Transfix

Q2 is off to a turbulent start, and this week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz is joined by NFI market expert Justin Maze to break down a freight market that feels anything but settled. From FMCSA’s rollout of the new MODIS registration system and pilot testing around hours-of-service flexibility, to port disruptions in Savannah and New York, they start with the headlines shaping the week before digging into the pressure point everyone is watching: fuel. With diesel climbing fast, especially in California, Jenni and Justin unpack what rising fuel costs, stubborn linehaul rates, and elevated tender rejections mean for brokers, carriers, and shippers right now. They also take listeners through the regional storylines defining the market, from tightening in the Southeast, South, and Texas to signs of relative softening in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The episode closes with a look at the spot market, where rates continue to rise and flatbed rejections remain especially sharp, creating even more uncertainty for teams trying to quote and cover freight in real time. If you are trying to make sense of contract pressure, shifting capacity, and what could come next in April, this is the update to have in your ears. -- 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.

What does it take to build the biggest supply chain event in the world and keep it relevant in an industry that never sits still? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Tanzil Uddin, SVP of Content and Partnerships at Manifest, for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of supply chain’s most influential conferences comes to life. From curating programming for 400+ speakers to tracking the trends shaping procurement, cold chain, AI, sustainability, and beyond, Tanzil shares how the Manifest team keeps a real-time pulse on what operators actually need. He also reflects on the early days of Manifest, the challenge of changing industry perception, and why creating space for candid peer conversations has become one of the event’s greatest strengths. Jenni and Tanzil also dig into what makes a conference feel truly worth attending, how sponsorship and editorial integrity can work together, what’s ahead for Manifest 2027 and Manifest Europe, and why the best technology conversations always start with understanding the problem first. -- 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.

Freight fraud is getting smarter. Cassie Quien and the Wabash team are building for that reality. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Cassie Quien, Senior Director of Revenue at Wabash, to unpack one of the most urgent challenges in freight today: cargo theft, strategic fraud, and why protecting freight can no longer fall on just one player in the network. Cassie shares how her path from trucking operations to trailer innovation shaped her consultative approach to the industry, and why understanding the full life cycle of a load still matters more than ever. The conversation dives into TrailerHawk, Wabash’s new cargo assurance technology designed to tackle both identity-based fraud and physical theft. Cassie explains how the solution combines driver verification, carrier validation, integrated trailer door locks, and a digital chain of custody to help shippers, carriers, and brokers prevent theft before it happens, not just react after the fact. She also breaks down why fraud is now pushing shippers into the hot seat, how high-risk lanes and high-value freight are shaping adoption, and what early testing is revealing as Wabash continues bringing the technology to market. But this episode is about more than technology. It is also a reminder that in all the rush toward innovation, one part of the supply chain still gets overlooked: the driver. Cassie closes with a powerful perspective on why the best solutions are the ones built with real operational empathy and real-world experience. -- 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.

As March comes to a close, the freight market is serving up volatility from every direction. In this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze unpack the diesel surge shaking the industry, with fuel jumping from $3.89 to $5.37 a gallon in just a few weeks, and what that means for shippers already bracing for higher costs. They dig into why linehaul rates dipped, then started creeping back up again, how tender rejections are hovering around 14.5%, and why flatbed is in a league of its own with rejection rates reaching as high as 50%. Jenni and Justin also break down the regional picture, from tightening in the Southeast and Texas to mixed signals in the Midwest, loosening in the Pacific Northwest, and a surprising shift in Southern California. Plus, they look ahead to April and explain why produce season, fuel pressure, spot market exposure, and even a rise in new carrier authority applications could make the next few weeks especially unpredictable. For shippers and brokers trying to protect margins without losing flexibility, this is the market read you need right 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.

Blythe Milligan is back, and this conversation feels like a full-circle moment. Three years after her first appearance on The Transfix Take On, Blythe returns to sit down with Jenni Ruiz for a candid, funny, and deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to build a podcast that lasts, a brand that sounds like you, and a platform that actually serves the freight industry. As the host of Everything is Logistics and the founder of CargoRex, Blythe has become one of the most trusted voices in freight media. In this episode, she opens up about the editorial changes she’s made over the last year, the limits of AI in creative work, why great content still requires gut instinct, and how podcasters can protect their voice in a sea of copycat conversations. She also shares the story behind CargoRex, her ambitious effort to create a smarter, more human-centered research engine for logistics. Jenni and Blythe also get into the intimacy of podcasting, what kills a show before it ever finds its audience, the rise of women-led communities in logistics, and why supply chain should stop being treated like a background function and start being recognized for what it really is: a business driver, a brand differentiator, and a human story. This episode is part media masterclass, part freight deep dive, and part love letter to the creators and operators doing the work with heart. Listen & subscribe to Everything Is Logistics: https://everythingislogistics.com/ Learn more about CargoRex: https://cargorex.io/ Listen to Blythe's previous Transfix Take On episode: https://soundcloud.com/transfix-take-podcast/the-transfix-take-on-authentically-good-marketing-in-trucking-with-blythe-brumleve -- 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.

Whitney Johnson Cowell is the kind of supply chain leader who makes people feel seen. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni sits down with the Revenue Marketing Manager at Knight-Swift Warehousing and Fulfillment, founder of Mediocre Marketing, and TMSA board member to talk about the evolving relationship between sales and marketing, the real impact of AI on how teams work together, and why empathy is still one of the most powerful leadership skills in logistics. But this conversation goes deeper than strategy. Whitney opens up about building community in an industry that can sometimes feel overwhelming, advocating for neurodivergent professionals, and creating more inclusive spaces where people do not have to hide who they are to belong. She also shares the heart behind Dry Conversations, her platform for honest discussions around sobriety, mental health, and connection. This is a conversation about marketing, yes, but also about humanity. About asking better questions. About making room for people to breathe. And about the kind of leadership that leaves people better than it found them. To hear episodes of Dry Conversations, visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EKJrc7fGOBQE2Pv13QiTR?si=2b36de382ac74d1a To learn more about TMSA, visit: https://www.tmsatoday.org/ To follow Whitney on LinkedIn, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyhjohnson/ To learn more about Mediocre Marketing, click here: https://itsmediocremarketing.com/ -- 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.

Fuel is surging, fraud is forcing new action in Washington, and the freight market is sending mixed signals. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz is joined by NFI’s Justin Maze to break down the biggest developments shaping freight right now, from the newly introduced Safer Transport Act and work authorization mandates to diesel’s sharp climb and what it means for brokers, carriers, and spot market pricing. They also dig into tender rejections hitting 15%, why small fleets may be getting squeezed, and how produce season is tightening capacity in the Southeast while the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast tell very different stories. If you’re trying to make sense of a market that feels increasingly capacity-driven, not demand-driven, this episode lays out what to watch next. -- 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.

What does jumping off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas have to do with the future of supply chain marketing? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Jennifer Karpus-Romain, Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA), for a conversation that blends adrenaline, innovation, and the evolving role of AI in marketing and sales. Jennifer shares the story behind a recent charity jump for Move for Hunger, and how that same spirit of bold experimentation is shaping the future of TMSA’s flagship conference, Elevate. Together, they unpack: • Why TMSA is launching role-based tracks for sales and marketing professionals • How a live AI tech showdown will replace the traditional keynote • The real way AI should support marketing teams (not replace them) • Why cutting professional development budgets may be supply chain’s biggest mistake • And how tools like the “Convince Your Boss” toolkit help marketers prove ROI for conferences Jennifer also shares how she uses AI as a sparring partner rather than a replacement for human creativity and empathy, and why investing in people remains the most important strategy for any organization. If you work in supply chain sales, marketing, or leadership, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how the industry is evolving and how professionals can evolve with it. Listen in and learn why the future of supply chain isn’t just about technology. It’s about empowering the people behind it. -- 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 week of March 3rd, and host Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze (NFI Industries) are unpacking a whirlwind seven days: the Supreme Court struck down tariffs only for 10% global tariffs to follow, conflict in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global supply chains, and diesel prices have now climbed for eight straight weeks. Back on the domestic side, the U.S. truckload market remains stubbornly tight. Tender rejections are hovering near 13.7%, rates are still up 24% from December 2024, and the relief shippers were counting on this spring? It's not showing up. Justin breaks down what's driving pressure region by region — from a heating-up South and Southeast to a softening Midwest and a surprisingly quiet West Coast. Plus: What could Delilah's Law mean for capacity if it passes? Are shippers rethinking the annual contract in favor of spot pricing? And can anyone actually forecast what's coming next? If you're in freight, now is the time to strategize. Tune in, and send your questions to jenni@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.

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ari Levy — Chief Meme Officer at Freight Caviar and co-founder of Landing Talent — to talk about how he went from slinging freight at Coyote and Molo to building a recruiting firm from Mexico City and crafting the memes that have 80,000+ followers cackling on LinkedIn. Ari shares the wild story of how a screenshot of a fired employee's company-wide email landed him his gig at Freight Caviar, why the funniest sponsored memes are the ones that don't try too hard, and the Timothy Chalamet courtside photo that became a freight brokerage classic. On the recruiting side, Ari breaks down the biggest mistakes freight companies make when hiring (hint: a fat book of business doesn't guarantee success), how AI is reshaping (not replacing) the people side of logistics, and what hiring trends he's watching in 2026 as the market starts to shift. Plus: the one meme that flopped and still haunts him, why authenticity beats polish every time, and advice for anyone thinking about making their next career move in freight. -- 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.

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.