Let’s Talk Logistics

SEASON 2 E5 — MICHAEL CANEY Michael Caney, co-founder of Highway, built the identity and compliance infrastructure that the freight industry should have had a decade ago — and grew from zero to 1,200 broker customers in four years because there was simply nothing else. In this episode, he breaks down the three types of freight fraud, how organized crime has turned cargo theft into a scalable operation, and why Highway is building less like a startup and more like Visa. Plus: why AI in carrier sales is the wrong first use case, what actually moves a broker’s P&L, and why posting loads in public is intelligence leakage. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (1:00) What People Did Before Highway — RMIS, Packets, and a Broken System (3:00) Chattanooga, Michael’s Background, and How Highway Started (5:00) Zero to 1,200 Customers in Four Years — The Problem Was That Bad (8:00) Double Brokering Then vs. Now — From Margin Game to Outright Theft (13:00) The Three Types of Freight Fraud: Direct Theft, Change of Control, Impersonation (16:00) Email Inbox Compromise, Impersonation at Pickup, and Organized Crime Behind It All (21:00) How Highway Was Built — Capital Efficiency and a Technical Founder (29:00) The Problem with VC Funding in Freight Tech (33:00) Highway’s Three Business Units and the Trusted Freight Exchange (38:00) Risk as a Transaction Variable — For the First Time Ever in Freight (45:00) Voice AI Security Risk and Why Carrier Sales Shouldn’t Be First (53:00) AI Needs New Software to Work in Freight — MCP and Legacy TMS Problems (1:00:00) How Highway Onboards a Broker — The Impact Report and the 80/20 Problem   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightFraud #FreightTech #CarrierIdentity

SEASON 2 E4 — DANIELLE SPINELLI Danielle Spinelli spent 8 years as a broker moving high-value freight — copper, electrical, postal — and getting hit by cargo theft enough times to make it her mission. Now Director of Partnerships at Gen Logs, she breaks down how cargo theft has evolved from smash-and-grab to sophisticated load hostages and overseas shipments, why your vetting process might be blocking good carriers while bad actors slip through, and how AI is now arming thieves faster than the industry is adapting. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (1:00) Danielle's Background — Broker, Carrier Sales, High-Value Freight, and Gen Logs (5:00) How Cargo Theft Has Evolved — From Fast & Furious to Sophisticated Fraud (7:00) Strategic Theft, Chameleon Carriers, and Fraudulent Accounting (9:00) What Enterprise Shippers Should Be Doing to Protect Their Freight (10:00) Load Hostage Situations and Cargo Heading Overseas (11:00) Gen Logs vs. Highway — Two Approaches to the Same Problem (13:00) The Red Flags Problem — Good Carriers Get Flagged, Bad Actors Slip Through (15:00) Gen Logs' Private Camera and Sensor Network Across the U.S. (23:00) Shipper Intelligence Tools for Mid-Market Brokers (26:00) Non-Domicile CDLs — What the Crackdown Actually Means for Capacity (31:00) Immigration, Supply Constraints, and the Capacity Risk Nobody's Pricing In (36:00) AI in Freight — The Real Opportunity and the Growing Risk (41:00) Using AI to Enhance Human Work, Not Replace It   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #CargoTheft #CarrierVetting #FreightFraud

SEASON 2 E3 - Kara Brown  Kara Brown, CEO of Lead Coverage, breaks down why she’s not ready to hand her operating system to Anthropic, how press releases are now feeding LLM search results, and the intent data framework producing 40% call conversion rates for freight brokers. This episode dives into AEO, TAM building, the death of Google Cookies, and why the freight companies that figure out go-to-market right now will be the ones that stop grinding and start winning.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (0:30) Why Kara Doesn’t Fully Trust Anthropic (3:30) Google’s Play and the AI Cost Problem (10:00) AEO — The 1%, 27%, and 7-Day LLM Data (17:00) Kara Brown Introduction — Lead Coverage and The Revenue Engine (20:30) CRM Realities — The Salesforce Lead Object Problem (25:00) TAM Building — Own Every Email Address (30:00) The Four Types of Intent Data (42:00) The First Dial — Three Strategies That Work in Freight (44:00) 40% Conversion vs. 1% Cold — The Intent Data Payoff (48:00) 10-80-10: The Human-in-the-Loop AI Framework (55:00) Why Mid-Size Freight Companies Have the AI Advantage (57:00) Lead Coverage Pricing, Workshops, and the Free Workbook   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightGTM #SupplyChain #AIinFreight  

Shannon Breen left Knight Swift as SVP of Logistics, built FreightVana into a top-100 brokerage in four years, and has a data model that explains exactly why trucking rates have to go up — regardless of what demand does. This episode breaks down the 22-26% gap between contract rates and the real cost to serve, what the non-domiciled CDL crackdown is actually doing to capacity, and why Shannon believes 15-20% rate increases are coming whether shippers like it or not. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (1:30) Shannon's Background at Knight Swift (3:30) State of the Freight Market — Most Unique in 15 Years (7:00) Fuel Dynamics — Who Wins and Who Gets Crushed (10:30) Non-Domiciled CDLs and the Capacity Crunch (16:30) The Cost of Trucking Theory — 3.5% Annual Inflation Since 2017 (19:00) The 22-26% Gap Between Contract Rates and Cost to Serve (22:00) Why Cleaning Up Trucking is Hyperinflationary (31:00) AI, Autonomous Trucking, and What's Actually Realistic (37:00) The Three C's — Why Shannon Left Knight Swift (42:00) Building Freight Fauna from Zero — No TMS, No Credit, No Loads (49:00) Keeping Culture Alive as You Scale (55:00) The "No Ghosts" Moment That Made Him Take the Leap

Jeff Dangelo, breaks down how RA is acquiring and scaling brokerages, using AI to automate operations, and turning tech into a real growth lever instead of just another shiny tool. This episode dives into acquisitions, freight tech, AI voice agents, and why the next winners in logistics will be the ones built to move faster with fewer people. Key Chapters: (0:00)  Background and Introduction (02:42) Joining as Co-Founder (04:37) Organic Growth Playbook (08:48) Tech as Sales Wedge (14:07) Acquisition Targets and Earnouts (18:16) Wiring Up the Platform (22:26) AI Agents Cover Loads (25:36) Why AI Works Here (34:37) AI Native Platforms (36:39) Wilson The AI Coordinator (40:15) Surround Visibility Stack (43:53) Retention Through Experience (48:31) Constellation Go To Market (57:49) Tech Plus Brokerage Model (01:00:01) AI Impact And Team Design (01:04:01) Culture Efficiency And Wrap #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #TruckingInnovation #CarrierSuccess #AIinLogistics

Tapan Chaudhari, founded Bubba.ai to fix what small carriers struggle with—dispatch. A voice-first AI that books loads, negotiates, and flags the fine print, it keeps one-to-five truck fleets running without offshore help. No fluff—just AI that works while the driver’s still in the seat. Key Chapters: (0:00)  Background and Introduction (01:34) How Bubba.aI Started (03:27) Voice-First Interface and User Experience (03:53) Future Capabilities and Expansion Plans (05:26) Issues with Overseas Dispatchers (06:22) Naming and Branding of Bubba.aI (10:26) Trip Planner and Real-Time Load Matching (15:30) Market Competition and Strategy (22:20) Funding and Business Model (26:17) The Challenge of AI in Trucking (28:15) The Role of AI in Trucking Operations (29:51) Bootstrapping vs. Venture-Backed Businesses (36:27) The Future of AI and Outsourcing (44:00) The Role of Brokers in Logistics (48:56) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #TruckingInnovation #CarrierSuccess #AIinLogistics 

Grace Maher, helped turn OTR Solutions from a five-person startup into one of freight’s leading FinTechs—without losing sight of what carriers actually need. Inside: how factoring really works, where fraud is evolving, and why consolidation plays won’t fix broken execution. From instant funding to AI-backed auditing, this is what modern back-office support should look like. No fluff—just real talk from someone who’s still in it.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (3:03) OTR Solutions: Evolution and Services (4:54) Challenges and Innovations in Factoring (13:06) Industry Insights and Current Events (26:58) The Crazy World of Load Boards (28:11) Consolidation in FinTech and Load Boards (30:03) Challenges and Opportunities in the Freight Industry (35:29) The Role of AI and Technology in Freight (38:59) Freight Industry Talk and Personal Insights (43:27) The Freight Dating Scene (48:35) The Importance of Instant Funding (50:32) The Health of the Carrier Market (57:03) Final Thoughts and Contact Information #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #LTL #OTRSolutions   

Ben Tschirgi, spent a decade selling freight before launching Science of Sales to fix what most teams get wrong—cold outreach. Inside: hitting the inbox, writing messages that actually get replies, and out-selling bigger teams without the bloat. No fluff—just tactics that win. Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (1:29) Challenges in Cold Email Outreach (03:27) Transition from Sales to Management (7:02) Starting a New Business (13:18) Social Media and Personal Branding (21:16) Family and Personal Life (29:12) Exploring Custom CRM Solutions (29:59) Small Business vs. Startups (30:22) The Future of SaaS in Freight (31:44) AI's Role in Freight Tech (34:01) Challenges in Scaling a Business (39:23) Hiring and Team Management (42:27) The Evolution of Freight Tech (45:39) AI in Sales and Email Management (48:14) Building a SaaS Tool for Clients (50:41) Mistakes and Lessons Learned #LetsTalkLogistics #SalesStrategy #FreightTech #ColdEmail #B2BSales

The NMFC got a major overhaul. 2,000+ codes changed. FAKs might finally die. Gabe sat down with some of the sharpest minds in LTL—Lance Healey, Curtis Garrett, and Scooter Sayers—to break down what this means for shippers, TMS platforms, and the future of freight. FedEx made a bold move. Not every carrier is following. This is where LTL’s headed.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (0:28) Understanding NMFC Changes (1:17) Introducing the Experts (1:54) Why Density-Based Classification? (3:25) Challenges with NMFC Codes (5:13) Impact on Shippers and Carriers (9:28) FedEx's Response to NMFC Changes (13:10) Future of LTL Shipping (32:46) Carrier Capacity and Customer Data (33:05) Behavioral Changes in Carrier Services (34:00) LTL Market Dynamics and Shipper Relationships (34:36) The Role of Data in Cost Management (35:10) Inflection Points in Carrier-Broker Relationships (39:11) Technological Innovations in Freight Management (47:28) Current State of the LTL Market (56:57) Future Predictions and Industry Consolidation   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #LTL #NMFCUpdate #Reclass

Ben Jackson, built Bungii to deliver big and bulky freight—then COVID wiped out 95% of their revenue overnight. Instead of folding, they cut ad spend, rebuilt the model, and turned it into a B2B delivery machine with 15,000+ drivers and zero churn. This episode covers Final Mile execution, why agent networks are broken, and how to actually scale in this market. No fluff—just one of the best pivots in freight.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (1:21) Ben's Background and Early Life (3:53) The Birth of Bungii (5:24) Scaling Bungii Nationwide (10:37) Challenges and Pivots During COVID-19 (16:04) Reinventing Bungii for B2B Success (22:23) The Unique Approach to Final Mile Delivery (29:51) Future of Final Mile and Bungii’s Vision (34:33) The Network Effect in Truckload Brokerage (38:07) Driver Recruitment and Retention (40:42) The Importance of Customer Feedback (43:13) Personal Background and American Experience (48:20) Balancing Family and Career (53:38) Final Thoughts and Business Advice

Charlie Saffro, never set out to build a top logistics recruiting firm, but CS Recruiting became just that. This episode dives into their rise, why most companies struggle to hire top talent, and how M&A, AI, and inbound strategies are transforming freight. Must-listen for anyone in logistics looking to hire smarter.  Tune in now!   Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (0:36) Accidental Start of CS Recruiting (2:27) Challenges and Growth (4:50) Rocket Shipping Origin Story (8:54) Agent Model vs. W2 Employees (13:22) Recruiting Philosophy and Strategy (21:11) Future Plans and Industry Insights (30:39) Freight Brokerage Models and Challenges (31:28) Branding in Freight Brokerage (34:13) Current Market Trends and M&A Activity (41:35) Top Logistics Companies (43:34) Freight Fraud and Industry Challenges (49:23) Business Operations and Future Outlook   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech

  Kara Brown, built the biggest GTM firm in freight—and she did it by staying laser-focused on what actually drives revenue. This episode covers why most brokers get ICP wrong, how to catch the 5% of buyers ready to move, and where inbound signals are hiding in plain sight. If you’re trying to grow in this market, start here.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Background and Introduction (0:43) Expanding Lead Coverage: Global Presence and Services (2:00) The Revenue Engine: Writing and Promoting the Book (7:03) Ideal Customer Profile and Go-to-Market Strategy (13:40) The Importance of Intent Data in Sales (29:05) Kara's Journey: From Echo to Lead Coverage (34:34) Effective Strategies in Freight: Thought Leadership and Partnerships (37:12) Quarterly Updates and Executive Thought Leadership (39:51) The Sleepy Beauty Campaign (41:06) Challenges in Sales Follow-Up (50:40) The Importance of Niche Expertise (57:38) Managing a Remote Team (1:00:37) AI Strategy and Business Optimization   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightMarketing #GoToMarket #LTLGrowth

Clay Curran, co-founder of FreshX, joined the pod to talk about solving one of LTL’s hardest problems: reefer. From last mile pilots to a full-on freight brokerage pivot, he breaks down how they landed on a software solution that actually works—giving brokers instant access to reefer capacity across 80+ carriers. No transaction fees. No messy workarounds. Just real rates and real coverage. Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (2:32) Founding FreshX: From Last Mile Delivery to Freight Brokerage (4:00) Challenges in LTL Reefer and the Pivot to Software (7:11) Building and Scaling FreshX (15:24) Technical Insights and Product Development (22:49) Understanding the Role of a Product Manager (24:40) Future Vision for FreshX (26:46) Real-Life Challenges in Cold Chain Logistics (34:55) Dynamic Pricing and Carrier Relationships (39:16) Tech Stack and Business Operations (41:29) Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #ReeferProblem #FreightFix #BrokerTools

  Garrett Allen, built LoadPartner, the first open-source TMS for freight brokers. We talk about why most platforms slow brokers down, how AI makes it easier to build what you need, and why owning your tech stack changes everything.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:05) The Concept of Open Source TMS (4:01) AI's Role in Freight Brokerage (11:37) Pricing Models and Industry Challenges (22:47) Search Carriers: A Deep Dive (28:24) Garrett's Motivation and Vision (29:36) New TMS in the Market (33:29) Building a TMS in Real Time (34:00) VC and Freight Tech (35:14) Open Source TMS Business Model (39:23) AI and Future Tech (46:58) Launching the TMS   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #OpenSourceTMS #BrokerTech

Ken Adamo has been in data long enough to know what’s broken—and who’s just making noise. We got into freight platforms, media takes, and why he’s still the one people call when things go off the rails. No hype. Just the stuff that actually matters.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:25) Journey into Data Analytics (2:42) Overview of DAT Solutions (3:48) Understanding Freight Rates and Market Trends (15:04) Cross-Border Freight Challenges (23:43) Acquisitions and Corporate Development (32:01) Navigating Contract Market Complexities (34:08) The Trucker Tools Acquisition (36:10) Ken's Career Journey (37:20) Social Media and Industry Insights (44:05) Market Predictions and Challenges (51:54) Customer-Centric Culture at DAT (1:01:42) Final Thoughts and Contact Information   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #DATFreight #TruckerTools #FreightMedia

Steve Cox, has seen every side of freight—CH Robinson, Access America, Coyote, and now Steam. We get into what it takes to build a $600M logistics company, how to survive the downcycle, and why the real risk is waiting too long. Worth the listen.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:45) Chattanooga: The Freight Capital (2:36) Steam Logistics' Growth and Challenges (12:20) Adapting to Market Changes (15:57) Personal Insights and Hobbies (18:23) AI and Future Innovations in Logistics (23:15) Building a Successful Brokerage (27:40) Funding and Financial Strategies (30:53) Hiring and Training Challenges (33:23) Lessons from Rapid Expansion (35:39) Implementing an ERP System (38:16) Current Market Challenges (51:15) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (54:51) Final Thoughts and Contact Information   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightLifers #LogisticsLeadership #BootstrappedGrowth 

Chris Brewer built River City Logistics from the ground up—no VC, no shortcuts, just grit. We get into what it takes to scale a brokerage with assets and warehousing, why he still trains every new hire, and the moment he knew he had to fire a top performer. Freight built for the long haul. Worth the listen.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (3:04) Family Life and Balancing Work (5:15) Starting and Scaling River City Logistics (10:55) Bootstrapping the Business (16:33) Building a Strong Company Culture (20:34) Current Market Trends and Predictions (26:33) Fleet and Brokerage Synergy (28:08) Big Predictions in the Trucking Industry (33:40) Firing Employees: Philosophy and Practices (36:15) Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned (50:31) Conclusion and Contact Information   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightBrokerage #BootstrappedBusiness     

Sam Tibbs, built Trochi.AI to change how rate products work for brokers—giving them real control over their data and a piece of the upside. This episode breaks down why the old model fell apart, how better data shifts the market, and why broker ownership could change everything. A sharp look at where freight tech is heading. Worth the listen.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (2:01) Mini Conference Announcement (3:25) The Origin of Tro Kai (4:09) Challenges in the Truckload Brokerage Industry (9:36) Sam’s Background and Career Journey (16:43) Starting a Business: First Steps and Challenges (22:08) Building Trust and Collaboration with Brokers (32:44) The Value of Large Customers (33:57) Integration with Factoring Companies (34:32) Challenges with Data Extraction (35:37) The Importance of Broker Data (37:39) Revenue and Market Share (39:28) Building a Sustainable Business (42:03) Future of Load Boards and AI (57:01) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #LogisticsData #RateVisibility #TruckloadMarket #BrokerTech

A new executive order could take truckers off the road if they can't speak English — and it’s already sparking a fight. We break down what’s actually changing, why it matters for road safety, jobs, and immigration, and where the real friction points are. Forget the headlines — here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes. Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (0:48) Understanding the Executive Order (3:16) Safety Concerns and Real-World Implications (5:43) Industry Reactions and Economic Impact (7:02) Analyzing Accident Data (9:44) Balancing Safety and Fairness (13:55) The Complex Debate on English Proficiency #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #TransportationPolicy #EnglishLanguage #ExecutiveOrder #RoadSafety

Matt Silver, built Forager, sold it, and is back with Cargado. This one gets into cross-border freight, near shoring, and what it actually takes to build freight tech. Sharp, honest, and worth a listen.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:49) Matt Silver's Background and Career at Coyote (1:23) Founding Forager and Its Evolution (3:50) Starting Cargado and the Role of Technology (7:39) Challenges and Insights in Freight Brokerage (17:05) Building a Tech-Driven Freight Company (26:28) The Impact of Tariffs and Near shoring (30:57) US-China Trade Relations and Manufacturing Shifts (35:48) E-commerce and Supply Chain Adjustments (41:41) Series A Funding and Business Strategy (56:43) Building a Successful Team and Business   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech

​ChatGPT is getting a shopping cart. Leaked code points to a possible Shopify integration, letting users browse and buy products directly in the chat. No official confirmation yet, but the implications for e-commerce, logistics, and AI-driven retail are massive. We break down the clues, the stakes, and what it means if your go-to AI assistant starts selling. Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (1:02) Unpacking the Evidence (2:30) Potential User Experience (3:22) Public Reaction and Concerns (4:08) OpenAI's Past and Future Strategies (5:17) Competitive Landscape (6:56) Impacts on E-commerce and Logistics (10:47) Conclusion and Key Takeaways #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #ChatGPTShopping #AICommerce #ShopifyIntegration #ChatGPTShopping #AICommerce #ShopifyIntegration

Eric Johnson, from JOC stopped by to talk about freight, media, and what happens when AI starts doing everyone’s job—including journalists. We got into the chaos around tariffs, why broker CEOs stay quiet, and where SaaS in freight tech might be heading. A little spicy, a lot relevant. Worth the listen. Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:13) Eric's Background and JOC Overview (5:07) Discussion on AI and Media (6:38) Challenges in Journalism and Media Trust (11:58) Impact of AI on Journalism (26:18) Role of CEOs in Public Discourse (32:31) Current State of the Logistics Market (33:05) Impact of Tariffs on Competition (35:39) Wall Street and Supply Chain Dynamics (36:41) Logistics Expertise and Tariff Predictions (40:31) E-commerce and Tariff Concerns (50:52) Future of SaaS in Logistics (59:27) Specialization and Career Advice (1:03:44) Concluding Thoughts and Predictions #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #Tariffs #AIinMedia #SaaSInFreight #TruckloadMarket #ModernFreight

The 2025 3PL rankings are out, and the picture isn’t exactly pretty. Slower growth, shifting positions, and trade pressure are forcing even the biggest names to rethink their playbook. Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction to the Top 3PLs in North America 2025 (0:31) Current Market Overview and Key Players (2:03) New Entrants and Market Dynamics (2:42) Acquisition Activity in 2024 (4:08) Segment Analysis: Freight Brokerage and Contract Carriers (5:37) Segment Analysis: Warehousing and Cold Storage (6:40) Segment Analysis: Ocean and Air Freight Forwarders (7:23) Trade Uncertainty and Economic Impact (10:46) Future Outlook and Long-Term Projections (12:14) Conclusion and Final Thoughts #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews #FreightRankings #LogisticsStrategy #TradeUncertainty #3PLInsights #MergersAndAcquisitions

Jesse Buckingham, helped sell Trucker Tools and ran private equity-backed freight tech—now he’s building AI agents to kill the busywork in brokerage. We get into why scaling with headcount is dead, how mid-size brokers can punch above their weight, and what AI actually means for freight. Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:02) Founding and Early Days of Vooma (7:29) Agent AI and Its Impact (13:04) AI in Logistics and Brokerage (16:30) Future of AI in the Industry (21:35) Opportunities for Mid-Market Brokers (26:20) Challenges in Truckload Brokerage (26:35) Future Plans for Vooma (27:45) Jesse's Background and Journey (30:14) Life in San Francisco (33:07) AI and Logistics (38:19) Building a Company with AI (43:16) Predictions for AI Adoption in Logistics (46:10) Lessons Learned in Building a Company   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #AgenticAI #FreightBrokers #LogisticsInnovation #SupplyChainAI #DigitalFreight

Bharath Krishnamoorthy, left law to fix how money moves in freight. We get into why brokers struggle with cash flow, how Denim is leveling the playing field, and why automation—not headcount—is the path to growth. Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:57) Meeting the Co-Founder and Early Ventures (1:47) Transition to Law and Realization (2:08) Starting the Company and Initial Struggles (3:48) Challenges of Starting a Business in 2019 (4:00) Life in Virginia and College Days (5:42) Defining FinTech and Payment Networks (6:06) Brokerage Challenges and Financial Arbitrage (14:07) Risk Management and Decision Making (19:59) Future of Logistics and Partnerships (27:20) Scaling with Technology and Automation (31:56) Maximizing Productivity Through Team Size Management (34:22) Managing AI Agents (41:34) Employee Turnover and Workflow Improvement (44:58) The Evolution of TMS and Industry Predictions (50:45) LTL Market Dynamics and Broker Challenges (56:15) Personal Insights and Future Plans (59:52) Lessons Learned: Avoidable Mistakes in Business   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #CashFlowInFreight #ModernBroker #DenimVerified

Pat Martin, has helped turn Estes into the largest privately held LTL carrier in North America. Now he’s behind V53, a freight-focused VC fund backing software that actually gets used. This episode breaks down how Estes weathered Yellow’s collapse and a cyberattack in the same year, what most venture firms miss about selling to shippers and carriers, and why follow-through—not funding—is what separates the real players.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (2:26) Differentiating EFW from Estes (3:59) Pat Martin's Journey to Estes (6:38) The Birth of V 53 (10:36) Venture Capital Insights (24:16) Estes' Legacy and Private Ownership (28:14) Current State of the LTL Market (29:14) ESD's Performance and Market Dynamics (30:09) Challenges in the LTL Industry (31:37) Customer Expectations and Pricing (33:18) Impact of Yellow's Closure (36:02) Cyber Attack and Resilience (39:38) Estes' Legacy and Success (46:47) Future of LTL Pricing and Market Recovery (52:09) Lessons Learned in Business   #LetsTalkLogistics #Estes #V53

DeJoy’s out. Commerce is circling. The USPS reorg just got a plot twist—and now a Wall Street exec wants to run your mail. Is this the start of privatization or just another political flex? Let’s get into it. Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (0:38) Trump Administration's Influence (1:57) Union's Concerns and Legal Arguments (3:15) Howard Lutnick's Vision for USPS (4:19) Potential Changes and Challenges (5:17) Financial Issues and Census Proposal (7:38) Expanding USPS's Role (10:38) Conclusion and Future Implications   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews ##USPS #DeJoy #GovernmentReform #PostalService #Privatization  

Reed Loustalot, went from ship posting to running marketing for one of the fastest-growing marketplaces in freight. Now, as CMO of Truck Parking Club, he’s tackling one of trucking’s biggest pain points—finding a place to park. We get into brand-building, distribution, and why attention is everything in logistics.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (3:08) Truck Parking Club: The Airbnb for Truck Parking (6:15) The Journey to Truck Parking Club (7:31) Challenges and Growth in Truck Parking (9:29) Innovative Solutions for Truck Parking (17:25) Reed's Path to Success: From Brokerage to Marketing (27:35) Starting the Hat Business (28:23) The Power of Scarcity (29:29) Accidental Marketing Genius (30:52) Building Lost Freight (42:36) Philosophy on Career and Family (44:45) Future Plans and Reflections (49:53) The Importance of Distribution   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation#LogisticsMarketing #TruckParking #TransportationTech

Dawn Favier, built GreenScreens.ai into a powerhouse in freight tech, and now Triumph Financial is acquiring it. We get into why GreenScreens wasn’t for sale, what made Triumph the right buyer, and how they built the industry’s most accurate AI-powered pricing.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:36) Triumph's Acquisition of Green Screens (1:21) Green Screens' Unique Selling Points (3:21) Triumph's New Business Segment (7:15) Dawn's Journey with Green Screens (14:29) Raising Seed Funding (18:06) Series A Funding Success (21:17) Understanding Due Diligence (26:02) Private Equity Exits and Recapitalization (26:32) Bootstrapping and Fundraising Challenges (26:57) Building and Managing Teams (28:03) Green Screens Origin Story (35:18) Navigating the Pandemic (40:26) SaaS Metrics and Fundraising (49:54) Lessons Learned and Future Plans   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation #AIinFreight #LogisticsLeadership #SaaS

One ice cream load just blew the lid off broker transparency. A small carrier vs. TQL, a 44% broker margin, and a lawsuit that could rewrite the rules of freight. Is this the moment brokers finally get checked—or just another industry power play? Let’s get into it.   Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (0:49) A Legal Battle Begins (2:38) The Stakes and Implications (4:48) Potential Industry-Wide changes (5:04) Retaliatory Tariffs and Trade Wars (7:04) FMCSA’s Role and New Regulations (11:21) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews #FreightScandal #BrokerTransparency #TruckingLawsuit  

Brent Orsuga, has spent 16 years placing top freight talent and watching 3PLs finally ditch mediocrity. We break down why companies are upgrading instead of expanding, how AI only works if your team is already elite, and what top brokerages are doing to stay ahead. Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:38) Market Shifts and Hiring Trends (1:40) AI in the Workplace (3:08) Introduction to Pinnacle Growth Advisors (5:06) The Importance of Always Hiring (11:08) Personal Branding and Business Growth (19:52) Recruiting Strategies and Market Insights (32:02) Storytelling: The Key to Sales Success (33:20) Revenue Generation and Promotion Strategies (34:36) Focusing on High Performers (42:18) The Role of Intangibles in Sales (49:29) Maintaining High Standards in Recruitment (51:20) The Importance of Execution in 3PL (53:12) Handling Employee Turnover (57:36) Lessons Learned in Business (1:00:40) Crazy Recruiting Stories  #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation #LogisticsLeadership #HiringTrends

Freight tech just landed a $160M win with Greenscreens.ai’s acquisition, but Trump’s fresh tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China might throw a curveball. Can AI rise above the trade chaos—or is this a meltdown in the making? Here’s the breakdown.   Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (0:28) Greenscreens.ai Acquisition (2:36) How Greenscreens.ai Works (4:25) Impact of New Tariffs (5:04) Retaliatory Tariffs and Trade Wars (7:15) Connecting the Dots: AI and Tariffs (8:40) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews ##Tariffs #TradePolicy #GlobalTrade

DeJoy is out, Trump is eyeing control, and privatizing USPS is back on the table. Is this shift a political power play for the White House…or the beginning of the end for the Postal Service as we know it? Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (1:02) Conflicting Reports and DeJoy's Resignation (3:21) Implications for the Average Person (5:02) Potential Legal and Political Battles (8:33) Impact on E-commerce and Rural Areas (9:50) Future of USPS: Privatization Pros and Cons (10:45) Key Developments to Watch (12:57) Conclusion and Final Thoughts #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews #USPS

Will Jenkins, built and sold a billion-dollar brokerage, ditched the corporate playbook, and launched Journey to fix how brokers hire and train. We get into his exit, why AI is the future of sales training, and what’s actually working in freight right now.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (1:37) Navigating Non-Compete Clauses (03:49) Building Relationships and Business Growth (5:10) Transitioning from Freight Brokerage to Recruiting (7:45) From College Football to Freight Brokerage (10:12) The Birth of Molo: A Startup Story (12:43) Challenges of Starting a Freight Brokerage (14:58) Selling Molo: A Milestone Achievement (18:41) The Journey Continues: Building a New Venture (20:34) The Importance of Learning and Development (22:27) Leveraging AI and Technology in Training (30:15) Marketing and Branding in Freight Brokerage (34:58) Investing in SHIP CRM (35:19) Strategic Partnerships and Customer Acquisition (36:15) The Future of Logistics and Market Consolidation (39:19) Effective Sales Training Methodologies (46:15) Challenges in Recruiting and Retaining Talent (56:55) Journey's Future and AI Integration (1:04:57) Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation,#FreightSales #LogisticsGrowth #Recruiting

RFK Jr. wants to flip SNAP on its head—less junk food, more fresh produce, and a total shake-up for the food industry. Big brands will have to adapt, logistics will get messy, and prices? They’re not staying put. Smart reform or a supply chain disaster? Let’s get into it. Key Chapters:   (0:00)  Introduction and Overview (0:07) RFK Jr.'s Vision for SNAP Benefits (1:01) Impact on Consumers: Everyday Changes (1:26) Impact on Big Food Companies (2:09) Logistical Challenges and Solutions (4:48) Opportunities for Innovation (5:22) Technological and Collaborative Solutions (6:02) Public Health Implications (6:43) Papa Murphy’s and the SNAP Loophole   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews #FoodIndustry  

Will Nitze took IQBAR from his kitchen to 10,000+ retail doors—without wasting cash or losing control. Kickstarter, Amazon, and scaling a CPG brand the smart way. No fluff, just what actually works.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:51) Kickstarter Success: Unconventional Strategies (1:31) Building the Network: Harvard Connections (3:50) The IQ Bar Concept: Brain and Body Nutrition (7:25) From Harvard to Entrepreneurship: Personal Journey (10:12) Navigating the CPG Space (12:48) E-commerce and Retail Expansion (18:11) Building and Managing a Small Team (28:04) Logistics and Operations (31:15) Challenges with FBA Logistics (33:52) Fundraising Journey and Strategies (35:57) Importance of Capital Efficiency (45:15) Impact of COVID on Business Operations (46:20) Future of Health and Wellness Market (53:41) Tech Stack and Operational Tools (57:52) Vendor Relationships and Management (1:03:15) Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation#Ecommerce #CPG #RetailLogistics #StartupGrowth

A 700% price hike. An ulterior motive to cut ties. A lawsuit that exposed everything. MyCarrierTMS and Project44 went from partners to courtroom rivals—and it's escalating fast. Listen to hear about how it all went down. Key Chapters:   (0:00)  Introduction and Overview (00:18) Who are Project 44 and MyCarrier (00:45 The Partnership and Its Downfall (2:12) Project Raptor: The Secret Plan (3:42) Legal Battles and Public Exposure (5:35) Lessons from the Feud (9:41) Future Trends in LTL Freight Tech (13:26) Final Thoughts and Takeaways #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews #LegalNews

Krystian Gebis, co-founder of FreightCaviar and ShipperCRM, went from self-driving trucks to fixing how brokers find shippers. He breaks down turning a meme page into a business, using AI to clean up prospecting, and what’s actually working in freight sales.   Key Chapters: (00:00) The Beginning of Freight Caviar and Shipper CRM (1:33) From Self-Driving Trucks to Robotics (6:06) Building the Team and Celebrating Wins (11:53) The Purpose and Evolution of Shipper CRM (13:45) Challenges and Innovations in Prospecting (28:39) Funding and Growth Milestones (36:24) Gaming Adventures and Early Tech Interests (38:23) Correlation Between Gaming and Reaction Time (39:49) Journey into Software Engineering (43:36) Building ShipperSeer: Challenges and Strategies (1:03:03) Future of AI and Open Source Models (1:19:30) Lessons from Past Ventures (1:22:12) Connecting on Social Media   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation #FreightSales #LogisticsAI #Prospecting #CRM

The rules of trade are shifting fast—Section 321 started as a paperwork fix, but now it’s a global trade cheat code. Billions in duty-free imports, enforcement cracks, and Congress finally paying attention. Is it a free-market win or a policy failure? Let’s get into it. Key Chapters:   (0:00)  Introduction and Overview (0:18) Historical Background and Evolution (1:21) Shift Towards Free Trade (2:02) The 2015 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (2:28) Global Impact and Concerns (3:49) Impact on American Businesses (5:08) Complexities and Inflation Effects (6:19) Policy Debates and Future Considerations (10:34) Congress vs. Presidential Powers (12:12) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekInFreight #LTLNews #TradeLoopholes  

Gero Keil , shares how Levity is using AI to solve real logistics challenges. From DeepSeek's game-changing potential to automating the email chaos in freight, this episode explores smarter strategies for scaling in the freight world. If you’re not thinking about AI yet, this is your wake-up call.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Background (0:35) Founding Levity: The Early Days (1:37) AI in Business Automation (2:16) DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT (3:20) Impact of AI on Business Costs (7:49) Levity's Approach to Automation (14:42) Voice AI and Future Plans (16:26) Journey of Levity's Founders (18:31) Navigating the AI Landscape (27:25) Building a Lean Team (35:25) AI's Role in Logistics (39:28) Personal Life and Background (44:07) Challenges in Hiring and Firing (48:11) AI's Role in Logistics and Market Impact (1:02:11) Usage-Based Pricing Models for AI (1:07:57) Specialization and Business Growth (1:10:53) Connecting and Future Events   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation #LogisticsLeadership #AIinFreight #SmartLogistics #FreightAutomation

The rules of AI are shifting fast—DeepSeek’s R1 AI model is breaking new ground with open-source innovation, low-cost training, and global implications. What does this mean for the future of tech?   Key Chapters:   (0:00) Introduction and Overview (0:42) What Makes DeepSeek R1 Unique? (1:47) Efficiency and Cost of Training R1 (2:43) Open Source Approach and Its Implications (3:45) Performance and Limitations of R1 (6:25) Geopolitical Implications of R1 (7:42) Future Possibilities and Ethical Considerations (14:29) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews 

The rules are changing fast—whether it’s the FDA shocking the nicotine industry with the news about ZYN, Mexico's overhauling trade policies with the 321 Rule, or this historic 2025 U.S. presidential inauguration adapting to last-minute chaos.   Key Chapters:   (00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:17) FDA Authorizes ZYN Nicotine Pouches (02:26) Mexico's New Trade Policies (04:26) Challenges of the Upcoming Presidential Inauguration (07:32) Connecting the Dots: Regulation, Adaptation, and Global Forces (14:53) Implications and Takeaways (17:53) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   These shifts have ripple effects far beyond headlines - so let's break down what they mean for businesses, industries, and logistics as a whole.    #LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #LTLNews

Tim Higham, founder of Ascend TMS, shares his journey from bootstrapping a brokerage to building a game-changing TMS platform. Hear how he disrupted the freight tech space with a no-nonsense approach to profitability, employee retention, and AI-driven innovation. Discover what’s driving real change in freight technology. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (0:56) The Birth of Ascend TMS (1:45) Challenges and Successes in Building a TMS (3:49) Profitability and Business Philosophy (4:25) Tim's Story and Industry Insights (5:25) Competing Against VC-Backed Competitors (5:39) The Evolution of Technology in Logistics (14:20) Shipper CRM: A Game-Changer (30:15) Employee Retention and Company Culture (36:50) Investing in the Right People (38:50) The Role of Referrals in Hiring (39:49) Golden Handcuffs: Myth or Reality? (41:42) Company Hierarchy and Roles (44:08) Choosing the Right Tech Stack (51:37) The Pitfalls of VC Funding (1:01:30) Advice for Founders: Avoiding Common Mistakes   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #SupplyChainInnovation #LogisticsLeadership #TransportationTech  

Eric Krueger shares how Navix is shaking up LTL freight audit and payment with a tech-first approach. Learn how automation and transparency are helping brokerages optimize cash flow and streamline operations. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (0:52) Challenges in LTL Pricing and Freight Bill Audit (1:19) The Birth of Navix (3:14) Navix's Expansion and Success (4:45) The Importance of Cash Flow in Brokerage (6:17) Strategies for Managing Billing Variances (14:04) The Role of Trust and Transparency (23:23) Navix's Journey and Future Plans (32:06) Life of a Freight Tech Founder (33:24) Life in Minnesota (35:20) Journey into Technology (38:17) Building Navix (39:44) AI and Automation in Freight (48:40) Hiring and Team Building (59:42) Conclusion   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #LTLShipping #LogisticsInnovation

Matthew Leffler, the Armchair Attorney, dives into freight’s legal chaos, broken agency models, and the rise of AI in logistics. Discover what’s reshaping the industry and how shippers can stay ahead of the curve.   Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (3:37) Hot Topic on World Wide Express (8:04) Private Equity buying the Industry  (13:40) Glorified Agent Models with the Right Company (19:01) EBITDA and Private Equity (23:01) EBITDA and Showing Profit (27:31) DAT’s Acquisition of Trucker Tools (33:30)Longshoremen Strike (36:26)AI’s role in Logistics (40:25) Freight Market Fluctuations (43:00)Industry Trends (56:27)Trucking Insurance Gaps (59:30) Debating USPS Privatization (1:05:00) Holiday Traditions & Reflections   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightGameChangers #FreightAgencyTruths #LogisticsDisrupted #AIinFreight  

Cameron Robertson shares his journey leading 3PL Systems, tackling challenges like COVID, non-competes, and embracing AI in logistics. Hear how he’s shaping the future of 3PL, making tough calls, and building lasting relationships in the industry. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (1:56) How Cameron Runs his Company (5:43) History of 3PL Systems  (6:25) Making his Way to CEO  (10:37) Taking Risks within the Company (14:10) 3PL Systems Goals and Vision (18:33) Running a Freight Company during Covid  (21:44) Difficult Firing as a CEO (28:02) Non-competes and Competitors  (29:39) How 3PL is Inside Funded (33:04) Can’t Build and Sell because 3PL is building Relationships (37:30) What does Success look Like to Cameron (40:20) What's Next for Cameron (43:56) AI within 3PL? (51:05) Why Cameron Chased CEO (55:21) What Cameron would have Done Different  #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #3PL #TechDriven #RiskAndReward

Chris Jolly dives into the highs and lows of building a freight business in today’s market. Hear how he’s growing with grit, tackling drayage, and redefining what it means to lead in logistics with real-world expertise. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (6:40) Why Chris started Freight Coach Media (11:50) The Industry on LinkedIn (13:26) Learning from Someone who has Done it (16:51) Documenting Growth (18:35) Doing the Work for Growth in your Business (21:41) Chris’ Work on Bettering Himself  (28:27) What is the Main Priority of Chris’ Business (30:05) Building and Owning (33:51) What does Success Look Like (39:09) Learning Life and Business (42:25) Brokerages that Add no Value to Each Other (47:17) Waiting for the Market Recover  (51:07) Making Mistakes Makes you Learn   #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #DrayageSolutions #FreightGrowth #LogisticsLeadership

Chadd Olesen talks about the challenges and successes of building, pivoting, and innovating in freight tech. Find out how AVRL is leading the way with creative automation and fresh strategies to tackle real industry challenges. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (1:29) What is AVRL? (6:15) Pivoting AVRL (9:45) Why to Post on LinkedIn (13:10) How Chadd Runs his Org  (15:10) Projects and the Projection  (15:36) How AVRL is Funded  (19:09) Venture Capital = Giving Away Power (24:18) Being ‘Over-Mentored’  (31:36) Chadd’s Thoughts on Trying to do Everything at Once  (36:10) What Drives Chadd (38:42) Teaching Companies to Leverage Tech  (43:02) Framing Firing and Hiring (48:56) Internal, External, and Accounting Communication  (53:45) Chadd Olesen Outside of Work (54:04) Macro and Micro with Politics and Organizations (1:01:28) Mistakes as a Founder #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightNews #Scalability #SpotBidding 

Jonathan Salama shares what it’s really like to build and transform a company with freight tech. His company Transfix shifted from brokerage to tech, empowering brokers with tools to thrive in today’s market using the right tools. Here’s why.  Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep (0:59) Evolution of Transfix  (4:43) Being in a Freight Recession (9:26) Growing and the Beginning of Transfix (15:15) Raising Money Outside of the Company (18:57) Making Decisions as a CEO (28:08) Correcting Decisions as a Better Founder (32:52) Jonathan’s Background (35:42) Having a Family   (39:22) New Challenges within the Company and Selling to NFI (44:34) The Hardest Decision (47:56) Personal Growth as a Founder (53:09) Advice to Someone Starting in the Freight Industry #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #DigitalBrokerage #FreightNews  

As the founder of FreightFacts.io, Lance Healy gets real about what it takes to build, grow, and pivot in the logistics industry. Watch more to hear why he’s not afraid to keep innovating and how he's shaking things up with accountability and performance metrics shippers can actually use. Key Chapters: (0:00) Intro to the Ep  (1:37) Origin of FreightFacts.io (3:47) Launching Banyan Technology (4:14) Entering the API Market and Competition (6:19) Being an Entrepreneur (9:21) Banyan Exit Strategy (12:01) Raising Money for Banyan (19:40) Making Payroll as an Entrepreneur (23:28) Starting Another Business (26:20) Being Aware of your Strengths/Weaknesses (28:49) Having Business Partners  (39:53) Godfather of Dynamic Pricing (48:58) Revolutionizing API Tech (1:00:56) Future of Freight Tech Companies (1:04:25) Lance’s take on Future of TMS Companies (1:13:13) Advice for Founders and Decision-Making #LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #Entrepreneurship #FreightTech