Inside Freight

What does basketball have to do with a freight brokerage? More than you'd think.In this episode, we sit down with Isaac, a nine-year veteran Sales Rep at Fifth Wheel Freight, who went from walking on at Grand Valley State University's basketball program to becoming a top freight broker...without ever planning to work in logistics. Isaac breaks down how the lessons he learned on the court like handling rejection, staying adaptable, and competing in a crowded field directly translate to success in one of the most competitive industries out there.We dig into what separates the brokers who thrive from the ones who wash out, why over-communication is his secret weapon, and why he'd rather have a customer yell at him than ghost him any day.Whether you're an athlete exploring a career in sales, a logistics pro looking for some fresh perspective, or just curious what the freight world actually looks like from the inside, this one's for you.

In this episode of Inside Freight, Fifth Wheel Freight’s VP of Technology, Nick Beukema, shares his perspective on how AI is widening the gap between average and great brokerages. Not necessarily through bigger budgets, but through better implementation, creativity, and operational agility.We also dive into the future of freight technology, including cheaper SaaS tools, AI voice, workflow automation, self-driving trucks, and the mindset shift professionals need to stay relevant as AI becomes more embedded in daily work.

Automation is changing freight brokerage...but not everything should be automated.In this episode of Inside Freight, VP of Technology Nick Beukema breaks down where AI and automation can make the biggest impact in logistics, from back-office processes to document processing and operational efficiency. He also explains the areas that he believes should remain human.We explore how freight companies can use technology to eliminate repetitive work while protecting the human relationships that power the industry. If you’re curious about AI in logistics, automation in freight brokerage, and the future of freight tech, this episode dives into what’s possible, and what may benefit from staying human.

In this episode of Inside Freight, Fifth Wheel Freight’s VP of Technology, Nick Beukema, shares how technology is transforming the modern freight brokerage. From building proprietary software inside a brokerage to navigating the rapid rise of AI, Nick discusses how logistics companies can stay ahead of the technology curve.We cover the role of internal tech teams, how brokerages are approaching automation and data infrastructure, and what it takes to implement meaningful tech in a fast-moving logistics environment. If you’re interested in freight tech, logistics innovation, and the future of brokerage technology, this episode is a must-listen.

What makes a carrier a broker’s first call?In this episode of Inside Freight, we sit down with Dakota, Director of Carrier Relations at Fifth Wheel Freight, to break down how carriers can stand out in today’s freight market. From communication and transparency to reliability and service, Dakota explains what separates good carriers from the ones brokers call again and again.Whether you’re a truckload carrier, dispatcher, freight broker, or logistics professional, this episode explores how strong relationships and clear communication lead to better freight partnerships and more consistent business.