx. Finding Your Sales Personality The process to discover your personality type is a simple one. Ann provides a link to an online assessment. The assessment is easy and fun and takes about 20 minutes to complete. After you receive your customized report, you schedule time with your coach (Ann). In your coaching session, you review and discuss your sales personality type report with Ann. Ann explains the nuances of the report. Utilizing this approach helps salespeople identify strengths and blind spots, which leads to greater self-awareness, improved capability and ultimately more sales. points. Finding your personality type can help you to apply what you learn to your role at work and what aspects you can leverage for the best results. Ryan’s Impression of the Process It has a two-fold value: 1) Taking the assessment allowed him to highlight aspects of his personality he was not aware of previously and 2) Having a professional come in and add depth to the things that originally didn’t mesh with him. Initially, Ryan found the assessment to be about 80% true and about 20% not quite accurate. During his consultation with Ann, Ryan was able to help clarify these traits and allowed Ryan to crystallize the interpretation in his own mind. Ryan's Sales Personality Ryan was assessed as an ENFP. The results are evaluated by which way you learn more, rather than a binary result. No one is purely one thing; we are all comprised of different personality traits and combinations. The definition is split into 4 different groups: Extroversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Values vs, Logic, and Routine vs. Spontaneity. Ryan tells us how this fits with him in various different ways, such as how he remembers things related to concepts rather than details. He also has always seen himself as more of an introvert but after consulting with Ann realized that he does form relationships easily and has a natural ability to connect with people. Contextualizing Personality with Sales Ryan and Ann discuss how he is an ‘ideas generator’, a typical aspect of ENFP personalities and how the assessment revealed his problems with handing off ideas. This identifies areas of strength and areas to be improved for Ryan in regard to teamwork. He is able to generate excitement within his team very easily but has issues finding that balance of sharing with his team. It is typically a trait of Ryan’s to have unrealistic expectations about what is possible. He has found he struggles with realistic timelines and needs to open up to others definition of realistic. The benefits of finding out your personality type is the ability to work on becoming a more well-rounded individual. Organization is a typical stumbling block for ENFP's like Ryan. Ryan feels like he is organized, but his approach is different than most people. When it comes to opening and closing sales, ENFPs are natural openers and Ryan agrees. He has much more trouble in closing sales as he gets bogged down in details. Ann recommended that Ryan partner with someone who is very good with details to enable Ryan to close more deals. Becoming aware of his blind spots will also enable Ryan to be more aware when he is dealing with a difficult area. Noteworthy Questions [3:56] Ryan, what are some of your impressions on going through the process of finding your sales personality? [17:12] What does the collaborative environment look like in your work? [23:44] Let’s talk about opening versus closing in the sales process. Key Takeaways Knowing your personality type allows you to set goals within a situational framework to improve your performance at work. It allows for the ability to open up with your team regarding strengths and weaknesses allowing for better cooperation. It provides the ability to see things from different perspectives, and why other people think differently will allow for more cohesive teams. Learn More Ryan Schreiber LinkedIn profile CarrierDirect Ann Holm LinkedIn profile Ann Holm Coaching The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
5/1/2020 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
Building a High Growth, Customer-Focused 3PL with Betsy Westhafer
Building a High Growth, Customer-Focused 3PL with Betsy Westhafer Joe Lynch and Betsy Westhafer discuss building a high growth, customer-focused 3PL. In Betsy's experience, the difference between a high growth company and a low growth company is customer focus. The companies that build their entire business around the customer and customer engagement become market leaders. Betsy is the CEO of The Congruity Group and has years of experience in helping other companies improve their customer focus. Today, she’ll outline the strategies your company needs to adopt for success today. About Betsy Westhafer Betsy is the founder and CEO of The Congruity Group. The Congruity Group works with CEOs and private equity firms to increase the value of their companies by accelerating recurring revenue, customer retention, and account expansion. Betsy is passionate about helping companies establish strategies to facilitate deeper connections with customers. Betsy attended Western Kentucky University where she studied Journalism, Public Relations, and Business Administration. About The Congruity Group Congruity means alignment, and The Congruity Group was formed to help organizations reach this alignment. They use strategic conversations that will give a greater insight into customer needs and facilitate a deeper relationship with client bases. The Congruity Group offers in-person and digital customer advisory boards tailored to your company to help you achieve your goals. The Have-Nots (Not Experiencing High Growth) The have-nots are not seeing growth, because they lack customer focus and alignment despite their belief that they know what their client base wants and needs. They only know their customers on a superficial level. The market changes and evolves quickly. What worked a few years ago may not be working for them now, but they have yet to see the need to update their strategies. This leads to unimaginative marketing strategies. Lack of communication with the day-to-day staff causes a disconnect between them and the senior management. This leads to ineffective sales teams because they are trying to sell something that customers don’t necessarily want or needs. The Haves (Experiencing High Growth) The haves (customer-focused 3PLs) understand their customers on a deeper level, so they can build breakthrough value propositions and superior products. They understand the need for deeper relationships with their customer base and use them to create new insights and innovations that fulfill their needs. The haves show alignment with their customers by demonstrating marketing, values, onboarding, and sales in sync with the customer. Noteworthy Questions - Building a High Growth, Customer-Focused 3PL [5:14] In your experience, what’s the difference between the companies that are winning and the companies that are not winning? [16:15] The haves understand their customers and align with them so talk about that. [19:37] Talk to us about a process that helps us get these deeper insights. Key Takeaways - Building a High Growth, Customer-Focused 3PL Senior management should commit to a process for understanding the customer. Recognize that it takes time and effort to develop a strategy for better understanding the customer. Consider a neutral third party to offer advice. It is often hard to see what needs to change when you have been making decisions in a bubble for so long. Ask questions of the customer and accept feedback. Take their feedback and use it to implement change. Maintain strong lines of communication with the customer. Keeping them updated builds trust and deepens the relationship. Leverage your relationships with existing customers to create a base that will advocate for you when trying to expand. Learn More About Building a High Growth, Customer-Focused 3PL Betsy Westhafer LinkedIn The Congruity Group ProphetAbility: The revealing Story of Why Companies Succeed, Fail or Bounce Back Transportation Marketing & Sales Association The New Reality of Logistics Sales and Marketing with Brian Everett The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/1/2020 • 29 minutes, 41 seconds
The Right Talent - Recruiting Training and Retaining with Ryan Schreiber
The Right Talent – Recruiting, Training, and Retaining with Ryan Schreiber Ryan Schreiber and Joe Lynch discuss what it takes to recruit the right talent in the transportation and logistics industry. While Ryan is very much a techie, he believes that people are the ultimate competitive advantage. In the interview, Ryan shares his perspective on recruiting, training and retaining the right talent. About Ryan Schreiber Ryan is the Director of Engagement at CarrierDirect in Chicago. Ryan was born and raised in Tampa Florida. Ryan earned a degree in History from the University of South Florida and then a Law degree from Michigan State University. Prior to joining CarrierDirect, Ryan worked at a variety of logistics companies and even started and exited a few tech-enabled freight brokerage start-ups. Ryan is a skilled technologist and strategist who has helped transform many leading transportation and logistics companies. In Ryan’s experience great technology is important but finding and keeping the right people is the key to success in the 3PL business. About CarrierDirect Since 2011 carriers, 3PLs, shippers, and logistics technology vendors have looked to CarrierDirect to deliver the efficiency, strategy, go-to-market plans, and technology that will elevate their business above their competition. CarrierDirect builds organizations and relationships, providing strategy and technology designed to maximize efficiency, reduce cost and make your business stand out. CarrierDirect advises clients on the elements of their business most vital to success: strategy, organizational structure, compensation, technology, training, recruiting, workflows, processes, and more. CarrierDirect clients include Werner, J.B. Hunt, Covenant, CRST, and FedEx. The Right Talent The right talent is the talent that will succeed in your organization, not just look good on a resume. To recruit the right talent, recruiters must understand the organization, industry, job responsibilities, and company culture. Turnover is very high in the transportation and logistics industry, which indicates that the people that get recruited to the company are not the people who ultimately succeed at the company. High turnover is demoralizing, upsetting to customers, costly, and negatively impacts company culture. Recruiting the Right Talent Many companies in the logistics and transportation business are “winging it” when it comes to recruiting and it shows. This is particularly true with start-ups where the founders and early hires do most of the work. The informal recruiting process works well when the company is new, and the founders hire their contacts and friends, but the informal process breaks down as the company grows. Just as the company is scaling, they realize that their recruiting process isn’t working anymore. Ryan compares the recruiting process to the sales process and believes the right candidate can be hired by following a sales process: Lean generation: Target and attract the right talent. Make sure your recruiters really have their finger on the pulse of the organization and the industry. They should also do their homework so they know exactly the type of person they would like to interview and eventually hire. Qualifying: Standardize the interviewing process and develop interview guidelines so there is consistency. In order to develop the guidelines, you must understand what type of people succeed in the organization. Closing: Recruitment is the precursor to the experience a candidate will have with your organization. Provide the candidate the best experience possible so that when you find the right talent, you get them. Design a recruiting process much as you would design a customer’s experience. Consider each step in the process to ensure the candidate is treated properly. Communication throughout the process is crucial. Don’t oversell, keep your commitments and treat the candidate like you would treat your best customer. Training the Right Talent Ryan believes that many logistics companies do a poor job of training and development. The nature of the industry makes it difficult to pull employees away from day-to-day operations. While this may be true, the lack of training becomes evident in the business. Untrained and under-trained employees are not performing at their highest levels and they may never completely understand the job they were hired to do. Training is not just for new hires, everyone in the organization should be trained, coached and developed to ensure that everyone is getting better at their job. The right training will have a good return on investment, improve customer satisfaction, and deepen the ties to the employees who get trained. Companies should have the following training: 1. New hire training and development. 2. Ongoing training to reinforce learning while incorporating new software features, new processes, and lessons learned. 3. Developmental training for employees who are promoted into leadership positions and or lateral moves to expand their knowledge. People in leadership positions should be coaching their people on a regular basis. To ensure that the coaching is constructive and positive, leaders should be training in effective coaching techniques. Training should include supply chain topics, so employees learn about the whole supply chain, from end to end and not just their small piece of the process. Key Takeaways Even in the technology-obsessed logistics industry, people matter. The talent war is real. To succeed companies, need to: recruit, train, and retain the right talent. Invest in the right talent and build a culture that attracts the right people to your company. Learn More Ryan Schreiber LinkedIn CarrierDirect CarrierDirect Office Hours (please subscribe on Youtube) Understanding Your Sales Personality with Ryan Schreiber and Ann Holm (podcast interview coming soon) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
4/12/2020 • 39 minutes, 37 seconds
The New Reality of Logistics Sales and Marketing with Brian Everett
The New Reality of Logistics Sales and Marketing with Brian Everett Brian Everett and Joe Lynch discuss the new reality of logistics sales and marketing. Since Brian is the CEO of TMSA he has a great perspective on what’s working in transportation and logistics sales. Brian shares his thoughtful insights, which are based on TMSA research and his direct involvement with TMSA members. About Brian Everett Brian is on a mission to help sales, marketing, and communications professionals in transportation and logistics to be more successful in their careers. Brian uses his 25 plus years of experience in marketing, sales, association management in transportation, logistics and supply chain to do accomplish his mission. He is committed to bringing together a community of successful marketing and sales professionals in freight transportation and logistics as the CEO of the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA). About the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) TMSA is the one and only association serving marketing, sales, and communications professionals in transportation and logistics. TMSA’s mission is to enable sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections, and resources, ultimately strengthening their individual development, their businesses, and the industry-at-large. Part of TMSA's mission is to help marketing and sales professionals be armed with knowledge on such issues as sales and marketing integration, blockchain technologies, lead generation, CRM and marketing automation platforms, and content marketing. Noteworthy Questions [10:23] Please tell us the first new reality of marketing and selling logistics services? [19:53] What’s the second new reality of logistics marketing and sales? [23:31] What’s the third new reality of marketing and selling logistics services? Key Takeaways Logistics sales is becoming increasingly sophisticated. In the podcast, Brian shared the three (3) new realities of logistics sales and marketing. New Reality One: Leveraging technology is one of the keys to success in sales and marketing. The logistics industry leaders are making big investments in technologies like websites, digital marketing, SEO, social media, email marketing, marketing automation, RFP, collaboration, and CRM software. New Reality Two: Customer experience (CX) can be described as the cumulative impact of multiple touchpoints over the course of a customer's interaction with an organization. CX has been used extensively and successfully in the B2C market but is only now being used by B2B marketers. Top logistics companies, especially the tech-centric players are using CX to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and win more business. To improve the customer experience, map the process noting every interaction with the customer, from the first marketing impression through the sales process, onboarding, training, and day-to-day servicing of the account. Capture and fix any gaps or issues in the process. New Reality Three: Sales and marketing integration is a new reality that grows in importance daily. Traditionally, sales and marketing departments had quite different cultures, personalities, and objectives. As the buying and selling process moves online, more and more companies are integrating the two functions. Ideally, the integration will remove silos, communication barriers, and gaps between marketing and sales. Marketing and sales integration ideally will lead to greater customer satisfaction and a more efficient and effective sales process. Learn More Brian Everett LinkedIn Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) TMSA Conference Event Calendar The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
4/12/2020 • 35 minutes, 54 seconds
Building Strategic Partnerships with 3PLs and Carriers with Don Dovgin
Building Strategic Partnerships with 3PLs and Carriers with Don Dovgin Don Dovgin and Joe Lynch discuss the advantages of building strategic partnerships with 3PLs and carriers. Shippers who develop strategic partnerships with 3PLs and carriers get better service and lower costs than shippers that switch from one carrier to another based on the lowest cost. About Don Dovgin Don is the Director of Engagements at Maine Pointe. Don was born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area. Don started his career working as a mechanic at American Airlines. Don rapidly moved up the org chart at AA and eventually landed in the freight and cargo division where he learned first-hand about air freight, distribution, trucking, and supply chain management. Don earned both his undergrad in business and his masters degree at night school. Prior to joining Maine Pointe, Don held a series of positions with increasing responsibility at Accenture, Ryder, Transportation Management Group, and Roadnet/Omnitracs. About Maine Pointe Maine Pointe is an implementation focused consulting company that specializes in procurement, logistics, and operations. Their goal is to accelerate measurable improvements in EBITDA, cash and growth across the plan-buy-make-move-fulfill supply chain to deliver the greatest value to customers and stakeholders at the lowest cost to business. The Consequences of Not Building Strategic Partnerships with 3PLs and Carriers Service failures including shipments that are late, lost or damaged. No customization because neither the shipper nor the provider has invested in the relationship. Capacity and availability may become a problem in tight markets. 3PLs and carriers are always looking for business, but when capacity is tight, they will take care of strategic customers before servicing transactional customers. Cannot fully leverage technology and technology integration which leads to problems. If a shipper decides to use multiple 3PLs, rather than develop a strategic relationship with one, they may not be able to gain the full benefit of system integration. Shippers may find themselves using several different systems and processes. They may not be able to view and track all their shipments in one place. Additionally, KPIs and business intelligence must be managed internally because no one carrier or 3PL has all the data. The data harnessed and then harvested from transportation management systems is extremely valuable for insights and future carrier negotiations – trading these insights for a one-time lower price is short-sighted. Lack of account familiarity is a problem when a shipper uses a lot of different 3PLs and carriers. The 3PL/carrier never fully understands the shipper’s business requirements. The Process for Building Strategic Partnerships with 3PLs and Carriers Select the right partner for your transportation and logistics business. Involve all internal stakeholders in the selection process to ensure the carriers and 3PLs ultimately selected can provide a world-class solution. Establish trust and mutual respect with your 3PL and carriers. Don’t wear out the welcome mat. As a shipper, become a shipper of choice. Expedites and special requests are a necessary part of logistics, however, shippers who plan and communicate better make better partners. Be patient and expect ramp-up issues at launch. The shipper, 3PL, and carriers should develop a launch plan that includes onboarding, training, system integration along with a regularly scheduled launch meeting. Even with careful planning, there will be issues. Encourage the 3PL/carriers to share the problems and solutions. Constructive feedback should be readily given and received. Make sure the partnership is win-win. Spend the time required to build the relationship. For the shipper, learn about the problems that your carriers and 3PLs have. Ask what you can do to improve your interactions and touchpoints. Become a shipper of choice. For 3PLs and carriers, learn about your customer's industry and their biggest problems. Focus on continuous improvement and customer experience. The Benefits of Building Strategic Partnerships with 3PLs and Carriers Improved service performance and cost reductions as the shipper, 3PL, and carrier network analyze and optimize the logistics and transportation function. Customized solutions that make shipping faster, easier, and less expensive. When a shipper develops a strategic relationship with a provider, it enables the provider to invest in developing a customized solution for a shipper. For shippers who don’t develop strategic relationships with 3PLs and carriers, they will not a customized solution or the results that come with it. Additional capacity and availability even in tight markets. Shippers who have strategic relationships with 3PLs and carriers typically do a better job forecasting demand, which makes it easier for carriers to support your business. Fully leverage technology and technology integration which streamlines the shipping process and provides invaluable insights, KPIs and business intelligence. Those insights will lead to service improvement, reduced costs and enhanced forecasting. Account familiarity which builds relationships, improves communication, speeds problem resolution, and a better understanding of your business requirements. Key Takeaways For shippers, build strategic relationships with 3PLs and carriers to ensure that your company gets world-class performance from your 3PL and carriers. For carriers and 3PLs, develop your people, service offering and technology so your company can become the type of service provider that top shippers want to partner with. Learn More Maine Pointe Rail Optimization White Paper: The Future of Rail Series Don Dovgin LinkedIn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn
3/6/2020 • 29 minutes, 8 seconds
Why Logistics Companies are Upgrading to Mobile Payments with Robin Gregg
[00:49] Please tell us about you and your company. I’m Robin Gregg, CEO of RoadSync. We are a payments company located in Atlanta, Georgia. Our goal is to make payments faster and simpler for the logistics industry. I grew up in West Virginia and went to Washington and Lee University. After, I got my MBA from Harvard Business School. My career started at Capital One and have worked with several fintech startups. I had been advising a company in Atlanta that was focused on helping warehouses invoice and accept payments from truck drivers. I saw the product and was struck by how paper-based the process used to be. There was a huge opportunity, so I rebranded the company and we’ve been growing ever since. [04:27] Tell us a little bit more about fintech (financial technology) in Atlanta. All the big payments processing giants are in Atlanta. 80% of payments processing is here. It’s a fantastic place to be in this business. The talent pool is excellent and there are lots of tax advantages. [07:45] While we were prepping for this interview, I said that I thought everyone was using some sort of technology or automation for payments, but you explained that is not the case. So, what’s so wrong about using a paper process? It’s a slower workflow because, for example, you might have to hand write things. It’s slow to process, and drivers can get stuck. There are more opportunities for errors. More opportunity and instances of employee theft/fraud. The extra work and disorganized process can cause cash flow problems Using paper can hurt your company’s perception because the industry is undergoing a technology makeover. Many carriers, 3PLs, and digital freight brokers have upgraded to faster, easier payments through technology. The technology products in the logistics industry have gotten a lot better over the last few years. The experience is much more user friendly, but that’s a relatively new innovation. [12:20] Why isn’t everybody just upgrading right now? There are so many challenges that companies in this industry are grappling with. Automating some of their business processes can’t always be the top priority because owners are focused on their main objective. [15:19] What is the process a warehouse or food distribution center needs to go through to get set up with RoadSync? We typically get them to see a short demo. This helps them internalize how they can use it and how it fits into their business process. We also configure the rate schedule based on how they charge for things, as well as setting up the desired payment methods. The system can be up and running in about thirty minutes. There is no crazy upfront charge; just a monthly fee and then a percentage of each payment. It’s easy to see a return on investment. We have clients who were previously losing 4-10% due to negligence. [19:59] I really like that you specialize in transportation and logistics. We think it’s important to customize our service offering towards logistics. This industry operates uniquely, and we think it’s important that the products which serve the industry understand that. Learn More: Robin Gregg LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingregg RoadSync: https://www.roadsync.com/about/ RoadSync on Twitter: https://twitter.com/goroadsync
12/9/2019 • 21 minutes, 51 seconds
4 Pillars to Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain with Yatish Desai
[00:41] Tell us a little bit about where you’re from and what you do. I’m Yatish Desai, managing director with KPMG. I’ve been with them for ten years. I’m also the US leader for their transportation, logistics, and distribution service offering. Our customers typically fall into one of four categories: industrial manufacturing companies, consumer and retail companies, pharmaceutical companies, and oil and gas/chemical companies. [01:56] What are the 4 pillars to future-proofing your supply chain? The 4 pillars to future-proofing your supply chain are visibility, managing the data, predictive analytics, and establishing and developing curated partner ecosystems. [02:54] Why don’t you get into visibility? It’s not about just looking from a functional perspective. We look at it end-to-end on the supply chain, not just “where are my trucks?” With a wide range of internal and external parties involved in the supply chain, a lot of managers have to constantly monitor every activity to ensure consistency. This calls for high levels of collaboration. It’s all about integrating cross-functional visibility across the enterprise. [05:04] What is the next pillar for future-proofing the supply chain? It’s managing the data. We live in a world where data is cash. Our clients struggle because they are collecting data but often not able to bring it all together to provide business opportunities. Collecting the data is one thing, but using it is another. It’s important to determine a few notable KPIs instead of getting caught up in analyzing as much data as possible. [09:58] The third pillar to future-proofing your supply chain is predictive analytics, so tell us more about that. This is becoming more and more important to a lot of clients. Traditionally, supply chains have been managed by people. In the future, a growing number of decisions will be automated. This will increase operational speed and free up supply chain professionals to focus on more complex decision making. This translates to a future where supply chains will be able to reduce waste, line shutdowns, etc. Control towers today are built around helping clients mine data, look at it, and recognize gaps. It’s a reactive system. Machine learning will provide you with real-time business insights to make better decisions proactively. [17:29] Let’s get into the fourth pillar. Successful businesses are moving away from traditional, asset-based supply chains to a managed services model. Capital-intensive capabilities, such as warehousing, are outsourced to partners. In the future, it won’t only be physical processes that are outsourced. As supply chain management depends more on cutting edge analytics, there will be a skill gap that is unable to be filled quickly enough. A curated partner ecosystem means you’ll have to tailor it to what fits your purpose; using just any partner will not work. You’ll build up a network of specialized partners who are within your supply chain and providing service to you. The specialized partners will be relied on to bring more innovation into the fold. [26:28] Tell us a little bit more about what you guys are doing at KPMG. We are helping clients in three different facets: clients that are hurting from their business being stagnant, clients that are growing and need help future-proofing, and clients who need transformational change to become a leader in their space. Our clients expect us to be thought-provoking for their business. They can’t afford to be stuck in the status quo. Learn More: Yatish Desai LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatishdesai/ KPMG Advisory: https://www.kpmg.us/
12/7/2019 • 30 minutes, 33 seconds
A New Approach to Frozen eCommerce Fulfillment with Dan Gilland
[00:49] Introduce you and your company. I’m Dan Gilland, and I lead business development for Schwan’s Home Service. We are based in Minnesota. I was practically born and raised on Schwan’s, so it’s fitting that I’m working here. Schwan’s has sold high quality, delicious frozen food direct-to-consumer since 1952. We deliver just about everywhere in the lower forty-eight states using our depots and trucks. The actual home deliveries are managed by our partner, UPS. [05:21] Tell us about Schwan’s model. Our typical model is delivering our frozen food direct to customers with our own private fleet of delivery trucks. We call our 3PL side Cygnus Frozen 3PL by Schwan’s Home Service. We wanted to establish that it is part of Schwan’s but differentiate it from our direct-to-consumer business. [07:37] What is frozen eCommerce fulfillment? Shipping online orders of frozen food direct to consumers’ homes. Most frozen food brands either don’t have the infrastructure or desire to fulfill their own orders. A lot of frozen foods being sold online today include meats, ice cream, smoothies, and frozen meals. eCommerce gives you the space to market your brand and tell your story accordingly. [12:01] What are the problems that companies who are trying to deliver frozen foods to consumers’ homes run into? Of all the product categories sold online, the degree of difficulty is probably the highest for shipping frozen food. Your mistakes are really clear and really frustrating to the customer. Food showing up in poor condition can damage the brand even though it may be the 3PL’s fault. [16:21] What’s the second big problem you see out there? Dealing with a 3PL that doesn’t specialize in frozen food and/or doesn’t specialize in direct-to-consumer or ecommerce. Frozen food needs to stay frozen throughout the whole process, so the 3PL must have experience in doing this. [19:22] What’s another problem you see in the marketplace? Slow shipping. Consumers expect one- to two-day shipping but getting that speed everywhere in the US can be a challenge. [20:51] Tell me a little bit about how Cygnus goes about frozen ecommerce fulfillment. The first thing that you must solve is getting within two-day shipping of all your customers. Another thing to do to reduce melting is to have a really clear packing process. [22:58] Explain the whole process from the time a company makes a frozen food item to when it gets to the consumer. You ship your inventory on pallets to our national distribution center in Minnesota. From there, Schwan’s would distribute your inventory to our ten fulfillment centers. Each of our ten centers get a replenishment every two weeks. We’ll integrate with your online order management platform so that we can see orders as your customers place them. UPS then comes by every afternoon and picks up all the orders shipping out that day. [26:51] This is a good opportunity for someone who is getting into the frozen ecommerce business to have a fulfillment partner who’s been doing it for seventy years. That’s why we thought that this segment makes too much sense for us not to engage in. We have the fulfillment network and that intersects with the growth of online grocery. [27:55] If someone wants to continue the conversation, how do they get ahold of you? You can go to our website to see more about how our process works through case studies. There’s a form that you can fill out to set up a free consultation. Learn More: Dan Gilland LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gilland-3835aa58/ Cygnus Frozen 3PL: https://cygnus3pl.com/
11/28/2019 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
The Number One Killer of Sales with Ann Holm
[01:10] So many people say coach, consultant, and trainer interchangeably. Talk about the differences between them and a little bit about your background in brain science. The value of working with a coach is not for that individual to be an advisor, but to help you get at the root of why you want to do something and how you will accomplish it. There’s lots of different roles people can play in your success. You can have consultants advise you about what to do. There are trainers that can train a particular set of behaviors. The difference is when you’re coaching, you’re trying to tap into your inner wisdom and create self-awareness. It’s in that self-awareness that you’re able to move forward. I worked for twenty-five years in brain science. It was a therapy role, but coaching was also required. [03:10] Can you talk briefly about Myers–Briggs? I use the Myers–Briggs personality test when I work with someone, along with the TypeCoach assessment. Our personalities are complex, but these tests are a good place to start understanding one’s personality. [04:50] What is the number one killer of sales? It’s procrastination. Procrastination shows up in a lot of different ways. Essentially, it all boils down to doing things that are either counterproductive or that distract you from the goals and tasks that you need to accomplish. [06:04] Is there usually an emotional component to that? There can be a fear of failure. “What if I put this all together and nobody is interested in purchasing it? What if it’s subject to a great deal of criticism from my coworkers or customers?” It can also be a fear of success. Sometimes you will be concerned about if you can complete the deal that you landed. There are also people who get a thrill from doing things at the last minute. [09:08] Let’s talk about what procrastination looks like in sales. Procrastination can be obstructive in many ways when trying to do lead gen. It’s a task that can be unpleasant to do because you have to put yourself out there, so you might feel a fear of rejection. You might experiment with too many ways of getting leads, and before you know it, you’ve tried all the ways but haven’t made a decision about what you will do. [13:17] What if we have important things that need to get done besides our top priority? Distraction is related to procrastination, which is finding things that will take our attention away from what we need to do. Another aspect is rationalization, which can be the strongest of all. When you’re looking at your tasks, it’s important to watch out for the rationalization component. [15:34] Let’s talk about strategies for getting around these horrible monsters. The first one is called “worst first.” This is the commitment that the very first thing you’re going to address is your priority. In the morning, your brain energy is at a very high level, so you can address something that is the worst. If you put it off until the end of the day, you may not have the energy to do it. Start to develop an awareness of if you are procrastinating and not addressing your top priority. [20:15] What’s another strategy we can use to kill these triplets? The next one is “mini milestones.” Some projects are huge, so setting a mini milestone can really be helpful. They help you focus on a small part of the big picture. [21:59] What’s another strategy for beating procrastination, distraction, and rationalization? I call it “the cone of silence.” This is the idea of creating a space where you have no other place to go. It’s about finding a way to eliminate as many distractions as possible. [24:27] What’s the next strategy? The next one is called “time boxing.” Time boxing is a pure output commitment. “I’m going to work for thirty minutes, and I’m going to do X, Y, and Z.” [26:30] Do you have any more strategies? One of them is just a reminder that it’s okay to do some daydreaming and things like that. Procrastination is not inherently bad all the time. People become more creative when they get up and take a walk, for instance. This is, again, where the self-awareness piece comes in. [28:50] What’s the last strategy? It’s the idea of partnering with somebody; having an accountability partner. Often that’s a role of the coach, but it could be someone you work with, a friend, or anyone that’s going to help you stay on task. If you want to have a little fun with it, you can throw in a vile disincentive to loosen the energy up. [33:15] Will you summarize this for us? The most important takeaway is to really pay attention. Develop self-awareness of what you’re doing and pay attention to those three brothers waiting to derail you. Learn More: Ann Holm's website: https://www.annholm.net/
11/11/2019 • 35 minutes, 16 seconds
Why Marketing is Your Best Salesperson with Jim Bierfeldt
[01:01] Tell us a little bit about you and your company. My company is Logistics Marketing Advisors. I started it in 2004 and we’re located in Connecticut. We help logistics businesses improve their marketing to drive revenue and profits. I’m born and raised in New York and got my master’s degree at Fordham University. In the late 80s and early 90s, I worked for a large advertising and public relations agency. One of our clients was a logistics company, and they hired me away to run their marketing. [03:59] Let’s talk a little bit about the problems we see in this space when it comes to sales. What’s the first problem you want to talk about? I think the way companies buy today is very different from how they bought twenty years ago, and I really don’t think the logistics industry has evolved with that. There’s so much information out there that wasn’t available before about how to solve certain problems and what providers can help. Buyers are probably 70% or more through the sales process before they talk to a salesperson. The solution is getting found by prospects you don’t know. If somebody does a Google search, perhaps you want them to be directed to a relevant article on your website. Marketing is a game of hide-and-seek in reverse, but some executives think about it the wrong way. [08:27] Tell us another problem that’s out there. Companies are asking salespeople to fill their own pipeline, as well as to work and close deals. If lead generation today is more about getting found, it requires more of a marketing skill set. A lot of logistics companies confuse what you have to do to get people to find you versus what you have to do to get people to buy from you. Once you get found, it’s up to the salesperson. When you ask a salesperson to generate their own leads in this day and age, that means being marketing savvy. To them, that’s foreign. They just know to pick up the phone and make calls. [14:40] Tell us about another problem you see out there. Logistics companies that I talk to want to move to lead generation before they nail the strategy. It’s really all about the strategy. A lot of logistics companies look and sound the same. That’s the kiss of death in an environment where decision makers are bombarded every day. A non-differentiated message just contributes to the noise level. Nailing your position, understanding what your niche is, and trying to speak directly to the people who align best with that niche is what you must do. Even the biggest brands in the world recognize that it’s better to have a big chunk of part of the market than to try to get the whole market. [20:42] Talk about another problem that you see out there. Getting budget support for marketing is always really hard. It’s viewed as an expense, not an investment. Companies that have marketing are their own worst enemy because they’re not measuring the ROI. For a boss wondering if he should spend more money on marketing or hire a salesperson, it’s easier for him to see the ROI on the salesperson. If you have the right CRM, you can do a pretty good analysis of what percentage of business is emanating from marketing. There’s always a sense that marketing investments will pay off immediately. [25:17] What’s another problem you see out there? I do research every couple of years where I go out and ask a whole bunch of buyers of logistics how they buy, where they go to get their information, and what frustrates them the most about the process. The number-one complaint is that people reach out to them and offer a solution with no understanding of their industry or company. “I don’t want to feel like I’m the twenty-third person on the call list” perfectly summarizes the attitude. You can make twenty phone calls in half an hour, but if you do the right research, you can probably make two or three that are quite valuable. [31:27] Give us a summary of this topic. Marketing is your best salesperson. That really says it all. It’s more about getting found; not the provider finding the shipper. They’ll find you, but you have to make it easy. [32:20] What are you doing at Logistics Marketing Advisors? Mid-market companies are our sweet spot. We come in and become their marketing department. We’re helping them with strategy and every aspect down to execution. We provide data that they can use to hold us accountable and see what kind of return they are getting over time. Learn More: Jim’s email address: jim@logisticsmarketing.com Jim Bierfeldt LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbierfeldt/ Logistics Marketing Advisors: https://www.logisticsmarketing.com/
11/4/2019 • 35 minutes
Automating Cross-Border Transportation with Matt Silver
Automating Cross-Border Transportation with Matt Silver Matt Silver and Joe Lynch discuss automating cross-border transportation between the USA and Mexico. [00:50] Introduce yourself and your company. I’m Matt Silver, Founder and CEO of Forager. We’re based in Chicago, and our primary focus is on building technology to automate cross-border transportation. I grew up in a logistics family and have been around it my entire life. I learned more about the industry by working at Coyote when I was 19, a company which was founded by my parents. We moved our first load at Forager in December 2018. [03:13] Let’s talk a little bit about the biggest problems you saw in cross-border before we get into the solutions. It all comes down to service and pricing at the end of the day. Service is anything from “where’s my load? What’s going on with it?” to “I don’t understand what’s going on with these emails because they’re in Spanish” to “I don’t understand the customs process.” I hear a lot of complaints about the spending. Bringing transparency to pricing is important to people in this industry. [05:24] You say that even though some companies don’t spend the majority of their time on cross-border, they spend a big chunk of their time working on it. If they’re grabbing the freight in Laredo after a pickup in Mexico, then sure, that was really easy for them. Still, if they’re only controlling the US portion, they still have the problems of not knowing when it will cross into the country. They run into capacity problems. There’s seven times more freight going from south to north than north to south. Drivers don’t like waiting, and if they get stuck somewhere instead of going home, you’re putting them in a really bad spot. [11:06] Are we going to talk about Canada also? When you talk about cross-border, Mexico and Canada kind of get lumped together. The reality of it is that Canada is almost like an extension of the US. There are a few differences, but it’s easy to pick up a load in Toronto and deliver it the next day in Chicago. Mexico is definitely more challenging. [13:00] Tell us about your hypothesis when starting your business. The whole reason we started was to service cross-border freight. That’s what excites me. There are so many freight brokers who specialize in domestic shipments. We wanted to specialize in cross-border and be different. [18:36] Tell us how you guys go about automating cross-border transportation. We’ve built a command center that allows someone to understand where their freight is at all times on either side of the border. People are very important in our business. To me, automation means not having to spend an hour figuring out how to price a load. About 70% of our freight can move through our system without human interaction. Sometimes, people really want to talk to a human and we provide that. The average transportation management system wasn’t built to manage cross-border freight. [23:14] Transportation management systems keep getting better, but a whole bunch of stuff ends up in notes. Things in notes can never be part of the AI learning. We have a notes field for now, but our plan is to eliminate it within the next year. The most important thing in this entire industry is data. The more data you can generate, the more you can make your customers’ lives easier. There are some companies trying to integrate emails into the data as well, which is very interesting. [28:01] I like that you’re a freight guy first and a technology guy second. So often, I run into people who are just one or the other. You’ve grown up with both. That definitely weighed into why we were able to raise capital. What’s most important is bringing in the right talent. Our team brings unique perspectives. Just building a TMS is not interesting to me. Developing game-changing technology is what I want to do. [32:01] Tell us about what you guys are up to at Forager. We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for people to move freight in and out of Mexico and Canada. In the next few weeks, we’re launching a portal for customers to log in, plug in an origin and destination, and get a rate back instantly. If customers want to talk to us, we’re happy to do that, but as more people from my generation are getting into this industry, they don’t want to have to talk to someone else all the time. They would rather log in and get a rate instantly. We are the experts in the technology, but we’re making it useful for everybody. [34:44] Any final thoughts? It’s been awesome talking to you. It’s really refreshing when I don’t have to explain logistics to who I’m talking with. Learn More About Automating Cross-Border Transportation: Matt Silver on LinkedIn Profile Forager The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/23/2019 • 37 minutes, 37 seconds
The Hidden Solution to Most Supply Chain Problems with Ron Crabtree
[00:37] Please tell us a little about you and your company. I’m Ron Crabtree, CEO and Founder of MetaOps, Inc. We are located in Metro Detroit. We specialize in providing interim and contract to hire talent at the highest level. I grew up near Kalamazoo and ended up going to night school for over seventeen years. Eventually, I emerged with an undergrad in organizational development. Before starting MetaOps, I had a career of about twenty years in supply chain. [05:18] Talk about the most common supply chain problems you encounter with MetaOps. Everybody’s got common challenges at the enterprise level. There’s pressure to bring new products and services to market a lot faster. Also, there’s unrelenting pressure on price because of globalization. More and more people are grappling about what to do about the carbon footprint, too. There are two major problems that I see at a tactical level day-to-day. The first isn’t about making or moving stock, it’s about information that has to be handled. The second problem is that you can’t solve today’s problems using the methods as yesterday. Supply chain is getting more complex every single day, and many companies don’t even know where to start. The fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, is happening. [14:23] What is the solution to most of these supply chain problems? Before I get to that, let me provide a few more case study examples. One challenge I’m working on now is with fresh produce. There’s an amazing supply chain behind all of that. Forecasting exactly when the produce needs to be packed in the field is a massive problem. Not having packaging at the right place and the right time isn’t an option, and having mountains of packaging lying around on the field isn’t an option either. 90% of the root cause of failure is not the physical movement, it’s having everything in the right place at the right time. There are challenges in military hardware, medical care, etc. as well. [19:33] The three solutions. If it’s a severe enterprise challenge, you might need an internally generated top-to-bottom assessment. This would involve leveraging industry best practices. The second big thing companies are doing is re-engineering their business process. If you’ve got the money for it and don’t have the skills internally, there’s nothing wrong with this. The third one is infusing the knowledge and expertise at the exact point that things are broken. This is a solution that MetaOps can provide. [24:42] MetaOps’ model is to bring in the guy who has experience and has actually done this. You guys aren’t coming from an HR or recruiting background, you’re coming from an operator background. Only about 5% of the people we look at make it through our vetting process. These are people who can absolutely go do the job, not just talk about it. [26:23] Tell us about what’s going on at MetaOps. In 2011, after many years of requests, we crafted the MetaExperts brand to get away from offering traditional consulting and training. That’s been continuing to grow and is the vast majority of what we do. A shift we’ve seen in the last year is that we’re getting to work with large and small consulting firms. We get to be a resource in the background that they can tap into for very specific problems. Learn More: MetaOps: http://metaops.com/ Ron Crabtree LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncrabtree/
10/14/2019 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
The Future of Inbound Lead Generation with Blythe Brumleve
[00:43] Please introduce yourself and your company. I am based in Jacksonville, Florida and the owner of Digital Dispatch. We help companies with their web and marketing problems. About ten years ago, I started working with a 3PL in Jacksonville. When my boss found out I was blogging on the side, he asked me to start doing it for the company too. I eventually got my own radio show. A lot of people make that natural evolution from content writing into radio. [07:18] Tell us a little bit about inbound lead generation. They key differentiator of inbound is that you’re creating content with your audience in mind first. A lot of what you see on the internet and in this industry is very self-promotional. People aren’t searching for that. They’re searching for solutions to their problem. Inbound is trying to introduce yourself and establish trust with the customer so that you can be the solution when they’re ready to buy. [10:51] Contrast inbound with outbound. Outbound is like interrupting someone’s personal space. We have all gotten emails that we know have been sent out to thousands of people. It’s not personalized at all. There are ways to make a cold outreach feel more personal, but it takes more time and that’s where a lot of companies struggle. [15:34] Tell us about some new ways that we can use to get inbound leads. Video and podcasting, but they are also the most intimidating. Often, people hate seeing themselves on video or hearing their own voice. They let their fear paralyze them when it comes to sharing their expertise. As long as you’re sharing valuable content, you’re heading in the right direction. [18:43] You have to get past fears if you want to be found as an expert online. Especially people who are first starting out. You’re not going to be an expert right away. Your first show will probably suck. You’re never going to get better if you don’t do it again and again and again. Keep thinking about it as having a conversation, and the intimidation factor will lessen a little bit. [23:07] Tell us about what a podcast should focus on. I think having a good balance of different categories you’re going to cover is key to any content plan. There are different ways to approach your planning, and it doesn’t have to revolve around one specific type of content. However, I do think it needs to start with SEO. A lot of people get stuck on just one particular type and roll with it. It gets boring after a while, and it shows in your work if you lose that passion. [28:38] Even for business podcasts, the personality needs to come out. There needs to be some context and humanity. Competitors may read a press release, but no one else will go to a website just to read a press release. Video is great, but podcasting is the least intrusive. It doesn’t interrupt the audience, because they can go about their day with a podcast on in the background. [30:49] Please summarize this topic for us. At Digital Dispatch, we focus on everything from cost effective solutions to completely custom web and marketing services. I love focusing on logistics because there are variety of different companies at a variety of different levels. It starts with a conversation. If the content is there for your audience, people will consume it. Learn More: Blythe Brumleve LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blythebrum/ Digital Dispatch: https://digitaldispatch.io/
9/24/2019 • 35 minutes, 10 seconds
The Number One Reason Why People Buy with Steve Elwell
[01:17] What is the number one reason people buy? A study on a huge sample size discovered that 38% of the sale is attributable to the salesperson; their behavior, expertise, and ability to provide a solution. [02:09] Talk a little about buying behavior before going further. The customer controls the sale. They’re going to buy or not buy based on a few things. These include the perception of risk to themselves and their organization, and the perception of potential gain to themselves and their organization. [03:29] What is it about a salesperson that makes a buyer want to work with them? The first thing is that they want the salesperson to be personally accountable for the customer’s results. If the purchase order is signed and the salesperson is long gone, that doesn’t go over well. They want you to understand their business. The salesperson should understand the industry, such as logistics, but also the dynamics that are unique to each individual company. Thirdly, the customer wants the salesperson to be on their side. If there are other needs, the salesperson should be willing to go back to their management and make headway. The fourth thing that customers want in a salesperson is for them to bring new things to the organization. It’s about having the mindset of thinking what a good fit for the company could be even if you’re not the one selling it. They want a salesperson who is easily accessible. There should not be any hassle when the customer reaches out to who sold them a product or service. [12:57] What are some more traits that buyers want in a salesperson? They want you to solve their problems. There’s a certain amount of expertise that goes a long with this, such as knowing how all the pieces fit together internally and externally. Number seven is that they want you to be innovative. It’s about being knowledgeable and experienced enough to reach the outcome in a variety of different ways. [17:13] You just gave us seven reasons why buyers want to work with a salesperson. Let’s go through the seven roles, and you can give us a bullet point about each one. The agent: makes sure that the customer gets the result they expect when they buy the product. The CEO: understands the customer in particular and in totality. The advocate/expediter: takes action within the selling organization and the broader world to make sure all the things that need to happen do happen. The consultant: looks at the customer’s business and says, “if I brought something new to that, how would they benefit?” The traveler: makes sure that they are readily available to the customer. The troubleshooter: a resource that helps customers solve problems. The innovator: understands the customer at a deeper level and looks for new ways to help them reach their goals. [19:33] Please put a bow on this topic for us. I’ve always said that sales is leadership. What you’re trying to do is take a customer to a new and better place. Paying attention to these seven traits fit into the four Cs: demonstrating your character, showing that you’re competent, demonstrating that you care, and communicating in a frequent and relevant way.
9/17/2019 • 23 minutes, 2 seconds
Converting More Leads to Loads with John Simpson
[00:33] Please introduce you and your company. My name is John Simpson. I’m the director of sales at Covideo. We’re an email, texting, video platform for salespeople. The company is based in Indianapolis. [01:14] Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m from Holland, Michigan and went to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, studying political science. After graduating, I worked at a deli for a while. Then, I decided to go to grad school but dropped out. I drove to Chicago, lived on my friend’s couch for about a month, and then found a job with a logistics company. I didn’t know what logistics was at first, but I stayed there for ten years before joining Covideo. [03:24] When and why did you join Covideo? I joined in January 2017. I miss logistics, but a good friend of mine started Covideo and he needed somebody to help with the sales team. [04:37] In this business, good leads are hard to come by. Leads aren’t worth anything until you get the opportunity to talk to somebody. That’s when they become precious. The most important thing in sales is that people buy from people they like. It’s difficult to stand out, and you don’t want to just stand out, you want favorable attention. [11:22] How does Covideo go about converting more leads into loads? Covideo was built for salespeople, not for the marketing department, CEO, etc. We send personality through email. The logistics provider can call a company and leave a voicemail saying that they will send a video of themselves via email. It helps you stand out from the crowd. [14:03] Is there a problem making a video by myself on my phone? You’ll run into file size issues or end up in the spam folder. Our videos can also appear as an overlay on your website, guiding viewers to the next steps. You get to see analytics on all of this. [17:48] How long are these videos usually? Normally fifteen to forty-five seconds. The average person only reads the first sentence or two of an email, so we must follow the same rules and keep the video short. [18:06] How are these videos working for people in logistics? I heard from a sales rep that kept being ignored by a woman he was calling. Once he sent her a video, she let him quote three lanes that day. [19:24] We all need to up our game when it comes to sales, and part of it is using this kind of technology. For customers who are shipping one to ten loads per week, those are still great customers that you want. However, even they are getting pounded with phone calls. Covideo is a cost-effective way to show people you can be trusted. When you say something out loud and provide visuals, your message is getting across the way you intended. [23:48] Tell us a little bit more about Covideo. What are the next steps if somebody is interested? Visit out website or give us a call. We’ll talk with you and see if we’re a good fit. It takes time to get comfortable using videos, and it has to be part of your routine. Relationships are built over the phone, but introductions are made on video. [25:30] Is this hard to implement and expensive, or is it for everybody? If I can use it, anybody can use it. We’ve got customized packages for whatever your needs are. Learn More: Covideo: https://www.covideo.com/ John Simpson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-simpson-92727a24
9/10/2019 • 28 minutes, 12 seconds
Increase Your RFP Win Rate by Fixing the Bid and Tender Process with John Golob
[00:52] Tell us a little bit about you and your company. I am a John Golob, Founder and CMO of Winmore. We are based in San Francisco. Winmore is bid and tender collaboration software for freight forwarders and brokers, providing visibility, efficiency, and process automation that helps our LSP customers lower costs and win more of the right bids. [01:26] Tell us a little bit about your background. I grew up in Los Angeles. Briefly, I worked in entertainment, which was my first introduction to supply chain. I quickly found myself working in sales, predominantly selling computers and software. [03:56] When and why did you start Winmore? We started in 2013, largely because of a conversation I had at SalesForce. They were concerned about industries such as logistics having a hard time using out-of-the-box CRMs. Logistics gets new customers through inbound RFPs, so we focused on the different marketing cloud approach it needed compared to other industries. [05:50] Let’s describe the problem a little bit. When we talk about the bid and tender process, what do you mean you say bid? A bid is, effectively, a response to an RFP or a tender. RFP is the term used in the US, while tender is used in Europe. About 60% of revenue for logistics companies comes through the RFP process. [07:20] What’s wrong with the bid and tender process? It’s broken in two areas. The first is the behavior on the shipper’s side. They increasingly send out Excel-based RFPs that have thousands of combinations. The second problem is that 3PLs today, in order to prepare an adequate response, must drive an enormous level of collaboration across many team members. They all have different agendas. 3PLs have to respond, and they’re doing that at a significant cost. [11:12] Once you’ve got an RFP in hand, who manages that in an average 3PL? Sometimes it’s under finance, sometimes it’s under marketing. We have found that there is no best practice for where the RFP process resides. It usually comes down to someone who has the best attention to detail. [13:29] There are usually a lot of emails and Excel spreadsheets around. Tell us about how that information gets managed. The first problem that people usually struggle with is finding what they priced something at in the previous year. This process is very broken and not well designed for a collaborative process. [15:16] What’s another reason that you decided to find a solution? There’s been a real toughening up on the shipper’s side. The mindset of being absolutely relentless with providers is holding true on the RFP side. They literally will not accept a bid if it comes in two minutes past the deadline. Understanding the pricing used to bid on business, even if it wasn’t won, didn’t reside anywhere in 3PLs. This further made us realize the opportunity at hand. [19:05] Six years ago, you had the idea that you could fix this process. Tell us what your thoughts were and what has changed over that time. Having a backer like SalesForce allowed us to start a lot of conversations. We were able to build some close relationships. We were among the few software companies that were starting to have a discussion around what analytics could do for commercial operations. The CIO role in an average 3PL has gone from a relatively insignificant role to a very important one. [21:53] How did you know what was broken and who were you working with? We quickly realized there were three areas that were broken. The qualification process. About 22% of RFPs are price checks, meaning that they’ll have no opportunity to be added to your top line. If you can qualify them right away, you’ll be one step ahead. We wanted to give commercial leaders visibility so they could have confidence in knowing that every step of the RFP process was mapped out. Finally, we saw that people were communicating in new ways. We had to build a new way for teams to work together. We tried to get the biggest names we could, so we worked with DHL and C.H. Robinson quite early. Our pricing is based on bid and revenue, which gave even the smallest of companies the chance to use our software. [28:18] You guys are almost like sales automation because you compress the sales cycle time. Is that right to say? Yes, it is. That process involves so many different functions, and we pull them all together. [29:27] Tell us about how you can help us close more deals. The numbers we’re hearing are incredible. There’s an average of 60% increase in the number of qualified bids that companies can respond to. The win rate is also increased by 12%. Our tool can help reduce employee burnout, too. [34:42] Give us some closing thoughts. We’ve had a great discussion, and I encourage anyone who’s interested to visit our website. Learn More: John Golob LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolob/ Winmore: https://winmore.app/
9/2/2019 • 36 minutes, 24 seconds
Managing Logistics for The World's Largest Company with Gary Sostack
Gary Sostack and Joe Lynch discuss Gary's experience with managing logistics for the world's largest company. [00:38] Please introduce yourself and your company. I’m Gary Sostack, President and Founder of ElementaLogistics LLC. We assist 3PLs with their bid packages to corporations, and we work with corporations who don’t see supply chain as their core activity. [01:20] Tell us a little about your background. I grew up in New York and graduated from the New York Institute of Technology. While putting myself through school, I got a part-time job at JFK airport which opened my eyes to logistics. Right out of college, I worked at a logistics company in Atlanta. Then, after a short spell in New Orleans, I moved to Houston to work with supply chain in oil and gas. At one point while working for a 3PL, I did a lot of work in retail. [04:37] Tell us about the world’s largest company. If you live in Houston, you know who it is. It’s Saudi Aramco. Add Apple, Google, General Motors, and Amazon together. Combined, they’re still not as big as Saudi Aramco. [06:32] What were some of the projects you worked on with Saudi Aramco? We found equipment and materials that can’t be sourced locally. Then, we buy and ship it to get oil out of the ground. The company searched for smart people who understand what the next new technology will be. We also searched for people with the best ideas and moved them to Saudi Arabia. I was involved with the procurement of equipment and materials. We once had to move a prototype oil rig from Texas to Saudi Arabia. It had 2,500 pieces. Instead of working with a 3PL, we hired everyone that we needed ourselves. [11:47] Up until July of this year, Saudi Aramco was their own 3PL. What happened? The business model changed. For example, all the hospitals that got supported with tens of thousands of purchase orders that Aramco was handling. Aramco went into a joint venture with Johns Hopkins, so all the hospital support disappeared. As globalization has taken place, more things can be sourced locally. The volume of purchase orders declined to where Aramco was no longer the market maker. [13:34] You had to choose a 3PL for the world’s largest company. How do you go about doing that? It took fifteen months and was a step-by-step process. I put together a team and we came up with forty-five items that needed to be outsourced. Next, we selected 3PLs that we wanted to consider. We wanted to find a company that could go global if needed. We invited all the 3PLs to come to a meeting, and the bid process was explained to everyone at the same time. Once we decided that we were going to go out to bid, the logistics team no longer contacted the 3PLs. It was done by the contracting department instead to avoid favoritism. Out of the eleven invited companies, eight responded to the bid. Their questions were graded and weighted, and team members then scored these individually. The team members all decided on the same four companies to move on. At this time, we conducted site visits. These were interesting, because anybody can just put something down on paper. One of the bidders had a very unorganized warehouse. We eliminated that one, and another company based on their hazardous material handling. With two left, only then were commercial proposals and pricing looked at. Then, it was clear: the lower bidder wins. [22:07] How close were the bids of the two companies? They were not close, so the winner was obvious. Someone from our finance department came in to run the numbers to make sure they made sense. The five-year contract was going to deliver millions of dollars of cost saving and initiatives, such as no longer needing to pay for one of our warehouses and some employees. [24:44] What happened next? Board approval was sought and obtained. We put together the original bid very carefully so that there weren’t any surprises when the time came. It’s painful, but a lot of contracts with mom-and-pop companies had to be terminated. [29:06] How did you manage your 3PL week-to-week, month-to-month, etc.? The expected metrics were part of the contract. We also had financial incentives for if they were exceeded. As you have mentioned, sometimes a 3PL in encouraged to skew numbers to get incentives. In our case, our system of tracking cannot be tampered with. After the first month, we had regular reports and meetings to look at performance. [36:17] Was this process your closing act with Saudi Aramco? It was. I retired from the company on July 31. Originally, I had planned to leave a year ago, but this project came up and I wanted to do it. [37:59] Tell us what you’re up to these days. For the last four years, I’ve been teaching at the University of Houston. The company I founded, ElementaLogistics, provides consulting to 3PLs and corporations. [41:11] Any closing remarks? Learn More About Managing Logistics for The World's Largest Company Gary's email address is gsostack@elementalogistics.com CSCMP Houston Gary Sostack The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
8/29/2019 • 42 minutes, 24 seconds
Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller
Today's topic is Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking and I will be talking with Craig Fuller. Craig and his company, FreightWaves is one of the reasons, Chattanooga is called the Silicon Valley of Trucking. [01:04] Tell us a little bit about you and your company. I am Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves, which is based in Chattanooga, TN. I grew up in a trucking family and worked in my dad’s company. FreightWaves is the leading Freight Intel provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. [03:50] Your content at FreightWaves is so insightful. I’ve noticed that to write about logistics, you have to know logistics. We tried to get the traditional trucking press to write about what we were doing, but it was apparent that they didn’t understand the content. Out of frustration, we decided to write our own content. Our writer was on vacation, so I once wrote about a hurricane under his name. That’s when the site exploded. We actually do hire a lot of great writers that don’t have experience in the space and combine them with market experts. [08:54] Why and when did you start FreightWaves? The business started in 2016, but we didn’t get our first venture funding until 2017. I didn’t want to go back to work in the family business. I wanted to do something on my own. My brother is the CEO of that business now, but my father is still active in it. I’m sure that my brother faces difficulties because the vision was created for him. We have to report to our board, but they’re very supportive which gives us room to do things how we want. [15:05] Steve Case has a venture fund and tour called The Rise of the Rest. Tell us about it and why he named Chattanooga the Silicon Valley of trucking. His theory was that he could go find startups in smaller cities to pitch to touring venture capitalists. FreightWaves won the tour’s stop in Chattanooga. This city has more people connected to logistics per capita than any other city in America, so it was only natural that Chattanooga become the Silicon Valley of Trucking Steve wrote a book called The Third Wave which deals with a deep understanding of how industries work. At FreightWaves, we’ve combined our tribal knowledge with influencers who are connected throughout the industry. Creating credibility has been the key to our success. [21:27] We’re educating kids to leave our cities to go be successful in Silicon Valley. A lot of venture capitalists promote staying in your own city now. Money goes a lot further in places like Chattanooga rather than Silicon Valley. I think the next generation of venture capital will be in places like Detroit, Des Moines, Houston, Cleveland, etc. Investors are shocked that we pay our employees about the same as companies in Silicon Valley. It helps us attract and retain talent. We don’t have to worry as much about an employee leaving us in a few months to work for another company down the road. [27:48] For many generations, kids have gone to school in places like Chattanooga and then left to work elsewhere. Now, they don’t have to. 45 out of our 130 employees in Chattanooga have moved here from other cities. It’s great to have a combination of homegrown employees and ones that were willing to relocate. [30:00] You mentioned tribal knowledge, so expand on how it helped make Chattanooga the Silicon Valley of trucking. The machine that produces carpet was invented in Chattanooga and Dalton, Georgia (just south of here), and that carpet needed to be hauled. Those businesses created a lot of organic knowledge in Chattanooga, but they didn’t recycle capital. In the early 2000s, a guy at C.H. Robinson decided to build a brokerage business inside a brick business owned by the father of his frat brother. They founded Access America, and it grew to about $600 million in revenue in 2014. It merged with Coyote, and Coyote was acquired by UPS. A lot of the talent ended up leaving, but they were young. They started tech businesses and made investments. This created a lot of trucking companies. [35:41] Are there companies that are moving to Chattanooga because that’s where the logistics community is? FreightWaves started in Fort Worth, Texas, but we moved here. Others include WorkHound, Reliance Insurance, and Bellhops. There’s a ton of industry energy around the space that’s being guided by people who have a deep understanding of how the market works. [36:58] Is Tennessee a business-friendly state? It is. There’s no state income tax and the capital gains tax is being phased out. There are very low real estate taxes. I pay about one sixth of what I paid in Texas. The more money you can get into your employees’ hands, the better quality of life they’ll have. [38:44] In Michigan, we used to look down on The South because so many people moved away from it to work in Detroit. During the 1930s, people didn’t have electricity and plumbing until FDR created a new deal. That spurred the initial stages of economic development. The South and Canada have a lot in common; effectively the same population and economic size. That’s pretty astounding. [41:21] This has been great. Why don’t you give us a little summary? I love talking about these trends. Not because I think Chattanooga is the best city in the world, but there are things that have made us successful that can be applied in other places. We’ve got FreightWaves Live in Chicago in November. It will be a vibrant event with lots of really good speakers. We’re launching FreightWaves TV soon. Our spirit at FreightWaves is that if we do something, we do it well. [45:09] Tell us a little bit about your SONAR project. People call it the Bloomberg of freight. It is the leading freight market dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. [47:10] Let’s say I’m a little trucking company or freight broker. What problem do you solve for me? If you’re a freight broker, it’s about price and capacity discovery. Also, identifying volatile markets. Most of the data that has been available to freight brokers is weeks old. We’re speeding that up. For trucking companies, it can let you know which markets to move trucks to. It’s bad to make decisions with data that is so old, and we fix that problem. Learn More: Craig Fuller LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/incab/ FreightWaves: https://www.freightwaves.com/ FreightWaves SONAR: https://www.freightwaves.com/sonar FreightWaves FreightTech Conference - Chicago: https://www.freightwaves.com/live-chi The Third Wave by Steve Case: http://www.thirdwavebook.com/ Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freightwaves-chattanooga
8/25/2019 • 52 minutes, 45 seconds
Cold Calling on Steroids with Brad Seaman
[00:44] Tell us a little bit about you and your company. I am Brad Seaman, founder and CEO of MonsterConnect, which is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. MonsterConnect is sales enablement / lead generation service that help sales teams become 6-8 times more productive. [01:14] Tell us a little bit about your background. I grew up in Indianapolis. I went to Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois near Chicago to be a youth pastor. While I was doing some landscaping at the family call center business, they fired the chief operating officer and I got the call to run the place. [03:01] When and why did you start MonsterConnect? The family call center business did lead generation for a mortgage company. Before the housing crash, we started seeing the writing on the wall, so we diversified the business. We brought in a new guy to build a new division. We eventually spun that out from the business, but it became difficult to staff and hire with our quick growing rate. Two things gave us the idea for Monster Connect: the difficulty in scaling and the subjectivity of the business. This made me immerse myself in call center technology, and things changed in the industry to allow our business model. With our software, our agents navigate through phone prompts and gatekeepers. Then, when the prospect answers, the salesperson is connected. [09:20] Cold calling is still used a lot in logistics, but it is much maligned today and there is a lot written about the end of cold calling. Please tell us why cold calling still works. The more effort you put in, the more results you get. Very rarely do you see a strong effort followed by a lack of results. There’s a tendency to lean into either inbound or outbound, but I think you need to do both. I understand why cold calling gets so much negative press. It’s tough work. Prospects are harder to reach now because they can screen their calls and there are a lot of robocalls that nobody wants. Salespeople have always wanted to find better ways, but if you need to sell something today, the phone is still the best tool. The web has brought a lot of great ways to get sales leads, but they take time. Ultimately, the salesperson who talks with the most prospects sells the most. [14:50] To be a good cold caller, what do people absolutely need to do? The first thing is that you need to have good contacts. There are tons of tools that exist to do that. At MonsterConnect, we even search on job boards for companies that are looking to hire people to make outbound phone calls. Then, we already know that our technology would be useful for them. You need to have a good message; some type of differentiator. It needs to be compelling. The phone gives you the opportunity to build a relationship with someone. Some brokers get phone calls from different people who deliver the exact same message. [20:41] What else do people need to be successful at cold calling? Discipline and focus. Specifically, I know someone who landed a huge deal because he was religious about prospecting regularly. He dedicates one or two hours per day to cold calling. One day, he was about to log out but decided to do one more call instead. The rest is history. It’s a lot like working out. Doing it regularly is very beneficial. Lack of lead gen typically comes from a lack of effort. [27:23] If the only things people need to be successful at cold calling are great contacts, great messaging, and discipline, why do so many people struggle? I think it comes down to it being inefficient, difficult, and unpredictable. If you remove the inefficiency of dialing and not getting somebody on the phone, that can really impact your success. When you get one or two people on the phone each day, that’s not very productive. It’s also natural for salespeople to turn down their lead generation efforts when they land a few clients. It’s unpredictable. Building and maintaining a good prospecting team is a constant challenge, since sales is so volatile. [32:31] How can your company help with these three issues? The first thing is we have some built-in accountability. You have a scheduled time on the platform, and we’ll help you make sure that you show up. It’s efficient because there’s no delay. We’ll connect you to a prospect that is ready to talk. [34:58] How many hours a day do people work with your company? It depends on their desire. Some people think they’ll use it for eight hours a day, but really, that would be like going to the gym for eight hours a day. It’s hard to do. Somewhere between one and four hours is ideal for most people. In J.B. Hunt’s first week with us, they saw a 900% increase in productivity. [36:06] A lot of companies are now moving to sales development reps. How would you guys compare to them? We can be a great help to SDRs. We don’t replace them, we make them more productive. Learn More: MonsterConnect: https://monsterconnect.com/ Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-seaman-3ab4a049
8/2/2019 • 40 minutes, 1 second
5 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make When Using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) with Ephraim Ausch
[00:52] Please introduce yourself. I am VP of Sales at Tactical Logistic Solutions. Tactical has locations in New Jersey and California, and I’m based in New Jersey. Tactical is an end-to-end provider of supply chain logistics. We go from our client’s overseas manufacturing location via air, sea, and land to their warehouse, our warehouse, or to Amazon's warehouse. [01:36] Tell us a little bit about your background. I grew up in a Monsey, New York, a small town in Rockland County. I attended high school in Monsey and Israel. I'm a husband to a wonderful wife and father to two beautiful children. [02:10] What was your first job? My first job was working as a customer service representative for a bulk candy company that had an online store and 4 retail locations in New York. The candy company had previously sold candy on Amazon, but they were unhappy with the results I was given to opportunity to relaunch candy sales on Amazon and after a few struggles, we reached $1,000,000 per year in sales. After my success with selling candy on Amazon, I launched a gift basket company which has done very well. [04:21] When did you join tactical? Since my gift basket business was seasonal, I outsourced the fulfillment, which gave me a lot of free time. I realized that I had the opportunity to help more people, so I joined Tactical in 2017. I had two goals: 1.) share my Amazon knowledge and experience with Amazon sellers and 2.) open a new service offering, Fulfillment by Amazon within Tactical. [06:41] Explain what Fulfillment by Amazon is. When you buy something with Prime on Amazon, 99% of the time that’s a product that has been shipped right from an Amazon warehouse instead of from the seller. About two thirds of products on Amazon are FBA. Using FBA allows you to offer quicker shipping to the whole country without destroying profitability. It was a piece of cake to sell on Amazon in the early days, but now it’s getting harder and harder. [10:51] What is the first mistake you see from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon? A lot of sellers don’t realize that every single space in the warehouse is allocated. I always tell FBA sellers to get their suppliers to do the labelling for them instead of doing it themselves in the US. You can even get your freight forwarder to do it, because some sellers are afraid of their supplier becoming a competitor. [14:53] What is the second mistake you see from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon? When you use Amazon-partnered carriers, it’s very appealing because they’re crazy cheap. When you do that, it takes two or three days for Amazon to pick it up from your warehouse. They then schedule a drop off time that is chosen by Amazon. The problem with that is Amazon will only accept deliveries during the daytime. I recommend getting a 3PL or local trucker to deliver your shipment to Amazon. [21:16] What is the third mistake you see from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon? There’s a lot of sellers that import product from China that have it palletized. They think that if they don’t have it palletized, it will get damaged. In my experience, very few cartons get damaged because they make sure to fill the container to capacity. You lose roughly 30% of space if you put your product on pallets. It’s a little bit more expensive to deliver, but it’s still way cheaper than using pallets. [24:21] What is the fourth mistake you see from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon? In the last two years, Amazon has really decided they’re not in the storage business. They’re in the selling business. If you don’t sell, they make you get out by charging additional storage costs after certain periods of time. Keep your stock in your own warehouse until it needs to go to Amazon. Replenishing monthly is a good approach. [28:00] What is the fourth mistake you see from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon? Amazon has a performance index that goes from 0 to 1000. Under 350 is in the red. If you go below 350, you get limitations of what you can send to Amazon. The factors that affect your score are excess inventory, sell through, stranded inventory, and in-stock inventory. These affected me because I’m a seasonal seller, and my score would be red when Christmas came around. I went to Amazon to discuss alternatives. [34:03] Any closing remarks on these topics? If you’re worried about damage from not palletizing in China, you can get insurance for very cheap that will cover you. If you do everything correctly, you’ll be on the fast track to sales. Learn More: Ephraim Ausch LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraim-ausch-a6a88ab2/ Tactical Logistic Solutions website: https://tacticallogistic.com/
7/27/2019 • 36 minutes, 50 seconds
5 Keys to Effective Expediting with Alex Pavlovic
[00:37] Please introduce yourself. I am head of the department of expediting at Virnich Corporation in Chicago. It’s a full-service 3PL and carrier company. [01:01] Tell us a little bit about your background. I grew up in Serbia and I earned a mechanical engineering degree before moving to the USA. I never used that degree, because shortly after graduating I moved to Alaska to be a cook in a national park. When the season ended, I decided to move to Chicago and my friend suggested I become a truck driver. [03:36] When did you become a broker? After three years of driving, I was burnt out. I was thinking about working as a dispatcher, but I wanted more of a challenge. I approached the company that I’m still part of and they taught me how to be a broker. [04:40] What is expediting? It’s a branch of logistics where shipments need to be picked up and delivered as fast as possible. [05:36] What kind of equipment do you use in expediting? The most common assets being used in expediting are straight trucks and Sprinter vans. Smaller box trucks and Sprinters are not regulated, but it’s still important to use teams and be safe. Straight trucks start at 12 feet and go up to 26 feet. [08:45] What is the first key to effective expediting? Carrier vetting. In recent years, we’ve seen a huge growth of carriers in the expediting market. When I started, companies didn’t have to be as competitive. There was more honesty and integrity. We see a lot of things to be careful of, like underbidding. Some companies will do anything they can to get the load even if they can’t fulfill the promise. [11:49] What is the second key to effective expediting? Communication. It’s a pretty broad term. Here, I mean paying attention to details. I see a lot of companies that will do anything to not communicate with the driver. I always communicated with brokers that reached out to me when I was a driver. It’s good to under promise and over deliver. [17:27] What is the third key to effective expediting? Knowledge of assets, such as expediting equipment. A lot of newcomers in the industry haven’t been trained or haven’t had a chance to feel the equipment. You always want to work with someone who has a history of dealing with assets directly. A lot of companies say they’re an expediter, but they’re trying to be a jack of all trades. [20:50] What is the fourth key to effective expediting? Having personal values. It’s about how people perceive you besides as having great customer service. We always do the right thing for the customer. That involves saying yes when we can and no when we can’t. I see a lot of people taking freight without even thinking about if they can make it happen. [23:06] What is the fifth key to effective expediting? They are even more important in expediting than in the regular truckload business. It’s very efficient when you know what the customer wants before they even tell you because your relationship is so strong. Using the same drivers and equipment is important. [26:46] Do you have any final thoughts? If you’re looking for an expediter, my advice is to take your time in choosing the right one. Focus on building a relationship. I’ve realized that being an expert in all fields makes you an expert in nothing. Learn more: Virnich Corporation: https://www.virncorp.com/ Alex Pavlovic LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpavlovic22/
7/27/2019 • 30 minutes, 1 second
5 Ways to Bring Your A Game to Sales with Ann Holm
Ann, please give us the Cliff Notes (condensed) version of your career Ann has been an executive coach for the past 10 past years Prior to beginning her coaching practice, Ann was a speech pathologist who worked with brain injured patients for 25 years Ann earned her bachelors and masters in speech pathology at The University of Michigan Ann and Joe Lynch have a sales coaching/training program that helps transportation and logistics professionals sell more services Please explain the term “bring your A game” The term “A game” is typically used in athletics and it means bring your best game, the right attitude, a winning, focused, positive mindset “A game” is now used broadly and refers to the attitude, effort, and skills required to slay the moment What is the first way to bring your A game to sales Leverage your experience with similar clients / similar type of companies Specialize in a certain market segment like e-commerce or hazardous materials transportation, which will make you an expert in the industry Research a specific industry and build your knowledge base so that you can feel very confident and comfortable when calling on someone within that industry What is the second way to bring your A game to sales More opportunities/more sales leads create a feeling of abundance and confidence Lots of sales leads helps salespeople feel like they are “on a roll” (positive momentum) Lots of opportunities brings a certain swagger to a salesperson Fill up the pipeline and you will feel like you have a margin of error Having lots of sales leads is like “fresh air” – another chance to make a sale What is the third way to bring your A game to sales? Knowing your blind spots – areas of low awareness that may trip you up Understanding your blind spots is important, but even more importantly, you must have strategies for addressing your blind spots Strengths and weaknesses are often very closely related People often have a weakness that is the flip side of their strength Example: Joe is a good communicator which is helpful (strength) unless he talks too much which becomes a problem (blind spot) Strengths will get you most of the way there and blind spots will prevent you from winning What is the fourth way to bring your A game to sales? Being aware of your emotional state and how it is affecting you positively or negatively is very important People wrongly assume that emotions can be ignored or buried, but your emotions will impact your sales performance so it important to get in touch with your emotions, especially the negative ones When you recognize the underlying cause of the emotion, you can take action to address the problem or at least accept/cope with it What is the fifth way to bring your A game to sales? Get comfortable (and prepared) when you are not “feeling it” - when you feel tired, uninspired, fearful, intimidated or overwhelmed In difficult moments, athletes rely on what they practiced, soldiers remember their training and good salespeople will follow their process (if you need a process call Joe Lynch at 517.375.0631 😊) Waiting for the right moment, when you feel fully inspired and brilliant is a recipe for failure If you want to feel confident, act confident and your heart and mind will follow your outward actions Ann, any final thoughts on ways to bring your A game to sales? You must find ways to act even when you are not feeling confident and positive Your A game doesn’t come like a lightning bolt from the sky, you must learn to create your A game when you need it Learn More: Ann’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/annholmnet Ann’s website: http://www.annholm.net/ Joe Lynch’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr
7/15/2019 • 30 minutes, 15 seconds
Improving the Driver Experience using Technology with Joshua Walls
Joshua, please introduce yourself I am a Joshua Walls, co-founder of Truckpark.com, a phone app that helps drivers find a safe, secure place to park. We developed our phone app as a tool to help truck drivers find safe and secure parking. Ideally, our app will improve the driver’s experience and quality of life. Please tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Go to school? What was your major in college? Grew up in Chicago and I am a big Chicago Cubs fan Earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Trinity International University Earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership, training and development from Lewis University What was your first job out of school? Neiman-Markus tasked with customer experience/customer engagement When and why did you start TruckPark? My partner, Anthony Petitte and I became interested in truck parking because we both had family members in trucking who complained that is was sometimes difficult to find safe and secure parking Joshua, today’s topic is “Improving the Driver Experience using Technology” so please tell us a little about the driver experience Joe, I am not a driver so I can’t fully describe all the issues facing drivers, but I can tell you what we have learned from talking with hundreds of drivers Also from talking to friends and family who are drivers. My brother is a driver so I have learned a lot from his experience The driver experience is a difficult one There are many challenges facing drivers both professionally and personally All of us worked to achieve a good work/life balance, however drivers have a much harder time because of the long hours on the road Joshua, let’s first talk about the professional issues drivers face On the professional side, drivers are also confronted with some unique challenges: First, they must cover a lot of miles – every time I travel any distance by car, I am reminded that drivers do this every damn day Secondly, they must conduct their business from the road Providing updates to dispatchers/brokers Coordinating with shippers – pick up and deliveries Finding their next load Invoicing, accounting, sales, etc. for owner operators Routine maintenance, fuel, etc. Traffic – very unpredictable, yet they must keep on schedule / be on time Weather – rain, snow, dangerous roads, extra time Lastly, they must comply with local, state and federal regulations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service / Electronic Logging Device We all try to follow rules, but when you are a driver, not complying means you could lose your livelihood Obviously, the rules are in place to protect the drivers and the general public, but some of the rules like ELD have some elements that are very difficult to manage Joshua, let’s first talk about the personal issues drivers face On the personal side they live on the road, which means: Time away from family – getting home for your daughter’s game or the school play is a real challenge Living a healthy lifestyle – finding affordable, healthy food, exercise Sleeping in an unsafe/unsecure location Fatigue – not getting a good night’s rest for a variety of reasons like Difficult work schedule – fighting their body clock Getting loaded/unloaded late Traffic – running late and running out of hours Can’t find a place to park/sleep If you work in an office, being tired is no big deal, but for drivers, fatigue is a life and death problem No wonder there is a driver’s shortage, the driver experience sounds rough Personal and professional blurs when you are a driver There are real quality of life issues that must be addressed or the industry will continue to have a driver shortage So, please tell us a little about the apps that drivers use on their phones and tablets First off, drivers are tech savvy, because of their lifestyles, they are connected via tablets, smart phones, laptops, CB radios (?) Productivity tools like email, texting, Voice activation applications are growing GPS, routing software, ELD Matching software to help them find a load home to avoid driving empty miles Tell me about your truck parking app From talking to drivers and our research, we have learned that driver: Spend 54 minutes per shift looking for parking 85% of drivers have experienced theft in a parking lot Our app Reserve spot in real time Safe/secure spot where you can actually sleep (peace of mind) Rating locations – amenities good/healthy food, truck wash, maintenance, etc How do truckers sign up? How much does it cost? The app is available for download from the Apple Store or Google play The app is free to download, and drivers do not pay extra to reserve parking Free to download – free to use Joshua, thank you so much for sharing your expertise, any final words? We need to improve the driver experience, to make it easier on drivers to put in those miles, otherwise the driver shortage will continue Trucking is the backbone of our economy and we need to respect the people who drive those trucks – improve their quality of life Apps like our can lighten the load for drivers, which in turn will increase productivity, safety and profits Learn More: Joshua Walls LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-a-walls-ma-43b15032 Truckpark.com app: https://truckpark.com/
7/9/2019 • 20 minutes, 50 seconds
Five Keys to Cold Chain Success with Tyler Hildebrand
Tyler, please introduce yourself (your title / company / location) I’m Tyler Hildebrand and I am an account executive at Reliable Transportation Solutions in Cincinnati, OH Please tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Go to school? What was your major in college? Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH Growing up I worked in lots of warehouses and was very interested in art Attended college at Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota FL, where I studied illustration You have had an interesting career path, tell us a little about your story Owned and operated an art gallery As an artist, I was commissioned to create artwork for some iconic organizations like the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football, etc. As a freelance marketer, I often worked closely with clients in the transportation and logistics space, so I began to understand the business I joined a university as an art professor, was promoted to administration and was even considered for the president of the university Transitioned to transportation and logistics when a recommended me for an opportuniy Before we dig into the “Five Keys to Cold Chain Success”, let’s cover the basics. What is the cold chain? A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable food products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals in order to maintain their quality and increase their shelf-life A cold chain is essential because it: Reduces food loss due to spoilage Enhances food safety and quality Balances and manages the supply and demand of food Talk a little bit about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Biggest overhaul of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in history Signed into law Jan. 4, 2011 Ensures safety and security of the food and feed supply to protect human and animal health. Significant impact to the food supply chain FSMA applies to: Food transported in bulk, where the food touches the walls of the vehicle (Example: juices) Packaged foods not fully enclosed by a container (Example: fresh produce) Food that require temperature control for safety (Example: beef) Tell us about the cold chain infrastructure It’s a lot more than just reefers – the cold chain starts in the fields and ends when the consumer buys it -- Precooling facilities. Precooling is the removal of heat energy from crops after they are harvested. Precooling reduces spoilage and slows ripening. Refrigerated storagerefers to the storing of goods in a reduced temperature atmosphere. Heat is removed from the storage container or room to help keep goods cold. Refrigerated transportis a form of climate-controlled transportation which is designed to maintain a cool or frozen temperature. Packaging is another key component of the cold chain. Cold chain packaging is specifically designed to help maintain a reduced temperature. Cold chain packaging is sometimes insulated and or thermal. Information management systems are transforming the cold chain through: Route optimization WMS, TMS, documentation Hardware - scanning equipment, phone apps Business intelligence & KPIs Real time monitoring and alerts for non-compliance Now that we know the basics, what is the first key to cold chain success? Creating the Right Culture Continuous improvement Risk management Chain of custody Problem resolution Root cause analysis What is the second key to cold chain success? Develop a food safety plan - FSMA Requires it FSMA in a Nutshell Process Summary Written food safety plan Identify potential hazards / risks - Document every potential risk to food safety Implement a preventive control that will minimize or eliminate every risk Monitor controls to ensure they are done Training Documentation The food safety plan should be created with input from the extended team (suppliers, carriers, team members, experts and customers) The food safety plan is a living document that should be updated on a regular basis PROCESS/HAZARD/CONTROL/MONITOR What is the third to cold chain success? Leverage technology To ensure food safety and comply to FSMA, companies should try to use technology to monitor temperature control Real time monitoring and alerts for non-compliance The technology needs to be calibrated / updated Technology doesn’t quit or call or sick What is the fourth key to cold chain success? Cold Chain Transportation that is sanitary (regardless of mode – air, road, ship, etc..) Appropriate temperature control during transport. Sanitation, including: Monitoring and ensuring the sanitation and condition of transportation vehicles is appropriate Pest control Sanitation associated with loading & unloading procedures Clean out Prior loads Appropriate packaging/packing of food products and transportation units (e.g., good quality pallets, correct use of packing materials). Good communications between shipper, transporter and receiver. Employee awareness and training. What is the fifth key to cold chain success? Choose supply chain partners who are FSMA compliant and who value food safety as much as your company does Partners should have all appropriate certifications for their industry Update procurement and carrier agreements to include FSMA provisions The FSMA raises the bar on monitoring, data management and processes. Software can make these activities easier. If possible, use sensors and electronic alerts to monitor important functions like temperature, testing and process compliance. Tyler, thank you so much for the education – really good stuff. Please wrap it up for us To ensure that the food supply chain is kept safe, you must do the work There are no short cut in FSMA compliance What’s new over at Reliable? Reliable Transportation Solutions is an asset based 3PL specializing in refrigerated food transportation Centrally located in Cincinnati OH In addition to our own fleet (reefers/dry vans) we also have a full service brokerage To Learn More: Reliable Transportation Solutions: https://www.relyonrts.com/#homePage Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-hildebrand-87778829/
7/7/2019 • 39 minutes, 34 seconds
A New Model for LTL Shipping with Keith Farnsworth
[00:20] Opening / Introduction [00:39] Can you tell us a little bit about where you work and where you live? I am the Senior Director of Carrier Development at MyCarrierTMS. We’re based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. [01:12] Tell us a little bit about how you started your logistics career. I started at an LTL carrier working on the dock. I got to see how the operation works from the ground level. Over the years, I grew with LTL companies and took on different roles. I joined a startup that grew to about $80,000,000 in ten years, and then I went back to the asset-based side. [03:15] Can you explain what LTL is? LTL is less than truckload. They pick up a variety of shipments and handle them multiple times throughout their network. It gives customers a cheaper option when they’re shipping less than a truckload. It’s a lot more complex than just going from point A to point B, but it offers the customer value. [07:12] Tell us about the market leaders. They include FedEx, YRC, and Old Dominion. Seven companies represent a large chunk of the market. Technology plays a huge role in helping carriers to optimize their linehaul. [09:30] Describe the innovative new model that you like. The current model is that you can go to a 3PL and use their services or go direct to the carrier. We’ve learned that the average LTL shipper uses 2.4 different web-based platforms to manage their transportation. It’s not very efficient. The model that we’re working with is using API technology to speed up the process. They can connect to carriers in a matter of seconds. [11:36] Let’s say I’m using a 3PL. If I were to use your model, I wouldn’t necessarily need to use a 3PL. What would that look like? If you’re a small-to-medium sized shipper right now, you don’t have access to cost effective technology. In the new model, carriers are offering to license this technology on behalf of their customers. [13:32] In this new model, will it be the same operationally? It will be very similar. Obviously, there’s not going to be a middleman. You’ll be able to interact directly with carriers. [15:09] How can a small company get good pricing with an LTL company? A lot of times, the 3PL has the buying power that a small company doesn’t have. We’ve found that the system and how it connects the carrier and shipper has so many efficiencies built in that the carriers are competitive with pricing. Trust plays a large factor. Usually, you have to trust the 3PL and the carrier. If you go direct, you only have to trust the carrier. [17:16] Describe the new scenario if as a small company, I now go directly to the LTL carriers. Let’s say I’m working with five and going into each of their systems individually. This technology allows them all to tie their direct pricing into one clean system. You can bring in any carrier and still have direct rates. [22:56] Describe your solution one more time so we have a good sense of how it works. Our partner carriers are offering free technology to their shippers and are licensing the cost of that technology on their behalf so that they can continue to strengthen the direct shipper-to-carrier relationship. You can manage all your tracking in one convenient location. [24:45] Any final thoughts to wrap this up? It’s exciting to see how quick this technology is being adopted. These are really exciting times. Additional Information Keith Farnsworth LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-farnsworth-21b23835 MyCarrierTMS: https://www.mycarriertms.com/landing
6/23/2019 • 28 minutes, 5 seconds
7 Reasons Panama is the Latin American Supply Chain Capital with Demo Perez
[00:20] Opening / Introduction [00:51] Tell us about yourself and what you do in Panama. I was born and raised in Panama and manage a 3PL. My main role is to promote the hub that Panama offers to the world. [02:19] What was your first job in logistics? A relative of mine had a parcel company that got a contract with a multinational. He learned that he needed to serve a different area than he was in, so he called all his friends and family to help him launch. I was one of them. I started delivering parcels for him. [03:52] You’re the General Manager of Logistics Services Panama. What type of customer do you serve there? We serve global multinationals, typically US-based. [05:12] Latin America has so much opportunity because of their growth, but they’re hard to work with. Panama understands how to work with those markets, which is why the country is so important. Please elaborate. The difference with Latin America is that every country has their own culture and consumer behavior. It’s hard for companies to penetrate these markets. We have specialized in enabling our customer’s products to pass through tariff barriers. [07:46] You didn’t have to work with these smaller companies back in the day, but now it really matters. There are many countries in Latin America that are growing. Panama is becoming more interesting, and not only for the US. [10:40] Tell us a little more about Panama. It’s strategically located in the very middle of the continent. Spanish colonies decided that Panama would be a good path to discover new territories because it could be used to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific in a short period of time. We have about 4,000,000 people. [17:13] What’s the first reason that Panama is Latin America’s supply chain capital? This is one of the elements you must have to serve your end customer. The Panama Canal is the backbone of the hub. It’s about fifty miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic. I can see the Pacific from my kitchen window, and the Atlantic from my office window. We also have very fast internet. [20:45] What is the number-two reason that Panama is Latin America’s supply chain capital? Our ports and location. We have developed a really good working infrastructure. We’re not only crossing ships, but servicing them as well. We are moving over 7,000,000 containers per year. [23:15] What is the number-three reason that Panama is Latin America’s supply chain capital? The time it takes to move a container from Asia to the US and then to Latin America adds a lot of costs. In Panama, you wouldn’t have those. The costs will be at least 50% less than doing all the processing in the US. Regarding the new tariffs between the US and Mexico, you don’t need to worry about them if you take the product right to Panama. [28:09] What’s the fourth reason that Panama is Latin America’s supply chain capital? Our economy. It’s growing and has allowed us to develop the infrastructure needed for logistics. Panama is the most competitive market in Latin America and the US dollar is used. [31:22] What’s the fifth reason? The free trades zones that we have. Long ago the country found a free trade agreement from Louisiana, translated it into Spanish, and implemented it. There’s now a free trade zone being developed in the airport. [33:20] What’s number six? We’re a business-friendly country. There are over 150 Latin American headquarters for multinational companies in Panama. We don’t have issues with visas. [35:59] What is number seven? We understand the market. Latin America is a very different place to do business and we know that. We create different labels for different countries. If there’s something we can do for our customers, we do it. [40:41] Now in the US, we’re expecting to see things we ordered online on our front porch in a few days. Latin American consumers will say the same thing, so we need inventory close to them. The future of Latin American ecommerce is bright. Because everyone lives online, people here will see new products at the same time as the US. The product needs to be available to the end customer. [45:08] What do you have to say to wrap this up? Every day, there are new disruptions in this industry. We need to react as fast as possible. It’s no longer the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow. The ones reacting fast are gaining business, and Panama makes reacting easier. [46:14] What’s going on at your company? We want to move more into light manufacturing and assembly. We are getting better every day with our operational excellence.
6/9/2019 • 48 minutes, 29 seconds
How to Select a 3PL with Joe Lynch and Adam Robinson
Understand the 3PL Business Models – Asset based, Non-asset based, Asset light Asset based 3PLs own physical assets like trucks, planes, warehouses, etc. Pros: Since they own their assets, these 3PLs are able to use their own equipment to service customers. Truck availability is not a problem. Cons: Asset based companies typically have a limited service area compared to non-asset based companies that broker shipments through partner carriers. Non-asset based 3PLs use the assets from other logistics companies. Pros: If the 3PL is good at procurement, they can build a large network of partners / carriers. Cons: Since these 3PLs are dependent on their partners, they may sometimes struggle with difficult lanes. These companies also lack operational knowledge because they do not own assets. Asset light 3PLs own physical assets and also partner with other logistics companies similar to non-asset based companies. This is a relatively new model and is considered superior to the other models (asset based & non-asset based). Asset light companies have the best of both worlds – assets and brokerage capabilities. Wall Street values asset light 3PLs higher than asset based or non-asset based companies. Financial Stability Dun & Bradstreet. D&B is a business credit rating service. The most important measure is the Paydex metric. Paydex is a numerical credit score for the promptness of their payments to creditors. Look for a 3PL that beats the logistics industry average. In other words, select a 3PL with a higher D&B Paydex score than their industry peers. Older, more established companies are less likely to have cash flow issues than newer companies. New, fast growing companies burn through a lot of cash, which can cause slow payments. Specialization / Current Customers Specialization. Choose a 3PL that specializes in LTL and truckload. 3PLs that specialize in other services like air freight, sea freight, warehousing, etc. will often sell over the road services as a side business. Similar Customers. Look for a 3PL that has a customer base that has similar requirements as your business. The familiarity will reduce the learning curve and risk during the startup phase. Transactional vs. Strategic. High volume LTL shippers should hire a 3PL that has a focus on strategic shippers. Transactional shippers typically don’t ship much and they don’t commit to any one logistics company. Transactional shippers almost always pay more than strategic shippers. 3PLs that have transactional shippers are often not use to the requirements of a strategic shipper. Strategic shippers ship more than transactional shippers and they typically require customized solutions and a dedicated team. Customized Solutions. Larger shippers almost always require a customized solution. If you are a high volume LTL shipper, you should pick a 3PL that understands your unique requirements and can customize their service to meet those requirements. Transportation Management System (TMS) TMS capabilities vary greatly. Any system will quote, track, audit and pay for shipments, the best systems do so much more. The best TMS will do route planning, consolidation and optimization, which will save a lot more money than just negotiating good rates. Hire a company using one of the top systems. Also, make sure the 3PL you hire has their own dedicated TMS people on staff. Operational Excellence Operational excellence refers to the best practices and activities that get the desired business results including, but not limited to: Lean Processes Well defined processes to manage the business. A process orientation will enable cross training and continuous improvement. Carrier Network. For non-asset based and asset light 3PLs, the ability to partner with asset based companies is key. Bigger 3PLs will typically have a carrier procurement group and thousands of partner relationships. Service Area Footprint. When considering an asset based 3PL, ask about their service area footprint. Most asset based companies will serve only a few states or a region. Asset light companies use their own assets and partner with other carriers to cover a much larger footprint. Risk Management. A focus on risk mitigation is key. Reducing risk is really important during the transition to a new 3PL. Metrics / Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The best 3PLs use objective metrics / KPIs to measure performance. Canada & Mexico. Hire a company with significant experience in shipping to and from Canada and Mexico. Custom’s requirements are ever changing, so hire a company that moves freight daily over these borders. Every Mode / Worldwide. Even if your company doesn’t need the services, hire a 3PL that has the capability to ship worldwide and in every mode. Many shippers find themselves stuck with the wrong 3PL, when their business requires additional 3PL expertise. 24/7. Your 3PL should have support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose a 3PL that can deal with exceptions, emergencies and expedites. People and Organization Senior Management. The best 3PLs have the best management. Look for companies that have stable, hands on senior management that has been around for at least 3 years. Dedicated Resources/People should be assigned to large accounts. There should be multiple points of contact including: salesman, director of operations, logistics coordinator / analyst and payment & auditing analyst. The 3PL team should become an extension of your logistics group. Solid Organization. Many sales driven companies have grown through far flung franchises / agents that lack adequate ties to the home office. Choose a company with management oversight, accountability and a focus on operations. Experienced team. During the Great Recession, a lot of older, experienced people left the logistics business. Logistics companies now employ younger people, make sure they are well trained and managed. Company Culture Dictates Behavior Every company has it’s own unique culture. Look for the following cultural traits when picking a 3PL: Your 3PL should be a trusted partner. An extra phone call or email can prevent a lot of problems. Responsive & Flexible. Able to quickly address new challenges and opportunities. Win-Win Relationships. Communication is the game changer in the logistics business. Ownership of Problems. A good 3PL is always looking to take on new problems from the customer. Whatever it Takes Attitude. Hire a 3PL that will go the extra mile. Reputation & References Check a company’s website. If a company has a poor website or none at all, it should raise a red flag. Also search for relevant news about your prospective 3PL. Linkedin is a great way to investigate the people who work at a company. Check References. Talking to current customers will provide good insights to a 3PL’s performance. Note: many shippers who use 3PLs are reluctant to discuss their 3PL relationships, so this option is sometimes limited. Statement of Work / Implementation Support The 3PL statement of work (or contract) should be fair, simple and contain the right level of details. The roles and responsibilities of the 3PL and the shipper should be listed. Excessive penalties, legal jargon and clauses are not the right way to begin a relationship. Collaboration and communication during the early stages will save lots of problems in the future. Original podcast episode: https://cerasis.com/3pl-selection-criteria/ Original article: https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/selecting-a-3pl/ Cerasis podcast: https://cerasis.com/category/podcast Adam Robinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markadamrobinson/ Joe Lynch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/ Also, check out my interview with Adam Robinson: https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/gaining-favorable-attention-with-adam-robinson/
6/7/2019 • 44 minutes, 48 seconds
Build Your Credibility and Fill Your Pipeline Using Email with Tom Miller
[00:21] Opening / Introduction [00:41] Tell us about your company. I run a marketing firm called Email for Experts. We help consulting and professional service firms create clients using email marketing. I graduated from the University of Maryland in 2010. I worked in engineering for about six years before moving into marketing. [03:43] Tell us about the distinction of what I’m doing in email marketing versus what you’re doing. I still do a good amount of what you’re doing, which is the more traditional sense of email marketing. This involves having a list of contacts and publishing a newsletter, or a sales offer that you periodically send out. The other type of email marketing that we’re doing is instead of already having permission to email a group of individuals, we are prospecting and emailing people cold. [05:59] How does somebody go about building their credibility using email marketing? A lot of times when people think about using any marketing channel to bring in new prospects, they’re thinking about the best pitch to make. The problem is that everybody is pitching. You need to build an email marketing approach that is more inline with how you would meet somebody at a conference. If you behave like a friendly human rather than thinking about how you can blast your message out to thousands of people, you can gain a competitive advantage. [08:59] How does email marketing fill my pipeline? The difficulty with prospecting in general is not only finding a list of people who seem like they are decision makers in your industry, but also making sure they are the most relevant for the service that you provide. One of the best tools that I use is called Prospect.io along with LinkedIn Sales Navigator. The nice thing about pretty much any software you’re using for marketing these days is there’s usually a way to connect it to your CRM. It’s pretty straightforward. Regardless of which tool you use, they all have the ability to accelerate the process of finding targeted prospects. [14:20] I know there’s people who are listening who are saying they hate getting email marketing. I hate that too. I have the same types of messages in my spam folder. Email is great because it’s where most people in the business world spend most of their day. The downside is that so many people know that and sometimes use it for nefarious purposes. The important thing is to reach out in a way that facilitates conversation instead of just a hard pitch. [17:53] Potentially, if you don’t start off on the right foot, you can quickly become that guy in the spam folder that we all hate. It’s amazing what a little bit of targeting in your approach and a little bit of forethought can do. Focus on the things that your target is typically thinking about. This will make your prospect feel like you already know something about them. [20:29] You’ve picked a niche. If you were sending an email out to everybody, you’d have to make your message broader, which makes it less valuable. If you can identify something that differentiates you and your business, that’s something that translates directly into your marketing approach. [23:27] Talk about the ROI in email marketing. For what we’re talking about, the numbers are a little bit different. We’re not selling a $100 product, but rather five or six figure contracts. There are a lot of different touch points that go into the process, so it’s difficult to pin down the ROI of an email outreach. It’s more like a piece of the overall puzzle. [25:52] By building rapport, you’re building something that is easy to sell from as opposed to starting the process cold. You’re taking that initial window that you have to start a sales conversation and extending it greatly. As long as they are in contact with you, you always have an opportunity to be there when they move forward with a buying decision. [29:08] This way of email marketing is so targeted that I think it’s better than traditional email marketing. You can work on building traffic to your website or the size of your email list until the end of time, but you’ll never get close to the numbers of some people. What you can do is start this outreach process. You don’t need to have a giant list to see results. Links: Tom Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-j-miller/ Email for Experts: https://emailforexperts.com/ Receive Daily Email about Email: https://emailforexperts.com/daily-email/ Prospect: https://prospect.io/ (plug-in for email prospecting) LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator
5/28/2019 • 32 minutes, 40 seconds
Year 2025 - The Future of the 3PL Industry with Andrew Kelley
[00:21] Opening / Introduction [00:57] Tell us a little bit about what you’re up to. I spend all of my time in supply chain and logistics software, focusing on the lower-middle market. [01:54] What will the 3PL industry look like in 2025? There is a slow, creeping evolution of technology as CRM systems get better and better. These will make brokers more efficient and help them focus more on customer service, specialization, etc. This is largely a relationship business, and not all of it can be automated. In 2025, there will be more consolidation and technology will play a larger role. [04:43] What types of companies do you think will be at the top? Domestically, I think CH Robinson, JB Hunt, UPS, and FedEx are doing a decent job. A non-traditional 3PL is Amazon, who is both a customer and a competitor to some of the other domestic 3PLs. Internationally, DHL and some others are good partners with people that I talk to domestically. Hustling is mandatory for everyone in this space, but the twist is working smart versus working hard. [07:48] Do you see any of those tech names like Uber and Convoy being at the top of the heap in 2025? It’s never been easier to develop software and technology than it is right now because there are so many tools and platforms. The new entrants understand technology far better than the incumbents do. They have the potential to create a call option on success, but that doesn’t mean they’re all going to be successful. More domain expertise needs to be inside of these start-ups to completely understand the dynamics. The best founders that I’ve seen in the space humbly embrace what they don’t know and have good partners come in to strengthen their greatest weakness. [12:30] Tell us about some of the trends you think are going to impact the industry over the next five years. Historically, a lot of the industry hasn’t embraced technology. There is a fair amount of inefficiency. It’s hard to predict the evolution of technologies that will be impactful on the space. There’s a lot of discussion around blockchain. I’m not sold that there’s a use case for it. Automation is being tested in the US. Consolidation will be one of the ways the upper half of the 3PL industry will better compete. Of course, there is the migration from retail to ecommerce. [17:29] Ordering from sites like Amazon makes people think “why am I not getting this level of service from my 3PL?” The interface is much nicer, too. I’ve seen the best user interface people focusing on mobile. The mobile interfaces will get increasingly better. Web interfaces are getting better too. The tools used to find out where people are clicking on a website or on an app have gotten a lot better. [19:57] One trend I’ve seen over the past ten years is that the shippers didn’t necessarily have to pick a 3PL based on technology and investment. Now, they don’t want to buy their own TMS and integrate it into their ERP. They want to find a 3PL because they will know how to manage all of this already. It was a lot harder to integrate five or ten years ago. Still, the ability for a 3PL to provide a fuller solution is a benefit to them in servicing their customers. [21:41] What drives consolidation? Why should it happen? Global customers are looking for more visibility and more coverage. They’re looking for trailers to be dropped at warehouses at pre-determined times. The concept of providing a more wholesome overall service is at the heart of what’s driving consolidation and what I expect to continue. [23:12] You mentioned the global economy we live in. People are looking for global solutions. There’s the supply chain and the demand chain. On the demand chain, the market is heading towards anticipating where the demand is going to be. The concept of massive warehouses is breaking down. Smaller warehouses with micro inventory are getting more popular. [25:18] What emerging technologies will shape the future of supply chain and logistics? Machine learning, for sure. A use case I’ve seen is training machines to look at invoices and picking off different pieces of information. Having the data in the first place is important, and that doesn’t happen overnight. Video and voice are growing, such as cameras on trucks and Bluetooth headsets. I hope that the ability to integrate different data systems gets better. [30:05] Who do you think will be successful among the digital freight brokers? The freight brokers that are most successful are the ones that have lots of shipper relationships. Many of the digital freight brokers I see don’t have any relationship with shippers, and that makes it really hard. Amazon and JB Hunt have a lot of shipper density. NEXT Trucking is an emerging player with a lot of cap to freight. Just because you create a logistics app doesn’t mean anyone is going to use it. [37:19] I saw an article recently about how Amazon is buying up old malls. It’s all about having inventory closer to the people who will purchase it. With demand planning, you can put the inventory in these places and reduce the overall length of haul. [40:34] Why, in the last decade, are there suddenly so many investors interested in the logistics industry? Putting money to work in businesses that are relatively inefficient and have the potential to improve over time are a good place for capital to go. We’re seeing people take advantage of a space that hasn’t had much innovation. [44:19] Occasionally, I’ve talked to people representing logistics industry investors who have very little knowledge about the space. Sometimes, it’s because people have to look at many investments to make one. People will invest because they received advice from someone they trust, and they’ll learn about the industry over time. [47:06] What would you recommend the owners and employees of smaller companies do to prepare for 2025? If you’ve got the ability, get someone who is responsible for market intelligence. Getting the most relevant info about what is happening with competitors, innovation, and investments is gold. Create a mechanism to understand what is happening in the world around your company. You need to get someone who knows what information is important for your company.
5/27/2019 • 52 minutes, 42 seconds
The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell
The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales with Steve Elwell Steve Elwell and Joe Lynch discuss the only 3 ways to improve your sales. [00:22] A few weeks ago, I had Steve on the podcast to discuss the buying process. In that interview, Steve said something like “there are only 3 ways to improve sales” which I found very intriguing. In today’s podcast, Steve and I will discuss those 3 ways to improve sales. [01:16] Steve, I got lots of great feedback on the buying process podcast, but now I want to discuss a new topic, The Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales. Before we begin that discussion, please review the buying process with us again as a starting point. The buyers (our prospects) have a process for determining if they want to buy our product or service – that is the buying process. The buyers control the buying process, as salespeople, we can only attempt to influence the buying process. The sales process should always be aligned to the buying process Since we don’t control the buying process, salespeople can only do their best to understand how their customers buy. [02:33] What is the first way we can improve our sales? Increase the number of opportunities you have available to you using the following tools and strategies: Online presence Websites Content like blog posts, videos, and podcasts Search engine optimization Social media LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Youtube Advertising Magazines Brand and messaging Customer-focused Increased credibility / reputation Focus on one market segment Develop critical mass in a market (retail, distribution, e-commerce, etc.) Specialization Hire more salespeople More lead generation with existing customers and new prospects Networking, lead generation, relationship building (offline) Promotion Conferences Industry events Feet on the streets [09:59] What is the second way we can improve our sales? Reduce the amount of time that it takes to get to a decision. Have a sense of urgency for everything within our control. Do not extend the time required by making the customer wait for information from you. “Keep the ball in the customer’s court.” Standardized processes. Systems that improve efficiency. [13:00] What is the third way we can improve our sales? Improve the rate of success at which you can close by Better salesmanship. The relative strength of the offer. Product or service. Perceived value. Alignment to the buying process. [16:03] To summarize, the three ways to improve sales are 1.) Increase the number of opportunities you have available to you. 2.) Shorten the amount of time that it takes to get to a decision. 3.) Improve the rate of success at which you can close Yes, that’s it, however, there are a few things that are critically important to improving sales that we didn’t touch on: Sales filter. A set of criteria or questions that qualifies new opportunities Upgrading your people. Hiring better people Training your people Managing your people better A good sales manager can positively impact all three areas that we discussed today. Learn More About the Only 3 Ways to Improve Your Sales Steve Elwell The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
5/15/2019 • 25 minutes, 21 seconds
Selecting an E-commerce Fulfillment Partner with AJ Khanijow
[00:20] Opening / Introduction I (AJ Khanijow) am the founder and CEO of Fulfyld, an e-commerce fulfillment company that specializes in B2C shipments and home delivery. Fulfyld is based in Huntsville, Alabama. [01:00] Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school and what did you study? I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. I earned an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University. The industrial engineering program was great because it gave me a good background in both engineering and business. [01:30] What was your first job? My first job was in the business intelligence space for a consulting company. Shortly after, I became a quality engineer for an automotive company. Automotive supply chains are big and complex. While working in automotive, I was exposed to supply chain best practices and a variety of different 3rd party logistics providers. [02:15] When and why did you start your company? I started Fulfyld about five years ago in 2014 Early on, the company was a manufacturer of packaging for the United States military. We got into the fulfillment space almost by accident when a client of ours sold some products online and didn't know how to get them shipped to their customers. Today, the company's focus is on e-commerce fulfillment and shipping directly to the consumer (home delivery). [03:25] Take us through the process of selecting an e-commerce fulfillment partner. First e-commerce companies should conduct a thorough internal assessment of their company to determine what they want from an e-commerce fulfillment partner. Companies should understand all the moving parts internally and what exactly your partner is going to be doing vs what will be managed in-house. Next, determine suitable locations for e-commerce fulfillment. Fulfillment locations should be close to carrier transportation hubs, ports, customers, and suppliers. Decide if you would like to fulfill externally or internally. Figure out how your ERP and e-commerce platform will integrate with your e-commerce fulfillment partner. [05:00] What comes after the internal assessment when selecting an e-commerce fulfillment partner? Cultural Fit: How does your business fit within the culture of your fulfillment partner? I always look to see if I can hang out with potential partners, that way you knows if it will be a good fit. [6:30] Range of Services: Ensure they offer all the services necessary for your supply chain to succeed. If your partner makes a critical mistake, it could be detrimental to your business. [7:30] Third-Party Logistics: Will they be able to accommodate all of your SKUs? [9:15] Technology Integration: Many traditional 3PLs specialize in TL and LTL shipping so their systems may not be suitable for managing small parcel shipments. Booking a dozen TL shipments is very different from processing thousands of small parcel shipments. To manage that volume of customer orders, you must have the right systems (technology) for the job. [11:00] Location: Your partner needs to be in close proximity to the carrier terminals. For instance, Huntsville is great for us because it is close to three of the biggest hubs (terminals) for small parcel carriers: Louisville, Memphis, and Atlanta. Make sure you are in a state that is low cost and good for business. The labor rate in L.A. is almost double what it is in Alabama. [13:20] Dedicated Customer Service: The ability to pick up the phone and talk to someone who is dedicated to your account is something I highly recommend. Essentially, your e-commerce fulfillment partner is running your supply chain so communication is critical. Problems must be identified and solved quickly, which means you can't be directed to a call center - you need an account manager who knows your business. [15:50] E-commerce Experience: Having experience in the e-commerce business is a requirement. E-commerce companies are usually young companies, so they need to select an e-commerce fulfillment partner who is experienced in e-commerce fulfillment, small parcel and B2C shipping. There are large, established 3PLs who have great capabilities but know very little about e-commerce fulfillment. [18:25] Operational Excellence: To be successful, your fulfillment partner must have great operations. Ask questions about how they manage orders. Do they have defined processes? Does their technology and order management system allow you to view things in real time? Do they have relationships with the small parcel carriers? [20:20] Reputation and References: Ask your prospective partner for references and talk to some of their current customers. Check out their LinkedIn company page and look at LinkedIn profiles for some of their employees. LinkedIn can tell you quite a bit about the size and capability of a company. [22:10] Contract: Review their contract and determine if it is fair. Is the contract biased and filled with unnecessary legal jargon? Are you being charged ridiculous fees? If you are picking a strategic partner, the contact shouldn't be transactional. Make sure the contract is transparent and your interests are aligned. [24:20] Engage the Cross-functional Team: Perhaps the most important thing you can do when selecting an e-commerce fulfillment partner is to engage the cross-functional team (accounting, sales, engineering, operations, etc..) in the process. An e-commerce fulfillment partner is an extension of your company and it touches virtually every function, so get input from each functional area. Your e-commerce fulfillment partner is the beating heart of the business because they are ones who convert an order into a delivery and hopefully a satisfied customer. [25:50] What's new at Fulfyld? We are launching a new program this month, where we will pay our customers back $10-$30 for any order that is not shipped the same day. If we receive the order by 2:00 pm, we will ship it out that day. We have successfully piloted the program with a few of our customers and now we are launching for all our customers. We know e-commerce fulfillment and this program allows us to demonstrate both our operational expertise and our commitment to our customers. Learn more: Fulfyld website: https://www.fulfyld.com Fulfyld LinkedIn company profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulfyld/ Ajesh (AJ) Khanijow's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhanijow/ Contact Fulfyld: https://www.fulfyld.com/contact/contact-1
4/30/2019 • 27 minutes, 43 seconds
Understanding How Your Customer Thinks with Ann Holm
[00:20] Opening / Introduction [02:50] What is the one thing your clients get that they did not expect? Understanding how your customer thinks. Knowing the varying temperaments will assist in understanding the differences between how people think. It’s easy to remember, and the tips are immediately helpful. All customers think differently; however, temperament is being able to take a calibrated guess on how they will feel. [05:20] How many different temperaments do you get to teach us about today? There are four; just like the directions on a compass. The Greeks came up with temperament; the modern-day version has its roots in the Myers-Briggs personality assessment. From the 16 personalities, you can group them into four temperament categories. [07:30] Tell us about the four types of temperaments. Traditionalist/Guardian: they make up forty percent of the population. Risk-averse and tend to like much structure. Experiencer/Artisans: they make up thirty percent of the population. They are looking for something efficient and straightforward. Theorist/Conceptualizer: they make up fifteen percent of the population. Silicon Valley mindset, often thinking of technological innovation. Idealist: they make up fifteen percent of the population. They are interested in personal development and may get jobs in human resources. [11:45] Take us through each one of these groups and how to identify them. [12:50] 1. Traditionalist: Someone like Warren Buffett, they tend to be very detailed and step-by-step. They look at the facts and past performances and are very time conscious. For instance, if a traditionalist says they have fifteen minutes to talk with you, that does not mean twenty minutes. Others may think of them as rigid because they are so time conscious. Generally, traditionalists are not about small talk; they want you to get to the point. Corporate America is absolutely a traditionalist structure; getting from one job to another is based on past performance. [16:40] 2. Experiencer: They are calibrated toward making things simple and efficient with a tangible payoff. For example, Richard Branson, the English business magnate behind the Virgin Group is an experiencer. Some adjectives to describe this group are fun and playful; Richard Branson seems like a fun person to work for. They are much more relaxed than the traditionalist, less time efficient, and more playful. Perhaps they go out for a couple of beers or go golfing to talk business. [20:50] 3. Theorist: These people tend to be long-term and strategic in their thinking. They are often looking at cutting-edge things; not something that has worked before, but something that will be the thing five years from now. For example, Flexport is a company with a theorist mindset. They are giving solutions that will take time to implement now, but long-term will work. Elon Musk is another example of a theorist. There is a lean toward wanting to debate, they will argue with many of your ideas in a meeting, but later could decide they want to implement those ideas. [25:40] 4. Idealist: Individuals are often in sales and tend to be authentic, collaborative, and are constantly learning. They are also relationship oriented and truly believe in the products they are selling. [28:30] Give us four quotes, and we will decide which temperament said it. “Complexity is your enemy.” -Experiencer (Richard Branson) “If the future doesn’t include being out there among the stars and being a multi-planet species, it’s incredibly depressing.” -Theorist (Elon Musk) “So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was.” -Idealist (J.K. Rowling) “I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” -Traditionalist (Warren Buffett) [32:15] How to recognize and best engage each temperament as it relates to our customers. Traditionalist: Time efficient and low-risk. Engage this customer by making sure you have facts about past performance. Experiencer: Playful but straightforward and efficient. Engage this customer by keeping it brief, but prove that you know the details. Theorist: Long-term thinkers and strategic. Keep it high-level and talk about the big picture, add as few details as possible; they want to connect the dots themselves. Idealist: They want to be collaborative and make sure everyone is on the same page. Engage this customer by speaking about future goals, the big picture, and try being more personable. Learn more: Ann’s Twitter profile: https://twitter.com/AnnholmNet Ann’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annholmnet/ Contact Ann: https://www.annholm.net/contact-me/
4/28/2019 • 39 minutes, 16 seconds
Fostering E-commerce Growth with Jonathan Kish
[00:21] Opening / Introduction [01:27] Tell us about your background. I grew up in Buffalo and studied political science at a school just outside of Rochester. I ended up selling small parcel to companies in Minnesota and Wisconsin for a few years before transitioning into selling transportation management solutions to companies in the Pacific Northwest. [02:25] Before getting into the five problems you have identified that e-commerce companies face with post-purchase experience, take us through some of the basics of e-commerce. As an e-commerce shopper, you’re doing one of two things: buying directly from a brand’s URL or buying from a major marketplace. [04:13] What does the post-purchase experience look like? When people think of e-commerce, they often just think of everything that happens before the sale. An important driver of getting people to buy from your website a second time is the post-purchase experience, including shipping, tracking, returns, customer service, etc. [05:33] When you wrote this article, who were you writing it for? I wrote for people who work in e-commerce, operations, or logistics departments at mid-market companies that want to sell directly from their website. [07:04] Take us through the five problems with post-purchase experience. [07:30] 1. There is no single, integrated solution that addresses consumer expectations in 2019 for web sales. Marketplaces have created very high expectations from customers. When a mid-market company is trying to design their site around these expectations, they find that no single provider can do everything that a marketplace does. [09:24] 2. Transportation companies are not a replacement for e-commerce partners. While delivery companies are really good at delivering parcels, I found that when they are designing or proposing their services to e-commerce companies, they’re a little bit stringent. Transportation companies have designed their networks over decades, not around the needs of shoppers in 2019. [10:56] 3. Lost revenue and fewer site visits that are caused by customers tracking their orders on a carrier website. As a shopper, when I receive a confirmation email and a tracking number, I click the link and get directed to a carrier’s website. It’s a missed opportunity because I could be upsold on other items if I was directed to the website of the company I purchased from. You’re paying the carrier to take customers away from your website. There are companies out there than can provide integrated solutions to track the parcel on the original website. [14:56] 4. E-commerce companies overpay for small parcel delivery. Time and time again, companies are defaulting to the biggest players in the market that are priced at a premium level. The main reason I found was that people in e-commerce and marketing have no idea that alternatives even exist. I try to emphasize that they do exist and, more importantly, they don’t have the rate increases that some of the larger players in the market have. [16:57] 5. Companies are losing out on repeat purchases due to an antiquated returns process. Returns can make or break a business, especially for brands that are trying to gain recognition in the market. When someone wants to make a return, they’re already not happy, and making the returns process difficult will make them even less likely to buy again. Refunds can sometimes take a long time as well, which is completely unacceptable. [20:28] Marketplaces are trusted, but that trust still has to be earned at some of these branded sites. When you’re shopping on somebody’s website, you’re probably already doing something that is out of the ordinary for you. If your purchase and post-purchase experience isn’t smooth, you won’t purchase again. [23:00] Tell us a little about what you’re up to these days. I’m currently a Sales Director with Pitney Bowes, so feel free to contact me. [23:48] E-commerce is a different animal and takes a different solution set. Companies spend 98% of their time on the pre-purchase experience, but then forget about their customers after. By writing this article, I wanted to shed some light on the post-purchase experience. Learn more: Jonathan’s article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-common-problems-e-commerce-companies-face-experience-jonathan-kish-1c Jonathan’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-kish-2112a8a3 Jonathan’s email address: jonathankish13@gmail.com
4/26/2019 • 25 minutes, 7 seconds
Understanding the Buying Process with Steve Elwell
download the audio file [00:21] Opening / Introduction [01:09] Tell us about your background. I grew up in Southern Michigan about 1 hour from Detroit, Michigan. I graduated from Albion College (MI) with a degree in economics. Then, I got an MBA from Wayne State. [01:40] What was your first adult job? When I got my MBA, I hoped to land a top job, instead I found myself selling printing services door-to-door, which was a great way to learn about sales. Next, I went to work for an industrial manufacturing / distribution company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eventually, I owned and operated a retained executive search company that focused on automotive and industrial clients. After joining a friend’s company to grow the business, I ran 5 businesses as CEO, COO and GM. Today, I own a consulting business where I help companies grow their businesses. [03:20] Why is the buying process different from the sales process and why is it so important for salespeople to understand? The buyer controls the buying process and as sellers, our job is to understand and influence it. The sales process is created in response to the buying the process. [04:56] Talk about the differences between strategic sales and transactional sales. A purchase is strategic based depending on it’s importance to the buyer. Transactional sales are less important and typically have perceived risk. If senior management or a large cross-functional involved in the decision making, then the sales is most likely strategic. If you want to understand whether a buying process is strategic or transactional, watch the buyer’s behavior (who is involved, questions ask, how in-depth, etc.) [09:14] What kinds of risks are these people trying to protect themselves against? There’s financial risk, such as paying too much. There’s performance risk, such as a late or damaged shipment. The buyers are trying to satisfy themselves that the risks are minimal and under control. [10:33] Do you usually try to map out what the buying process looks like? I like to map out the buying process if possible. Generally, the same kind of sale will be made time and time again. Therefore, mapping is useful. Mapping the buying process deepens understanding, improves internal collaboration and ideally improves sales performance. [11:43] Every once in a while, you’ll go somewhere and the owner says they need X amount of sales by the end of the year. Then you dig into the buying process and discover the sales goal is not achievable because the buying process is too long. That’s a huge issue. It’s indicative of an executive or a company that hasn’t taken the steps to understanding the buying process. When leadership doesn’t understand the buying process, it leads to management mistakes and bad decisions. [13:46] When you’re working with companies do you try to nail down how long the buying process takes? Yes, and not just in a sales growth environment. I also do it in an environment where the company needs some help. These companies will typically have existing customers, and when these customers place an order, it’s much quicker than when a new customer does so. When you go for a new customer, many questions that only need to be asked and answered once are presented. [16:08] Is there a way for us to make the buying process go faster? We as sellers add time to the process by responding slowly, responding with incomplete answers, etc. Prospective customers will judge how they will be treated as a customer based on how they are treated in the buying process. Three things that can be done as a sales manager are: Increase the number of opportunities you have available to you. Shorten the amount of time that it takes to get to a decision. Improve the rate of success at which you can close. [20:50] The buying process begins online now, but so often, salespeople think that the sales process begins when they pick up the phone. It’s a disconnect and a particularly nasty problem. If you’re not in a mindset of thinking about where the process really started, you’ll miss it completely. The dwell time of an online resource is far greater than a phone call or an email. It’s always there. If I call someone, I’m unknown, and that’s the greatest risk of all. If you put out content online where people can engage with you, they begin to know you and that’s a huge advantage. [27:08] If you can answer prospective customers’ question before even engaging, you’ve got a head start. The process that they use to get those answers, and how they use those answers in their decision to do business with you, is the buying process. Learn more: Steve Elwell’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selwell
4/15/2019 • 28 minutes, 44 seconds
A Holistic Approach to Freight Savings with Mike Eberl
download the audio file [00:21] Opening / Introduction [00:42] Introduce yourself and your company. I am the Founder and CEO of Customodal, based in Marshfield, WI, [01:59] Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Go to school? What was your major in college? I grew up mostly in Madison, Wisconsin. I enrolled in the forestry program at the University of Wisconsin, but two years in I had an epiphany that I wanted to pursue business. I graduated with a major in finance, investment, and banking from the University of Wisconsin. [02:44] What was your first job in logistics? My first logistics job was at an airport. I was hired as an accountant for an on-demand air charter operator that moved executives and high priority freight I stayed at the air charter for ten years, eventually moving up the ranks to the job of general manager. [03:14] When did you start your own company, and who were your first customers? April 2, 2000 is when the company began. We were primarily in the expedite business, targeting manufacturers of all sizes who were running just-in-time inventory systems that made an intermediary component in someone else’s just-in-time system. When I started my company, we were 100% asset-based and all of our drivers were company employees. [04:25] There’s an approach to freight savings that you use at Customodal, and I was hoping you could describe that to the audience. Our approach is deep engagement with our customers. Most transportation providers help their customers save money by reducing freight costs – negotiating better rates, finding cheaper carriers, volume, different modes, etc. We do all these things too, but that is just the starting point for us. We like to dig deeper and find the savings that comes from process change. We find the savings that come from fixing the disconnects and bottlenecks. When you align all the interests and groups within the company, you can find and capture hidden savings that are not found by traditional freight brokers. [05:31] You’ve transitioned away from having assets, so tell us about your current model. Starting in 2000, we went from owning four trucks with one terminal to owning nearly one hundred trucks operating out of multiple terminals in the Midwest in just a few years. Along the way, we opened a small brokerage which had a different pitch (value proposition) to it than the trucking company. With my background and experience, I began asking clients more questions about their wants and needs. into asking what our customers’ needs were and searching for solutions. I discovered that the “agnostic” approach I was interested in was difficult to pursue because of our asset utilization goals. It’s too easy when you have a brokerage and an asset side to automatically fill your own trucks. That wasn’t what I had envisioned for our business. [07:49] You mentioned that in the holistic approach, you’re engaging with the whole organization. Please explain who is involved in the process. We deal with the sales, operations and production, purchasing, finance and accounting, supply chain, and C-level. [09:08] How did you come about this approach? From my experience in air freight, trucking, brokerage, etc., I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the industry and also how the shipping function impacted other stakeholders within a company. My perspective helped me understand that the shipping function as much more than just shipping. The holistic view of shipping compelled us to engage with every stakeholder touched by the logistics function. [11:44] Let’s talk specifically about the different groups you work with. What are the typical value-adds that you discover? Operations : One of the biggest areas of opportunity we have discovered on operations and production people is the lack of communication. There’s typically a big disconnect between production and shipping. Supply chain management : With supply chain managers, we have a much higher-level conversation. These managers are all about trade-offs between time and money. Purchasing : For purchasing agents, visibility comes up a lot. Finance : Finance people tend to be about information. We run into a lot of customized information requests. Sales : Salespeople are leveraging their credibility on behalf of their companies all the time. They get criticized when things are line, so we focus on alignment of expectations. [18:20] How do you convince these different groups to work with you and your team? It’s easiest if we have a sponsor at the C-level of the company. Their support can get everybody on board and get us over the initial hump. Once we start the conversations, the value of the effort is easy for people to see. [20:47] What’s new at Customodal? In January, we launched OPTIX, small parcel management service. Our OPTIX service is a system that enables small parcel shippers to negotiate better contract rates and audit invoices for service failures. OPTIX is an application that analyzes parcel shipment in the background. Every shipment is audited against 39 points, which identifies when the carrier has not delivered the specified service. Parcel shippers often have hundreds, if not thousands of small parcel shipments and manual auditing is not feasible. We have found that 4.2% of all small parcel shipping invoices are incorrect, which means many shippers are paying too much. Another advantage to OPTIX is the data collected and analyzed can be used in carrier negotiations. Learn more: Customodal website: http://customodal.com/ Mike Eberl’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-eberl-721b3216/
4/12/2019 • 23 minutes, 58 seconds
Gaining Favorable Attention with Adam Robinson
Gaining Favorable Attention with Adam Robinson Adam Robinson and Joe Lynch discuss what gaining favorable attention with prospective customers. [00:20] Opening / Introduction [00:36] Tell us a little about your background. I went to the University of Texas and wanted to be a Latin teacher, but then found out how much that paid and decided to get into business and marketing. My first job after graduation was Director of Sales and Marketing with a startup. That company sold and I went on to work in the newspaper industry, selling their online ads. Today, I’m the Marketing Manager with Cerasis. [04:27] When and why did you join Cerasis? A headhunter that represented Cerasis approached me with an offer. I wasn’t really looking for a new job, but it was a blank slate and seemed like I could do things my own way. From an SEO standpoint, I saw a lot of potential. [06:40] In the old days, we were trained to sell on the phone and to say something intriguing in the first twenty seconds. People like you have moved this from a phone call to the digital world. You need to make sure you look at the long-term and what a customer is trying to do. There are many opportunities for someone in logistics to have problems, therefore, you can create content that speaks to answering those problems. [09:55] Name some of your favorite ways to gain favorable attention from a prospect. Our initial goal at Cerasis was to put a blog post out that was search engine optimized and answers problems we could solve once per day. We then thought about the full problems of a supply chain and started developing more blog posts. You need to start doing this stuff from day one, but it’s not the only thing you should do. We started with a lot of advertising to build our brand awareness, but at the exact same time, we started putting out content. [15:31] Tell us a little bit about your web presence and how the search engines view you. I get media kits from publications trying to sell us advertising and we often have substantially more traffic than them. I pride myself at Cerasis in our advertising budget being really minimal. You don’t need to have millions of dollars to break through. [19:12] Tell us about how many leads you’re able to get your sales guys. As a salesperson myself, I know there’s a lot of leads that waste my time. Because of this, we have many pre-qualifying questions in our lead form. It’s important for me to hand out leads that are of the utmost quality. This consisted of about two-thousand leads in 2018. [24:47] You guys seem to have really aligned your marketing, sales, and operations teams to work together. It’s not necessarily easy, but if you have a vision and a strategy, it happens. I built our content by first interviewing every single employee in the company – not just management. “Everybody loves to buy, but nobody likes to be sold to.” We’re out there on the front lines hearing the actual conversations from our customers which we can pass on to our development team. We’re able to present solutions that we didn’t just come up with in a lab, but that are actually solving real world shipper issues. [30:42] With this alignment, you’ve integrated marketing into its rightful place. It’s super important, but a lot of people don’t do it. We haven’t been scared to put ourselves out there. Everybody’s going to have an opinion. We all get better by doing, as long as there’s a vision. It’s never going to be perfect, and that’s what makes it fun. [34:44] We’ve talked a lot about the sales process, so now let’s talk about the buying process. How does that look? No matter what, the buying process is definitely going to start online. After a potential customer sees our content and likes us, they will be much more receptive when we call them compared to a cold call from another company. If you’re thinking about investing and you’re not online, you’re probably missing out on the ability to make your sales team as effective as possible. [38:21] What’s been going on at Cerasis? One of the biggest things we’ve seen is manufacturers going right to consumers, so we’re working on a great solution for this. We want to bring an Amazon-like experience. Learn More About Gaining Favorable Attention Cerasis Adam Robinson The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
3/28/2019 • 40 minutes, 14 seconds
TMS Innovation and the Voice of the Customer with Cameron Robertson
TMS Innovation and the Voice of the Customer with Cameron Robertson Cameron Robertson and Joe Lynch discuss TMS innovation and the voice of the customer. [00:20] Opening / Introduction. [00:37] Introduce yourself and your company. I am the Chief Technology Officer of 3PL Systems in Signal Hill, California. We specialize in the development of transportation management software. At the age of thirteen I built my own website and since then I’ve been hyper-focused on learning more about software development. I went to school for computer science in southern California. My first real job was here with 3PL Systems. After I took the job, I fell in love with the industry, the people, and the fact that the technology seemed young. I joined the company as a technical support representative and progressed from there. [02:40] Please explain the difference between API and EDI before we get into the tech talk. API serves as the interface between software programs. Image a human interacting with a computer. That’s similar to how API works. An EDI is still the most popular form of exchanged information via technology in transportation. It allows the user to pass information based on an action. I see API replacing EDI in the next five to ten years. [04:20] What is a transportation management system and why should someone invest in one? A TMS is used by shippers, carriers, brokers, and asset-based companies to manage their business. The biggest benefit is that if efficiently allows you to manage all data such as shipments in a centralized location. [05:25] What are the five new trends that are coming to the TMS business? [05:38] 1. Systems becoming easier to use and configure. Developers are often needed to set up systems, but their time is scarce and expensive. Users should not be dependent on a developer for every last customization or integration. Brokers and 3PLs are much more sophisticated with their knowledge of tech now, so they’re ready to do more. [08:14] 2. Artificial intelligence is coming. AI is ready to impact the industry because we now have computing power, lots of data, and connectivity. It can complete a lot of the mundane tasks such as following up with carriers or dispatching loads in the morning. Some companies are using it on a limited basis, and some of it is just hype. It’s coming soon and it will be disruptive. [10:53] 3. The user experience becoming more intuitive. Some software providers give a big user manual, which is a red flag to me. I would get rid of that software as soon as possible. Inbound logistics users may need to train hundreds of shippers, so it’s important for training and orientation to be quick and easy. If you’re going to have a user manual, it should be built into the software instead of an external text document. [13:31] 4. User group meetings. This means hearing the voice of the customer or user of the software platform. They can provide feedback about the software itself and what they would like to see built, rather than the software company dictating to the customer what needs to be built. Developers need to understand their customers so well that they can deliver next gen solutions before the customers even know it’s possible. [15:40] 5. Becoming even more connected. Today, TMS can pull data via APIs from all types of databases and websites. We’re going to see a tremendous amount of API integration amongst all the software companies that interact with each other in the transportation industry. One of the things I see a lot lately is that the brokers no longer want to have to log into your TMS system. They want to be able to stay in their environment. Not sharing that information is not helping anyone. [18:59] Tell us about what’s going on at 3PL Systems. Over the years, we have realized that we’ve built a pretty strong product. What we wanted to do for our customers is tear it all down and start over based on the feedback we have gained. We launched that product last year, and we’re able to add new features very quickly. We’re really excited about the future. Learn More About TMS Innovation and the Voice of the Customer Cameron Robertson 3PL Systems The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
3/25/2019 • 20 minutes, 44 seconds
A Better Way to Sell Logistics Services with Matt Collins
download the audio file [00:21] Opening / Introduction [00:31] Introduce yourself and your company. • General Manager of SunAnt Interactive out of Milwaukee, WI. • MBA from the Thunderbird American School of International Management. • After that, he started a business with his brother dealing with lead capture solutions and CRM. • That start-up failed and he went on to work with various agencies. • In 2009, Matt started SunAnt Interactive with a few of his friends. [04:15] What made you guys different and better? • At the time, there were still a lot of unknowns with SEO and people were losing money because of it. • Our vision was that it was possible to be ethically profitable where the client is getting a fair return and we’re getting a fair wage. [05:39] You guys have always said that you can’t work with everybody and only want to be part of good stories. • We’re incapable of and don’t want to work with everybody. Certain people are better off with other firms. • People pay us for our expertise and opinions, but that’s not for everyone. [07:28] You have some very strong opinions about transportation and logistics websites. Please share those with my audience. • I was shocked when we first started working on logistics sites together, because some of them seemed like afterthoughts. They were horrible. • It’s bad for companies that don’t want to do anything about it, but it’s great for the ones that are serious about their online presence. • Anyone can slap together a website, but you need to get inside the client’s head. • The market doesn’t wait, so maybe that’s why you see some companies finally getting involved online. • Organizations get some clarity when they are forced to answer such questions as “what makes us special?” during the building of a website. • It’s good to know what you are good at and what you’re not. [16:58] There’s a better way to sell logistics services. What is that? • The first thing to do is ask yourself about your organization’s current disposition online and be honest about it. • The clients that do really well understand that things don’t happen overnight. • Everything that you do with the business has to be measured against profit. • The good thing about online efforts is that there’s no place to hide; you’re either getting return from your investment or you’re not. • In the worst-case scenario, your website hurts you. • When assessing your own website, ask yourself “if I was in the shoes of my prospect, does this site reflect negatively or positively upon me?” [23:39] When thinking of your clients that are successful online, what do they have in common? • They’re realistic, they approach things scientifically, they have proper expectations, and they can see the mid to long game. • Some of the sites that we’ve worked on together that I’m very happy with are Armstrong & Associates and Dynamic 3PL. • They both knew what made them different and better, whereas some companies struggle with determining that. Learn more: Matt Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcollins SunAnt Interactive: https://www.sunant.com/
3/12/2019 • 29 minutes, 14 seconds
Logistics Experts Wanted with Joe Lynch
download the audio file [00:22] Opening / Introduction • Hello everybody, this is Joe Lynch and welcome to The Logistics of Logistics podcast • Our format will be a little different today, because it’s just me – usually I interview somebody from the logistics or supply chain space, but not today • Today’s topic is “Logistics Experts Wanted” • Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to tell you a little about my company and my podcast [00:47] About The Logistics of Logistics • At The Logistics of Logistics we help companies and individual salespeople grow their sales. We work exclusively with transportation, logistics, 3PL, warehousing and the technology companies. • We have a program that will help you: Understand your sales personality, including your strengths and blind spots Get more sales leads and better-quality sales leads Improve your communication and salesmanship Position you as a recognized industry expert and help you reach your target audience • If are serious about selling more services, we can help [01:31] About The Logistics of Logistics Podcast • On The Logistics of Logistics podcast, I interview logistics industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and executives so they can share their expertise with my audience • My guests benefit from the exposure and my audience learns something new about our ever-changing industry • Lastly, the podcast enables me to be part of the logistics and supply chain conversation, which is important for anybody selling anything these days [02:00] Logistics Experts Wanted • I am looking for great guests for my podcast • Specifically, I am looking logistics industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, technologists, industry veterans, salespeople, and executives willing to share their expertise with the world • Job titles don’t matter, there are experts everywhere in this business, usually they so busy becoming expert in their chosen field, that they don’t have time to toot their own horn, that’s where I can help, I can give you the platform to share what you know • There are a lot of benefits to sharing your knowledge and expertise on The Logistics of Logistics podcast: Gain favorable attention with your target market, which ideally leads to sales Become a recognized industry expert, which is exactly what shippers and supply chain managers are looking for when they search online – let’s position you and your company as the experts, the solution provider who can solve their biggest problems Cut through the clutter and be found by your ideal customer, which is increasingly difficult in the crowded and hyper-competitive logistics market Promote your product, service or upcoming event without it sounding salesy. Nobody wants to hear sales pitch. By sharing your what you know, you connect with prospects in a much deeper way – the interview format paints guests in a very favorable light • After your interview, the podcast will be published on The Logistics of Logistics and published on all the major podcasting platforms • Additionally, your podcast interview will be shared with our large social media following • If you work in the logistics, transportation or 3PL space and you want to share your knowledge and expertise, let’s talk. [04:19] To Learn More Contact Joe Lynch at: Email: joe@thelogisticsoflogistics.com Phone: 517.375.0631 Website: The Logistics of Logistics Joe Lynch’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/
2/19/2019 • 5 minutes, 9 seconds
Sales Saboteur with Ann Holm
download the audio file [00:21] Opening / Introduction [00:43] Ann, please tell us a little bit about your background? * A twenty-five-year career as a speech pathologist, working with people who suffered brain injuries. * Became an executive coach about ten years ago. * Have been working with Joe Lynch helping transportation and logistics companies grow their sales. [02:56] Where do the saboteur types come from? * Saboteur type comes from the book, Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours, written by Shirzad Chamine * Check out Shirzad Chamine at TEDx Stanford * Chamine's groundbreaking research exposes ten well-disguised mental Saboteurs. * It's the idea that you have strategies that have been with you since you were very young, that you use to navigate your life. * The strategies there to help us meet the three basic needs of independence, acceptance, and security by asserting, earning, or avoiding. [06:19] Tell us a bit about saboteur types. * First, there is the chief saboteur, or judge, which kicks off all the rest. There are three saboteurs that try to create independence: * The controller: individuals who must have control of everything. * The stickler: somebody who is trying to make sure that every detail is covered. * The avoider: an individual who doesn't want to be pinned down. Next is the group that are trying to gain acceptance: * The hyper-achiever: one who has no idea of what is good or excellent because they need to be perfect. * The pleaser: an individual who tries to gain acceptance by pleasing everybody. * The victim: people who feel like their situation is uniquely flawed and they can't do anything about it. The last group is the people who are trying to gain security: * The restless: people who are always wanting to move on to the next thing. * The hyper-vigilant: always scanning the horizon for the next thing. * The hyper-rational: they have a very difficult time with the relationship side of things. [13:25] I'm mostly a pleaser, an avoider, and a hyper-achiever. How does that hold me back when it comes to sales? * Pleasers are working to make sure people are happy all the time. You may have difficulty, for example, letting go of a contract that's not working for you anymore. * There are a lot of different, small tasks to do when running a business, and an avoider can come up with ways to not do those. You can find yourself wasting time. * A hyper-achiever might overextend themselves because they are trying too hard to achieve. * The saboteur assessment is a profile, not a diagnosis. It's a way to start the coaching conversation. [17:51] What's nice about these assessments is that just knowing that these are some of your problems becomes a part of the solution. * It lets you take a step back without beating yourself up. * Saboteurs are sneaky because the underpinnings of them are things that have served you well. * As life becomes more complicated and if you want to take something to the next level, you have to be aware of these. [23:18] Once I take this test and know what my saboteurs are, what's my next step? * It's important to think about some of the situations that they might be sabotaging you in. * It's easier said than done, because what typically happens is that the individual will just begin encouraging others to take the assessment because they see these saboteurs in them. It's more difficult to see them in yourself. * After becoming aware, you need to start caring about how they are impacting you and then do something about it. * These saboteurs are patterns that are deeply embedded in you. There are exercises you can do to work on them. [29:12] If I didn't work with an executive coach, it's difficult for me to imagine how I would address some of these things. It takes a concerted effort over time to get where you want to be. * When you do this kind of thing with a coach, the coach isn't going to tell you what to do because you know yourself. What they will do is help you ask the real questions to get a deeper level of self-awareness. Saboteur assessment: https://assessment.positiveintelligence.com/saboteur/overview Ann's Twitter: https://twitter.com/annholmnet Ann's website: http://www.annholm.net/ Joe Lynch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr
2/1/2019 • 32 minutes, 22 seconds
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve the Shipper / Carrier Experience with Erik Malin
download the audio file [00:21] Opening / Introduction [01:04] Erik, please tell us about your background? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to college? Joined Loadsmart in April 2018. Previously, Erik was the Director of Strategy at AFN, a Chicago-based truckload brokerage. Prior to his time at AFN, Erik was the Executive Vice President of CarrierDirect, a boutique strategy consulting firm and advised companies such as Werner Enterprises, Worldwide Express, and BlueGrace Logistics. While he was leading CarrierDirect, the company was ranked #261 on the INC5000 for the fastest growing companies in America, with a 3-year growth rate of 1,729%. Erik has been a guest speaker for multiple companies and conferences, including the Denver Transportation Club, Landstar and most recently the 3PL & Supply Chain Summit: Atlanta. BA, Finance, Michigan State University. [02:06] You went to MSU for finance. What made you pursue a career in logistics? I have a deep appreciation for the impact that logistics has on the economy and people’s lives. I enjoyed the level of transformation that the industry was going through when he first became interested. [03:17] I have seen Loadsmart in the news a lot lately – clearly bringing some innovation to the freight brokerage space. Tell us about it. Loadsmart is a digital freight brokerage that is more “nerd” than “freight broker.” Starts with customer experience. We make promises to their customers and build the technology to deliver on them. Technology enabled through artificial intelligence (AI). Loadsmart complements their services with strategic partnerships. [04:57] What exactly is artificial intelligence and how does it work? How does it add value to the process? AI is the practice of using machines to make decisions that usually require human intelligence. Things that were once considered AI can be so common that they are hardly considered AI anymore. Loadsmart leverages data from public and private sources. AI adds value by providing a greater degree of optionality to Loadsmart’s customers and allowing us to guarantee capacity. [08:12] Does AI enable your people to predict service failure? Yes, our AI technology understands patterns and uses those to make predictions. We can be proactive instead of reactive by using AI. It helps us make decisions to ensure capacity for our customers. [10:40] Using AI, are you replacing headcount or are you still having people on board to help your customers out? We understand the difference between automation and empowering people. There are areas where it makes sense to automate, but other areas where humans should be making the decisions. [12:42] How does Loadsmart using AI create a better experience for carrier networks? The best logistics networks are backed by a strong carrier portfolio, and a healthy carrier is also the backbone of any logistics platform. Focusing people to where people should be used, we’re able to work with our carriers to ensure that they stay healthy. By forming these relationships, we enable carriers to fill out their networks and improve their revenue per truck. [14:31] So you guys are trying to track revenue per truck? It’s not necessarily as simple as tracking revenue per truck, but you can pretty easily tell if you’re paying a healthy rate. There are other things that may be pricing mechanisms but are more like a language. [16:12] I like that it’s a better experience for the carrier and the shipper, which is something that freight brokerage didn’t always pursue. It sounds like the AI tools help you deliver that experience. We are very focused on adding value to both sides. [16:50] If somebody wants to connect with you or learn more about Loadsmart, how would they do that? Erik Malin’s LinkedIn Profile Email Erik Malin: erik@loadsmart.com Loadsmart website Loadsmart Blog
11/13/2018 • 18 minutes, 24 seconds
Is Powerloop Good for the Freight Business with Andrew Kelley
download the audio file [0:43] Please tell us about your background. Andrew Kelley is a global technology executive focused on logistics and supply chain software. He is CEO of Bell Creek Partners consulting to lower middle market private equity firms and with the objective of buying a single platform business to run as CEO. Previously he was with Vista Equity-backed Omnitracs as President of Haulme and VP Corporate Development. Prior to that, he worked at Dell focused mostly on venture investing including Nutanix, a successful $2B IPO. Overall, he has executed $30B of combined M&A and investments mostly with UBS Investment Bank’s Technology, Media & Telecom group. He began his professional career co-founding Virtual Ink at MIT in 1997 and that product, Mimio, is now part of Boxlight Corporation. Andrew has an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MSME from MIT, and a BSME from North Carolina State University [1:15] How'd you get into the freight business? I grew up on a produce farm in Maryland and that’s how I started truck driving. I’ve also driven for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. [2:17] What are you doing today? I spend all my time in supply chain and logistics because I think it’s fascinating and that there are big opportunities. [3:07] Tell us about Powerloop and its implications on the freight business. Uber launched Uber Freight a few years ago. Now, Powerloop is the latest offering from Uber Freight. Effectively, it’s a trailer leasing business. Powerloop allows for power-only units to drop and hook trailers that are pre-filled and ready to go. The advantage is that you don’t have to wait for the loading and unloading. [5:02] Is it good for shippers too? It should be. There’s a supply/demand imbalance now which causes shippers to pay more, and the costs trickle down to the end consumer. [6:25] What is the overall landscape for assets like tractors and trailers? There are about three times more trailers than tractors in the US. It’s hard for Company A to figure out how to lease or allow Carrier B to tap into some of their empty trailer capacity. Having a third party oversee the process is favorable for both companies. I think, overall, it’s beneficial to have more capacity in the marketplace. What is the nature of that capacity? I’m not sure we can figure that out right now. [9:53] What does this mean for the average broker or 3PL? I think it's positive, based on the brokers I’ve talked to. The closer they are to being able to guarantee capacity, the easier it is for them to work directly with shippers and increasingly larger shippers. [11:36] Do you think the ELD mandate influenced the creation of Powerloop? ELD constrained some driveable hours. The more driveable hours that there are in a day, the better it is for everyone. People say that the ELD mandate is the reason that the cost of freight has been surging. I think that’s part of it, but not all of it. It’s crazy that some drivers can do 2500 miles a week and struggle to make ends meet. Like all innovations, I think having a “customer first” mentality is essential. I’m hopeful that this will benefit drivers the most, but also will have a positive impact for shippers and consumers. [17:28] Do you imagine other freight brokerage companies investing through buying trailers like Uber is? I think it’s possible. One of the challenges right now is that the ability to buy a trailer is really tough. There’s an increasing backlog and the manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand. A fair number of asset-heavy carriers out there now also have substantial brokerage businesses. If they don’t have an asset in the right place at the right time, being able to call a friend in the moment is very important. [21:07] What are the benefits of this to the industry? The number one benefit, I’m hoping, is that the number of driveable hours increases. That’s positive for drivers because they will spend a lot less time detained, and for shippers because they are able to get more goods out to their end market. Customers usually look at ROI, and they will have to weigh the cost and the benefit to figure out if it’s really going to work for them. [22:27] How can people reach you? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleyan/
10/25/2018 • 26 minutes, 5 seconds
Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies with Peter Stefanovich
Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies with Peter Stefanovich Peter Stefanovich and Joe Lynch discuss buying and selling transportation/logistics companies. Today’s guest is Peter Stefanovich, co-founder of Left Lane Associates, a business brokerage specializing in the transportation and logistics business. Peter shares his insight that he has gained from working with both buyers and sellers in the logistics industry. He tells us such things as why now the best time is to sell a logistics company, things to do when preparing to sell, how long the selling process takes, and why sellers choose to use a broker. [1:02] Peter’s introduction and bio. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada to immigrant parents. He has one sister and a 2-year-old nephew. Started his first company, Saxcom, at age 16, providing custom computer and networking solutions for small and medium-sized business Graduated from Western University with degrees in Business and Political Science. Peter started in the transportation/logistics world in 2008 while working in Chicago for an international retail construction company Focused on retail fixtures when working for Wheels Group, now owned by Radiant (a 3PL company). upon returning from the USA in 2013. Peter Stefanovich started Left Lane Associates with Mike McCarron in 2015 [2:20] How did you end up starting a business brokerage specializing in transportation and logistics companies? Peter is a lifelong entrepreneur Started a computer networking company and sold the business at age 19 Doing the logistics for fixtures at a retail construction company. [3:54] Why not start a 3PL or a trucking company? Why a business brokerage? Helping entrepreneurs find a solution to get out of the business that they’re in. Entered business brokerage to fill the void by providing transportation and logistics experience. [6:07] Why do owners of transportation and logistics companies come to you? Or any other broker for that matter? Why not go it alone? Owners in this industry have likely never sold a company before, so they want to trust the process with someone more experienced in the process. You only get one chance to sell your business - once it’s done, you can’t go back Brokers specialize which let owners focus on their business, while preparing to sell [8:23] What are the reasons that owners want to sell their transportation or logistics company? They might want to or need to due to the economy. The four dreaded Ds: divorce, death, delinquent partner, and disease. Owners have many reasons for wanting to sell – personal, economy, retirement, industry, change of pace, etc. [9:48] Explain why it’s a great time to sell, and maybe a great time for buyers too. We’ve had a bull market for the past nine years, and there’s been extreme growth in the transportation industry for the past year. People haven’t seen rates like this in the industry, ever There has never been a better time to sell For buyers, money is currently cheap to get a hold of from a banking standpoint Transportation companies are looking to buy other transportation companies because of driver shortages Rates to borrow money are some of the lowest they’ve ever been Private equity is very interested in the transportation industry [14:18] What is the partnership and genesis of working with Mike McCarron like? Mike and Peter met at Wheels Group, a 3PL out of Washington state Mike started with Yellow Freight right out of college and was eventually one of the top salespeople He outgrew the role and wanted to start his own firm He started MSM Transport and eventually sold it in 2012 to Wheels Group [17:27] Owners of transportation and logistics businesses should prepare years in advance before selling – what should that preparation look like? What should they be doing to make their business more attractive to prospective buyers? Companies often come to Left Lane Associates ready to sell, but typically there is preparation required to have the company sell for top dollar Legal issues must be resolved – internal and external Get authorizations and certifications in order Get rid of underutilized assets Release underperforming employees Lean out the organization Maximize EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). Develop a specialization Technology (CRM, TMS, website, and social media) What people perceive about your company is often based on your web presence. Any dollar you save could be worth 3x-4x more when you sell. [29:02] What is the one thing owners looking to sell their business should know about the process? It takes a lot longer than you think to sell a business On average, it takes 18 months to sell a transportation or logistics company It’s not just your schedule, it’s the schedule of the buyer Peter wears many hats during the selling process [31:38] Why do prospective buyers call a broker when they want to buy a transportation or logistics company? Those guys surely must know the market and players who might be a nice acquisition target? They might be too busy growing their company, so they want somebody who has M&A expertise to manage the process Sellers are often hesitant to give any information to competitors, so a broker can act as a buffer There are lots of buyers right now, but not enough quality companies for sale There is at least a 4:1 ratio of buyers to sellers. Learn More About Buying and Selling Transportation/Logistics Companies Peter Stefanovich Twitter: @monetizeyourco leftlaneassociates.ca The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
10/19/2018 • 37 minutes, 25 seconds
5 Ways 3PL Sales Has Changed and What You Can Do About It with Ann Holm
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: Joe is joined by Ann Holm who, in addition to being a good friend of Joe’s, is an executive coach who often works with people in the logistics field. The two inform the audience of 5 ways 3PL (third-party logistics) sales have changed, along with plenty of advice on how to deal with these changes. We also learn about a sales improvement course specifically for people in the logistics industry that Joe and Ann are co-facilitating. Podcast Show Notes: 00:21 – Joe welcomes Ann Holm to the show 01:13 – An introduction of today’s topic: 5 Ways 3PL Sales Have Changed and What You Can Do About it with Ann Holm 5 ways 3PL sales have changed 02:38 – #1: Internet has given buyers unprecedented access to product and industry information More control for the buyer Buying processed controlled by buyer Industry research / lists available Experts available 05:51 – #2: Purchasing professional’s involvement Transportation and logistics has become strategic – many more groups involved including operations, logistics, IT, finance, senior management, Process defined by customer Worldview of customer is often shaped by purchasing process 08:05 – #3: Distracted customers Online and in-person, people are distracted Day-to-day overload / overwhelm Electronic gizmos Multi-tasking 12:17 – #4: More competition and more sophisticated competition 3PL industry consolidation VC and PE investment money Marketing money and clout 14:47 – #5: The buying process begins online When shippers are selecting transportation and logistics providers, they are beginning with online research If your selling process begins with a cold call, you may be late to the game ..What you can do about it 19:07 – Defining your personal brand Looking at competence and the emotional connection 360-degree process for personal brand development Personal brand should be authentic and include how others see you 24:30 – Developing a specialization Be an inch wide and a mile deep – not a mile wide and an inch deep Specialization doesn’t limit new opportunities, it expands them Mistakes that Ann made early in her coaching career 32:35 – LinkedIn and social media Capturing attention with just a picture and headline LinkedIn best practices Choosing the right social media platform 38:23 – Engagement Connecting with customers in a meaningful way Speaking their language – being on their wave length Interpersonal – read their type, body language, connection beyond business, trust, rapport, relationship Business - Understanding their needs – walk a thousand miles in their shoes Understanding your type and their type Buyers will zone out – daydream if you can’t engage them For more details, check us out at LogisticsofLogisticscom or follow Joe on LinkedIn Topic Takeaways: 3PL sales has changed and to stay competitive, sale professionals must adapt to the changing market and adopt new approaches Mentioned Resources: 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation and Logistics Professionals (Podcast) Sales Personality Types with Ann Holm (Podcast) Joe Lynch (LinkedIn) Ann Holm (LinkedIn) Training: 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation and Logistics Professionals (Information and Registration)
9/25/2018 • 45 minutes, 55 seconds
21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation and Logistics Professionals
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: In this podcast, Joe Lynch welcomes Ann Holm to the show. Joe and Ann discuss their upcoming sales improvement program. The program, 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation Logistics Professionals begins Wednesday, September 19th, 1:00 p.m. EST and last 10 weeks. The sales improvement program was designed specifically for transportation and logistics professionals and their hectic, unpredictable schedules. The program will be delivered remotely, which means there is no travel. The training program consists of 3 separate components: 1. Training webinars 2. One on One coaching sessions 3. Online assessments and instruction, specially tailored to your unique personality types. Podcast Show Notes: 00:25 – Joe welcomes his friend and collaborator, Ann Holm 00:35 – New sales improvement program starting September 19 and lasting 10 weeks 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation Logistics Professionals 01:09 – Joe shares how he met Ann 8 years ago Joe hired Ann Holm as an executive coach to work on lead generation Ann’s suggestion for The Logistics of Logistics 02:45 – Lead generation in the 21st century A distracted, crowded marketplace with empowered customers The importance of positioning for success 04:51 – Why developing specialization or niche is more important than ever Clarity on your business 05:44 – The program is done remotely, as convenient as possible There will be 9-10 training sessions every Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. EST, 10:00 a.m. PST 3 coaching sessions 06:48 – Ann talks about the benefits of the online training (web-based) Helping individuals understand their sales personality Website available 24/7 Joe’s experience with the online training platform The online assessment provides every participant with an individualized training plan (identifies strengths and weaknesses) Playing your game vs somebody’s elses Understanding different communication styles 10:21 – Program highlights Becoming an expert in your space — 46 different services in transportation Trends in transportation, logistics, and supply chain Positioning yourself for success through personal branding Getting good leads is one of the keys to sales success Managing the sales process 21:14 – Each participant develops a customized sales action plan with Ann Holm Individual coaching sessions focus on individual development and execution 26:05 – 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation Logistics Professionals Topic Takeaways: Joe Lynch and Ann Holm are conducting a sales improvement program especially for transportation and logistics professionals The program is called 21st Century Sales Skills for Transportation and Logistics Professionals and begins on September 19th The program is very comprehensive and includes 9 training sessions, 3 one-on-one coaching sessions and access to a website that includes the latest sales best practices Mentioned Resources: The Logistics of Logistics Annholm.net
8/22/2018 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Lose Your Why, Lose Your Way with Mike Temple
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: Joe is joined by Mike Temple, Executive Coach at TranStrategy Partners. Initially, Mike was Joe’s client, but over time they became great friends. They have collaborated on numerous articles, webinars, and research. Mike earned a degree in Business Administration from Utah State. In the podcast interview, Mike explains what happens when companies lose their purpose and what they can do to get it back. Podcast Show Notes: 00:13 – Joe introduces Mike to the show. 02:18 – Mike tells us how he got into coaching. Moving from the financial investment field into coaching. 04:38 – Why companies hire executive coaches. 05:35 – “Lose your why, lose your way.” Organizations not knowing why they do what they do. 08:54 – Being purpose driven vs. personality driven. The two types of leaders. Steve Jobs and Apple as an example of a purpose driven organization. 12:41 – Business results correlating with culture and strategy. Issues with people being driven only by financials. Advantages of being purpose driven. More examples of purpose driven organizations. 15:36 –A specific example of purpose in the logistics industry. Evolution of purpose within an organization. What a purpose really is. 22:30 – What happens to a company if they lose their why. Assessments that Mike administers. The process of discovering a purpose. The changing of culture within an organization. 27:41 – Mike’s closing summary about how companies can find their why. The services that Mike provides. For more details, check us out at TheLogisticsOfLogistics.com or follow Joe on LinkedIn Topic Takeaways: Being purpose driven will be much more fruitful than being personality driven. If the leader isn’t growing, the company won’t. Mentioned Resources: mike@transtrategypartners.com - Mike's email address 360-713-1709 – Mike's phone number
6/25/2018 • 28 minutes, 17 seconds
ELD, Driver Fatigue and Safety with Dean Croke
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: Today’s guest is Dean Croke, Chief Analytics Officer at FreightWaves. Growing up in Australia, his family owned and operated a trucking business. Dean has been in and around the trucking business for over 50 years and he has driven over two million miles as a driver. Over the last 20 years, Dean has been focused on trucking analytics, especially related to driver fatigue, safety, sleep schedules and hours of service. In the podcast interview, Dean shares what he has learned from studying data from electronic logging devices (ELD). Podcast Show Notes: 00:25 – Joe introduces Dean Croke to the show 01:03 – Dean describes how he became the Chief Analytics Officer of FreightWaves. What exactly his role is. Life-changing events that Dean experienced. Applying his real-world experience to data analytics. 04:44 – Experiencing fatigue while trucking. Drivers may fall asleep for longer than they realize. Working with a Harvard professor. 06:16 – Hours of service and electronic logging devices (ELD). Problems with rules and regulations. Biocompatible shift scheduling. Falsities about drivers being well-rested. “One size fits all” solutions. 12:57 – A history of ELD. Why ELD started and creating a 24-hour schedule. What’s wrong with ELD and the focus on fatigue. 17:04 – Fixing the problems with current ELD. Teaching truckers how to sleep healthily. Data that ELD provides. Companies that analyze ELD data. 21:47 – Using the data gained by ELD. An unintended outcome of using ELD. Why some truck companies may demand to be paid despite not yet being on the road. Accommodating drivers. 25:51 – What trucking companies and drivers can do to make working within ELD constraints better. Inefficiencies in the trucking industry. How culture and education affect things. Why just being compliant to regulations won’t improve safety. 29:57 – Adoption of using the right information to create schedules. Difficulties of accident coding in databases. Cultural resistance. 33:41 – Dean tells us how to learn more about FreightWaves. Their new product, SONAR. For more details, check us out at TheLogisticsOfLogistics.com or follow Joe on LinkedIn Topic Takeaways: Create a schedule based on sleep management. ELD provides crucial data but is not often used efficiently. Being compliant with regulations does not mean a company is safe. Mentioned Resources: FreightWaves.com MarketWaves – Conference on November 12 and 13 in Grapevine, Texas. SONAR’s website Dean Croke
6/21/2018 • 37 minutes, 49 seconds
Sales Personality Types with Ann Holm
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: Joe is joined by Ann Holm, who Joe first met as his Executive Coach many years ago. Since then, she began to collaborate with him on many different projects. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Speech, and Hearing as well as a Master’s of Science in Speech, Language, and Pathology, both from the University of Michigan. She provides insight on the importance of sales personalities and how to communicate with the different types. Podcast Show Notes: 00:25 – Joe introduces Ann Holm to the show 01:28 – Ann tells us how she got into coaching. How she transitioned out of the medical field and got further education. 03:03 – Sales personality types and why they matter. Problems with current training methods. How some solutions seem to work in the short-term but won’t in the long-term. 05:59 – How to determine somebody’s sales personality. Learning your own strengths and weaknesses through a test. Using Joe’s personality type as an example. Joe discusses what he learned from taking the test. Reframing an issue to motivate different personalities. 11:42 – The idea of partnering with different personality types. Partnering with someone who is strong in one of your weak areas. Improvement of communication when each person’s sales personality is known. 13:26 – Reading another person’s sales personality. Changing conversation flow depending on sales personality. Personal experience from Joe of not being able to communicate because he couldn’t read an employee’s sales personality. Advice that Ann gave Joe after assessing his problem of needing to make more phone calls. Playing to your own strengths. 19:47 – Ann’s assessment process. Having a free consultation and taking the personality test. Looking at yourself in a way that you have never looked at yourself before. 23:58 – Ann’s closing summary about sales personality. For more details, check us out at thelogisticsoflogisticscom or follow Joe on LinkedIn Topic Takeaways: Knowing the sales personalities of your team is invaluable. Communication needs to be adjusted between different personality types. Mentioned Resources: AnnHolm.net – Ann’s website Ann’s Twitter Ann’s Facebook Ann’s LinkedIn TypeCoach – Online personality tests
6/14/2018 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
Carrier Insights with Kevin Hill
Download the audio file Podcast Summary: In this episode, Joe interviews Kevin Hill, president and founder of CarrierLists.com. Kevin has an MBA from the University of Oklahoma and was a freight broker. He also worked on Wall Street using business intelligence to inform mergers and acquisitions. Today, Kevin takes us through his journey creating a CarrierList of 22,000 with the goal of building up a carrier network and database ready for shippers, brokers and 3PLs. Podcast Show Notes: 00:25 – Joe introduces Kevin Hill to the show 01:32 – Kevin talks about CarrierLists The goal to build up a carrier network 02:52 – The process in creating the database 22,000 carriers are in the list 05:17 – Kevin’s insights from the work they did in creating the list Calling 30K carriers with uncertainty and dealing with rude individuals Getting better at route planning 05:43 – MC (Motor Carrier) Numbers No exact MC number population 275,000 are interstate carriers (90% under 5 trucks, 98% below 20 trucks) Bottom estimate of 800K and top estimate of 1.7M trucks 08:41 – LTL (less than load) vs Truckload The need for carrier backhauls Carriers look for better options on broker relationships 11:58 – Carrier Attitudes — What Kevin learned from talking to thousands of carriers Planning the route Effect of The ELD Mandate Optimizing the routing system 16:00 – The % of trucks moving with brokers vs having direct relationship with the shipper 1500 carriers have been surveyed ⅔ are direct with shippers ⅓ with brokers Transparency and opaqueness in pricing and rates 20:14 – The effect of ELD to both carriers and shipper 22:09 – Data Revolution in logistics 23:38 – Kevin’s final advice for those in the carrier network For more details, check us out at thelogisticsoflogistics.com or follow Joe on LinkedIn Topic Takeaways: Create and nurture relationships with individuals and businesses in your industry. The availability of data is starting to revolutionize logistics. Mentioned Resources: CarrierLists.com – Kevin’s company
5/23/2018 • 26 minutes, 33 seconds
Entering New Logistics Markets with Steve Elwell
download the audio file Podcast Summary: Welcome to the first episode of The Logistics of Logistics podcast! Today, host Joe Lynch interviews Steve Elwell, a consultant and an executive who helps businesses improve sales revenue. Over the course of his career, he launched over 30 products and services in industrial B2B and technology markets. He has been a CEO of 5 professional service, manufacturing, and technology companies. Today, he walks us through his start in the industry and shares a number of his valuable insights on new market entries. Podcast Show Notes: 00:08 – Joe introduces Steve to the show 02:14 – How Steve started in logistics It came as an outgrowth of a business development problem 04:36 – The impact of new market entries Changes have forced players to re-evaluate their business Steve shares challenge of entering a new market 08:00 – The framework for new market entry “These things develop bottom-up” Classify what you’re trying to accomplish Companies who lose customers look into entering new markets 12:28 – The challenge to ask the right questions 13:58 – Most businesses are adept in dealing with data 15:15 – Steve talks about partnering Filling in a capability The key is understanding the value you’re giving to your partner Why the leader tends to fail “People think it’s easier than it is” 19:40 – Another Risk Factor: Not knowing what you don’t know 20:48 – What makes companies successful in entering new markets Money Good talent Good leadership Capabilities as a seller Humility 25:18 – Indicators for knowing why you’re entering a new market Not doing well in current market VS wanting to explore Real problems tend to be from the internal side The only solution to the problems: ourselves 29:07 – Looking at sales as an operational exercise with variable inputs Develop strategies for controlling inputs 30:27 – Listen to Steve’s final pieces of advice Topic Takeaways: Before entering a new market, always classify first what you’re trying to accomplish. Ask the right questions. You don’t know what you don’t know.