Transfix

On this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Sharm Chelliah, Enterprise Sales Executive at BitFreighter, to unpack what modern freight sales really looks like when you strip away the buzzwords and keep the parts that actually move the needle: trust, service, and real relationships. Sharm walks through his “wait…am I moving freight?” journey from enterprise software (MicroStrategy) into logistics (Flexport), then into visibility and domestic freight tech (project44, Greenscreens), and finally to BitFreighter. Along the way, he breaks down why freight is the ultimate “no-BS” industry, how to keep selling after the contract is signed, and why everyone in a company is in sales whether their title admits it or not. Episode highlights: • International vs. domestic freight, explained with a skiing vs. snowboarding analogy you’ll steal immediately • Sales engineer vs. enterprise sales, and why the “technical win” lives in the middle of the field • Why service is the real differentiator (and why freight forces you to prove it every day) • The “4 people need to be pumped” rule to keep momentum through implementation and inevitable org changes • How to request product enhancements that engineering actually loves: business case + broader impact + a Loom video • LinkedIn, authenticity, and building a “real-life ChatGPT community” that helps you sanity-check your content • AI’s impact on outbound: trust is the bottleneck, touches are going up, and in-person community matters again • What Sharm’s most excited about at BitFreighter: bringing shipper relationships, EDI/API/RPA automation, and quoting into a simpler, lower-cost motion for brokers and 3PLs Sharm closes with a sharp mindset shift for anyone in sales (or adjacent to it): be a designer, not an artist. In other words, stop creating for yourself and start creating for the person you’re trying to help. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Tender rejections just jumped, rates are wobbling instead of sliding, and the market is starting to look less like “winter lull” and more like a reset. On this week’s episode of Transfix Take, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Justin Maze (NFI Industries) to break down what’s driving the sudden capacity squeeze, what it means for RFP season, and where pricing is likely to land as we head into late February. In this episode, we cover: • Why tender rejections climbed to ~14% and what’s behind the tightening (including high-visibility enforcement and safety actions that can take capacity off the road) • The current national average linehaul sitting around $2.10/mile (lengths of haul 200+ miles), plus the added pressure of rising fuel • Fresh retail spending signals and what they could mean for inventory strategy and freight demand • A weather watch shift to the West Coast, as California storms bring flooding, mudslides, and pass closures risk • Regional rate moves and where volatility is cooling vs. lingering Plus: we “dust off the crystal ball” to talk where tender rejections may head next week as negotiations and new rates get set for the 2026 baseline. Subscribe for weekly market updates, and if you’re in the thick of RFPs right now, this one’s your mid-Feb pulse check. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Winter didn’t just show up, it kicked the door in. ❄️ This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz sits down with NFI Industries market expert Justin Maze to unpack how weather disruption is rippling across the country, pushing tender rejections to a multi-year high and sending the national average linehaul rate back above holiday-volatility levels. From the Fed holding off on rate cuts, to a muted Lunar New Year demand outlook, to regional hot spots flaring up (hello, Southeast and Northeast), this episode is a fast, practical rundown of what’s moving freight right now and what to watch next. In this episode: • Tender rejections surge above ~13%, the highest since the post-COVID period • National average linehaul rate jumps to $2.06/mi (hauls 200+ miles), up from $1.94 last week • Diesel ticks up after a long stretch of declines (first increases since Nov 2025) • Weather-driven volatility: snow/backlogs in the Carolinas and parts of the Northeast, plus a wet-then-frozen setup in Atlanta midweek New episodes weekly. Follow to stay ahead of the freight market before it does that thing where it changes its mind overnight. 🚚📈 -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and this week on the Transfix Take podcast, we’re breaking down the perfect storm of record-breaking weather, shifting rate cycles, and a major regulatory crackdown in California. If you’re a freight broker or transportation professional trying to navigate the "capacity red zone," this episode is your essential guide to staying ahead of the game. Inside This Episode: Winter Storm Fern & The Capacity Red Zone: A massive "Arctic blast" has blanketed the Northeast and Southern Plains, with Yonkers, NY seeing up to 15 inches of snow and Texas grappling with black ice and freezing rain. We break down the regional road closures (I-95, I-40, I-81) and explain why a massive backlog of freight is building in the South. The California CDL Crackdown: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a "national emergency," withholding $160 million in highway funding from California after the state failed to revoke roughly 17,000 "illegally issued" non-domiciled CDLs. Could this lead to a significant capacity shift in early 2026? Market Trends & Rate Forecasts: National average line haul rates saw a staggering 25% increase from December through mid-January. While rates traditionally decline through April, the persistent winter weather has halted that downward trend. Justin Maze shares his outlook on where contract rates will land and why the market might be in for a "fun ride" through Q1. Macroeconomic Signals: With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. We discuss how housing starts and manufacturing demand remain the real drivers for a market turnaround. Regional Market Snapshots: Southeast: Slim uptick expected as carriers battle facility closures and backlogs. Northeast & Midwest: Heavy snow in PA and Wisconsin is tightening capacity and driving spot rates upward. West Coast: The "lucky" region with 70-degree weather, but keep an eye on how California’s regulatory issues impact the broader driver pool. Don’t miss our special announcement! Heading to Manifest (Feb 9–12)? Stop by Booth 1682 to meet the Transfix team and hear about our latest TMS and cost solutions. Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market. This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026. Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack: • Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s • How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes • The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region • Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions • The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity • Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market” Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year. It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed. If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Winter weather is here — and so is the first major freight shock of December. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the impact of a sweeping nor’easter, early-season snow across the Midwest and Northeast, and the stunning closure of 10 Roads Trucking, the largest carrier shutdown since Yellow. With more than 2,500 trucks leaving the road, Maze explains why this could be the first of several ripples in an already depressed freight market. Here’s what Jenni and Maze cover: ❄️ Nor’easter disruptions bring snow, ice, and road closures across PA, New England, and the Midwest 🚚 10 Roads Trucking shuts down, sending shockwaves through an industry still battling low volumes 📈 National average rate per mile creeps upward as winter weather and post-Thanksgiving pressure tighten capacity 🌤 Southeast leads gains, with freight to the Coastal region jumping nearly 6% 🌊 Coastal region strengthens, driven by increasing rates into the Northeast 🤠 South sees modest holiday-driven gains, but Maze expects rates to cool unless a deep freeze hits 🌽 Midwest volatility grows, especially on lanes heading into the Northeast amid heavy snowfall 🗽 Northeast dips slightly overall, but winter weather is likely to reverse that trend next week 🌲 West Coast resumes its slow climb, led by the Pacific Northwest as Christmas trees, produce, and seasonal freight pick up Plus, Jenni and Maze talk driver safety in dangerous winter conditions and share a special Giving Tuesday message in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which provides critical assistance to drivers affected by shutdowns, illness, and financial hardship. Interested in donating? Use these links: • Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freightfantasyleague • Donate via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/freightfantasyleague This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The Thanksgiving surge is officially here — and for the first time in weeks, every region in the U.S. saw rates climb. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down why the holiday push is giving carriers the upper hand, even as consumer demand remains muted and freight volumes stay historically low. With Black Friday on deck and winter weather circling parts of the country, the next few days could set the tone for the rest of the year. Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack: 📈 National rate pressure builds, with holiday disruptions pushing gains in every major region 🦃 Southeast heats up, driven by seasonal holiday commodities like citrus, sweet potatoes, and turkeys 🚚 Coastal region jumps nearly 1%, with freight to the Northeast spiking more than 2.5% 🌪 South shows steady gains, though storms across Texas and Oklahoma could create pockets of volatility ❄️ Northeast posts the smallest increase, despite lake-effect snow and unusual lane behavior 🌲 Midwest and West Coast emerge as the week’s breakout markets — Christmas tree season, produce, and tightening capacity push both regions to the top 🔮 December forecast: Maze expects a brief pullback after Thanksgiving, followed by a sharper climb in the back half of the month as capacity exits the market for holiday downtime Plus, Jenni and Maze share Thanksgiving plans — and a definitive ranking of the best Thanksgiving sides. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni sits down with longtime friend and former Transfixer, Jack Pendergast, now Associate Director of Logistics at City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization. Together, they trace Jack’s journey from brokerages and fine art freight to purpose-driven logistics—moving millions of pounds of food and essentials to New Yorkers who need it most. Jack pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a city fed: timing deliveries to food pantries with limited storage, navigating NYC traffic with a veteran union driver fleet, and managing peak season as holiday demand, marathons, and food drives all collide. He also shares how City Harvest is responding in real time to crises like government shutdowns—getting fresh food to military families, TSA workers, and other federal employees missing paychecks. They dive into why people, not just KPIs and tech, are the real backbone of any supply chain—from drivers and warehouse teams to community partners—and how City Harvest is thoughtfully modernizing its tech stack without losing sight of its mission: rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it into the hands of New Yorkers for free. Listen in to hear: • How Jack’s brokerage background prepared him for nonprofit logistics • What makes food rescue and produce logistics uniquely challenging • Why relationships with drivers and community partners make or break operations • Simple ways you (and your company) can support City Harvest this season Plus, learn how you can get involved in giving back during this holiday season. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

In this very special edition of Supply Chain Decoded, we are honored to sit down with not one, but three titans of the industry: Eddie, David, and Kenny Lund. Recorded during their annual family hunting trip, the brothers join Jenni to pull back the curtain on the legacy of their father, Allen Lund, and the groundbreaking values that shaped a freight empire. We dive deep into their new book, Be Good: The Allen Lund Story, which chronicles how Allen transitioned from rescuing a friend at C.H. Robinson to pioneering the modern brokerage model. From the cinematic "Wasatch fire" moment that redefined Allen’s faith and purpose to the "Monday Night Therapy" sessions that helped the family pen this history, this episode is about much more than moving freight. Join us as we decode the heart of a family business that prioritizes drivers, treats employees like kin, and famously voted "not to participate" in a recession. In this episode, we cover: • The Origin Story: How Allen Lund’s early days and a "baptism by fire" led to the creation of a logistics powerhouse. • The Matriarch: The critical, often unsung role Kathy Lund played in building the company's benefits and culture. • Old School vs. New School: Why the Lunds believe AI should never replace the human relationship and the lost art of talking to drivers. • The Secret Sauce: Decoding the Lund legacy in one simple, powerful line: "Be good, work hard, go to mass". Whether you’re looking to decode the origins of the modern freight brokerage or simply want to hear a story about a family that continues to bet on relationships over algorithms, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to pick up a copy of "Be Good: The Allen Lund Story" to experience the full legacy. And as Allen himself always said at the end of a call instead of goodbye—be good. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The freight market is cooling just as the temperatures drop — and with Thanksgiving around the corner, things are about to get interesting. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the state of the freight market as we hit the midpoint of November. The national average rate per mile dips slightly to $1.66, and while capacity remains loose, early winter weather could shake things up in key regions. Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack: 📉 Rates hold mostly flat across the board — down just a couple of cents week-over-week 🌨 Winter weather hits the Midwest and Northeast, but capacity hasn’t tightened yet 📊 Southeast and Coastal regions stay steady, with movement depending on destination 📉 South softens as rates continue to trend downward in Dallas and Fort Worth 🌽 Midwest leads gains with early snowfall pushing rates higher in Chicago and Indianapolis 🗽 Northeast continues to decline, though lake-effect snow could bring short-term spikes 🌲 West Coast begins to heat up as the Pacific Northwest enters produce and Christmas tree season Maze shares his outlook heading into Thanksgiving and predicts where volatility will surface first as Q4 freight picks up. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

It’s the calm before the holiday chaos — or is it? This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down how October closed out and what to expect as we roll into November. Despite a government shutdown entering its fourth week and tender volumes hitting an all-time low for October, the national average rate per mile held its ground with a modest 2 % month-over-month gain. Here’s what’s moving the market: 📊 Rates steady thanks to Midwest strength, while demand stays weak nationwide 🌪 Category 5 hurricane near Jamaica could spark relief freight into South Florida 🌧 Flooding and flash storms slow the South as the Coastal region continues to loosen 🌽 Midwest leads gains, expected to drive national increases through November 🗺 Northeast and South soften, while the West Coast preps for its late-season upswing 🔮 Maze’s November outlook: expect roughly a 2 % national rate bump, driven by holiday volatility and seasonal freight out of the West With the shutdown stretching on and inflation still in play, Jenni and Maze look ahead to what could make or break the end of 2025 for brokers, shippers, and carriers alike. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

This week on Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ryan Goodwin, Senior Director of Advanced Supply Chain at Trinity Industries and Adjunct Professor of Supply Chain Management at TCU — a leader whose approach to automation and change management is reshaping how the rail industry thinks about data, technology, and people. Ryan’s face recently appeared on the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square — a moment that symbolizes how far he’s taken his mission to eliminate “drudgery” from supply chain work through AI and automation. In this conversation, he shares the story behind that moment and the philosophy that got him there. Together, Jenni and Ryan decode: AI in the wild: How Trinity Industries uses large language models to manage supplier communication — cutting through thousands of purchase orders without a single EDI integration. Swivel chair to seamless workflows: The real meaning of moving from manual to integrated systems and what it takes to make automation actually work for people. The classroom meets the boardroom: What teaching the next generation of supply chain professionals has revealed about AI adoption, critical thinking, and human judgment in the age of LLMs. Built or bought: How companies can balance in-house innovation with SaaS partnerships in an era of “AI provider fatigue.” Inventory decoded: Why this age-old topic remains the most misunderstood — and why Ryan calls it both the light and liability of the supply chain. From his early days measuring warehouse shelves in a suit to building bots that talk to suppliers in natural language, Ryan offers a rare, grounded look at what digital transformation really looks like in practice — and why collaboration between humans and AI will define the next decade of supply chain innovation. 🎧 Listen now to explore the future of automation, education, and decision-making — straight from one of rail’s most forward-thinking minds. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The freight market may look steady, but don’t let that fool you — subtle shifts are already setting the stage for a volatile November. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s Justin Maze break down what’s happening across every region as Q4 heats up. From weather disruptions to policy curveballs, here’s where things stand — and where they’re headed next. In this episode: • Minimal week-over-week rate changes, but Midwest tightening continues • Flatbed activity climbs 5% across the Southeast amid local freight pressure • Coastal and South regions remain soft as the Northeast stays stagnant • Weather watch: storms, snow, and possible tornado activity impacting freight lanes • The latest on federal transportation funding withheld from California — and why it matters Plus, Jenni shares a few shoutouts for FreightTech 25 hopefuls and the Transfix team at F3. Tune in for a full regional breakdown and Maze’s forecast for the final stretch of October. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

In a male-dominated industry that often rewards polish over honesty, Amber Romando shows up with zero filters and total heart. From her beginnings as a dispatcher at UPS to becoming COO of Spartan Logistics and President of CSCMP Chicago Roundtable, Amber has carved out a career defined by grit, grace, and guts. In this conversation with host Jenni Ruiz, Amber opens up about betting on herself before LinkedIn even existed, the mentors who changed her life, and how she learned to turn tragedy into legacy. She talks candidly about what it means to be a woman navigating conferences, boardrooms, and truck yards—and why she refuses to play small or play nice when the stakes are high. This is a masterclass in showing up fully, leading with empathy, and staying authentic no matter who’s in the room. Whether you’re a logistics veteran or just someone trying to find your footing in a tough industry, Amber’s story will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even take a few notes. Authenticity. Advocacy. No apologies. Amber’s got all three—and she’s using them to change the game. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the latest trends as Q4 2025 kicks off. Rates are holding steady, but regional shifts and a few policy curveballs are keeping things interesting. Here’s what’s moving the market: • A return to seasonal norms after weeks of volatility • Flatbed load-to-truck ratios up 8.4%, signaling tightening in project and construction freight • A nor’easter and West Coast storms bringing rain, wind, and early snow to key markets • West Coast lanes heating up while the Southeast and Coastal regions cool off • A continued slow decline in the South, while the Midwest holds steady • The ongoing impact of non-domicile CDL regulations — and why Maze says the real effects are still months away Plus, Jenni gives a shoutout to Freightwaves' new WHAT THE TRUCK?!? host, Malcolm Harris, and recaps Carly Gunby’s appearance on the show to talk RFP strategies and how to beat AI fatigue in freight. To watch Carly's appearance on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? click here: https://youtu.be/F-tYNwc6zFs?si=UGUqk12djOUyxrYA This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

It’s been a volatile two weeks in freight, and Maze and Jenni are breaking it all down on this week’s Transfix Take. As the national average line haul rate spikes and dry van load posts climb 6%, a perfect storm of factors — from end-of-quarter pressures to severe weather and a major CDL ruling — has carriers and shippers feeling the heat. Maze unpacks the non-domicile CDL regulation and what it could mean for the industry long term, from tighter driver pools to rate shifts driven by reduced labor supply. Then, the duo dives into the regional breakdown: 🌪 Southeast & Coastal: Storms and relief loads drive volatility 🌧 South: Flooding and cross-border disruptions 🌽 Midwest: Q4 tightening begins 🗽 Northeast: Long-haul rates climb 🌲 West Coast: Steady for now, but keep an eye on ports and Christmas tree season Plus, Jenni recaps highlights from the JOC Inland Conference, where conversations on market trends, regulations, and fraud are taking center stage. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

After more than a year, The Transfix Take is officially back! Justin Maze, market expert at NFI Industries, joins Jenni Ruiz to break down the last seven days in freight, starting with a stagnant national average rate per mile of $1.61. From severe storms in the Midwest to Tropical Storm Mario hitting Southern California, weather made its mark, while seasonal patterns echo what we saw throughout 2024. Maze dives into each region: Southeast and Coastal markets trending downward, the South seeing volatility in border markets, the Midwest and Northeast showing signs of seasonal pressure, and the West Coast tightening up as Christmas tree season approaches. Plus, the duo looks ahead to RFP season and what shippers, brokers, and carriers can expect in a market that’s still oversupplied with capacity. This and more on the Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Supply Chain Decoded kicks off Season Two with Diane Hutsell, Director of Philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Diane shares her unexpected journey into trucking, how the Fund has provided over $5.2 million in aid, and the health challenges drivers face on the road. From innovative health programs to a fantasy football fundraiser and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, this episode highlights why truckers are the heart of the supply chain — and why supporting them matters. To learn more about St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, visit truckersfund.org. To donate to Transfix's Freight Fantasy Football initiative where all proceeds benefit the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, email us at freightfantasyfootball@transfix.io. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Insurance might not be the sexiest topic in freight—but it should be. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Taylor Walker, Chief Insurance Officer at Loadsure, and Michael Kennedy, VP of Partnerships, to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and mission-critical) aspects of logistics: cargo insurance. Together, they decode the difference between hard and soft insurance markets, the rise of theft and fraud in 2025, and why too many brokers are unknowingly flying blind on coverage. They break down what a truly tech-powered, usage-based model looks like—and how it’s saving brokers serious money and margin. Spoiler: you can set it up in under a minute. You’ll also hear why almonds are a hot theft target, what happens when hay combusts, and how rejected strawberries can derail a week. If you're a freight broker still relying on outdated policies, this episode might just save your business. Key Topics: • Why insurance cycles don’t always mirror freight cycles • How theft, impersonation, and fraud are rewriting risk models • The rise of on-demand cargo insurance and holistic freight protection • What brokers get wrong about liability (and how to fix it) • Real claims stories—from nuts to railcar fires • Why tech-forward doesn’t mean mega-fleet only This is the freight insurance episode you didn’t know you needed—until now. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Corey Abbott, Chief Growth Officer at PortPro, to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential links in the supply chain: drayage. From his early days in corporate IT at XPO to leading AI transformation at PortPro, Corey brings a rare blend of technical fluency and logistics expertise. He explains why drayage—long plagued by spreadsheets, missed appointments, and paper-heavy workflows—is finally getting the tech overhaul it deserves. The key? AI agents purpose-built for drayage operations. Corey breaks down how PortPro’s agentic AI is eliminating repetitive tasks, streamlining communication with BCOs, and enabling teams to plan smarter. With a marketplace of new automation tools dropping every week, PortPro is arming drayage companies with the tech needed to boost margins during down markets—and scale fast when volumes rebound. Whether you're a shipper, carrier, or broker, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the current drayage landscape and the future of automation in supply chain logistics. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.