Hammer Down

The idea of a self-driving 80,000-pound truck barreling down the interstate once felt like science fiction. Now, it’s operating on real freight lanes in Texas. After years of hype and recalibration, autonomous trucking is entering its proving ground.Persistent driver shortages and rising freight demand have forced the industry to look beyond incremental improvements. The American Trucking Associations continues to project a driver shortfall in the tens of thousands, a gap that could widen significantly by the end of the decade. At the same time, advances in AI, sensor fusion, and redundant safety systems are pushing autonomous platforms out of closed-course testing and into structured commercial deployments. The stakes are clear: safer highways, tighter delivery windows, and a fundamental shift in how long-haul freight networks are designed.With autonomous trucks now operating on real freight lanes, how are companies ensuring they’re safe enough — and reliable enough — for widespread deployment?On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush welcomes Sasko Cuklev, the Head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, for a future-focused discussion on the commercialization of autonomous trucking. The episode explores how Volvo is building not just an autonomous vehicle, but a full operational ecosystem—covering safety redundancies, terminal integration, customer collaboration, and live freight movement in Texas hub-to-hub lanes.The conversation delves into…Why autonomous trucking requires a complete ecosystem—not just advanced sensors on a truck.What Volvo is learning from commercial freight operations between Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and El Paso.How autonomy could cut coast-to-coast transit times from five days to two while increasing asset utilization.Sasko Cuklev is the Head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, where he leads the full value chain of autonomous truck commercialization—from developing sales propositions to executing and operating customer deployments globally. With nearly three decades at Volvo across product development, systems engineering, and commercial leadership, he has played a central role in bringing autonomous, electrified, and connected vehicle solutions from concept to market. Known for his strengths in business development, innovation, and cross-functional leadership, Cuklev has built and led global teams focused on scaling autonomous transport solutions across mining, ports, logistics hubs, and highway freight applications.

Transportation management systems are undergoing a quiet but consequential shift. Once viewed primarily as tools for tracking loads and storing paperwork, modern TMS platforms are increasingly expected to function as the operational backbone of logistics organizations. As freight volumes continue to fluctuate, margins remain tight, and supply chains rely on a growing mix of carriers, brokers, and shippers, fragmented systems and manual workflows have become harder to justify. Reflecting this demand for consolidation and control, a 2026 industry report projects the global TMS market will grow from $15.24 billion in 2025 to $41.08 billion by 2031, driven by automation, real-time visibility, and integrated financial management.As these platforms expand in scope,  can a single transportation management system truly support carriers, brokers, and shippers together without creating competition or conflicts of interest?Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush speaks with Tia Parks, Senior Sales Accounting Executive at PCS Software. Together, they discuss how all-in-one TMS platforms are evolving to serve the full supply chain ecosystem. Their conversation explores why accounting, compliance, and operational alerts are no longer “back-office” features, how COVID-era disruptions reshaped expectations around visibility and speed, and why education and alignment across logistics roles remain critical to long-term efficiency.Key themes from the conversation:All-in-One TMS Platforms – How transportation management systems are evolving beyond tracking to support dispatch, documentation, accounting, and visibility across carriers, brokers, and shippers.Accounting and Compliance as Core Functions – Why integrated accounting, driver compliance, safety, and operational alerts are no longer add-ons, but essential capabilities for managing logistics efficiently.Alignment, Education, and Workforce Understanding – How recent industry shifts have underscored the need for clearer alignment between supply-chain roles and better education across logistics organizations.Shantia Parks is a Senior Sales Accounting Executive at PCS Software with more than eight years of experience across logistics, SaaS, and transportation technology. She has worked across sales, customer support, and operations, including prior experience in ocean freight, giving her a strong, end-to-end understanding of carrier, broker, and shipper workflows. Parks is known for driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency through TMS solutions, and supporting mentorship and education within the supply chain industry.

As the U.S. accelerates its push toward cleaner freight transport, policy and market forces are reshaping what’s possible in trucking. The EPA’s Phase 3 greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, finalized on March 29, 2024, establish stricter CO₂ limits for model years 2027 through 2032. The rule is technology-neutral and performance-based, allowing manufacturers to meet emissions targets through advanced combustion, hybrid, or electric systems. Meanwhile, California has paused enforcement and moved to repeal key provisions of its Advanced Clean Fleets rule after agreeing not to enforce the 2036 zero-emission sales mandate without a waiver from the U.S. EPA. Together, these developments mark a pivotal moment where the path to cleaner, zero-emission trucking is advancing but still being defined.As regulations evolve and expectations rise, how can manufacturers balance innovation, affordability, and infrastructure readiness in a landscape that’s both accelerating and uncertain?In this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush welcomes Jeroen Joost de Vries, CEO of ZM Trucks, for a discussion on how the company is reimagining commercial trucking with electric, hydrogen, and autonomous solutions. De Vries shares how ZM’s modular, globally tested approach to manufacturing is designed to meet fleet needs efficiently without overpromising what technology can’t yet deliver.Main Points of ConversationGlobal Innovation, Local Execution – ZM Trucks builds electric and hydrogen-powered trucks across classes 2–8, leveraging manufacturing and field experience from Japan, Vietnam, and the Middle East to guide its U.S. expansion strategy.Infrastructure and Cost Realities – De Vries highlights that while hydrogen remains cost-prohibitive in the U.S., behind-the-fence AC charging solutions can make smaller fleet operations economically viable—if approached pragmatically.Autonomous Drayage on the Horizon – ZM Trucks is preparing to launch autonomous drayage trucks within 24 months, focusing on short-distance port operations where zero-emission adoption has the clearest near-term payoff.Jeroen Joost de Vries is a global automotive executive known for leading innovation, sales, and customer operations across the electric and commercial vehicle sectors. He serves as CEO of ZM Trucks and previously held leadership roles at DeLorean Motor Company, Karma Automotive, and Tesla, where he led worldwide service operations. His career spans more than two decades with major manufacturers such as Mack Trucks and Xi’an Silver Bus Corporation, driving growth, brand transformation, and progress in sustainable mobility.

For decades, the freight industry has leaned heavily on compliance data and opaque reputation systems, leaving carriers, brokers, and shippers with little visibility into actual service quality. Reviews often sat behind paywalls, skewed negative, or lacked validation altogether, making it difficult to separate reliable partners from unreliable ones. Today, the vast majority of trucking remains highly fragmented — out of the nearly 580,000 active motor carriers that are registered with the FMCSA, more than 91% run 10 or fewer trucks, and 99% run fewer than 100. That scale imbalance makes digital visibility and trusted reputation tools all the more essential, and it’s exactly where CarrierSource is betting that transparent, two-sided reviews can reshape how freight decisions are made.So, how can peer-driven reputation systems change the game for trucking companies, freight brokers, and the shippers that depend on them?Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Robert Light, CEO and co-founder of CarrierSource, to explore how his company is bringing Yelp- and G2-style transparency to the logistics world. Together, they dive into why reputation matters, how CarrierSource validates reviews to ensure integrity, and what role AI and tech innovation will play in the future of supply chain efficiency.Key takeaways from the conversation…Redefining carrier trust: CarrierSource moves beyond compliance data, providing a transparent platform for brokers, carriers, and shippers to share authentic, validated reviews.Fighting fake feedback: Every review goes through human moderation, requiring proof of a real working relationship to ensure authenticity.Future of logistics tech: Light predicts AI will finally solve long-standing inefficiencies in fragmented supply chain processes, opening new opportunities for innovation.Robert Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, a platform that combines verified reviews with FMCSA data to help brokers, shippers, and carriers build trust and grow their businesses. Before founding CarrierSource in 2020, Light spent over four years at G2, where he advanced from research specialist to Research Principal, focusing on enterprise solutions, AI, and analytics. His career highlights center on scaling review-based platforms, leveraging data to improve decision-making, and driving digital transformation in traditionally offline industries.

Drayage, the short-haul transport of containers from ports to warehouses, has become a critical link in global logistics. E-commerce growth and shifting supply chain strategies have pushed this step into sharper focus. U.S. containerized imports totaled 28,196,462 TEUs in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring the rising demand for port-to-warehouse transport. Delays at this stage create ripple effects across entire networks, impacting both costs and customer expectations.How do major retailers like Wayfair ensure drayage is reliable, efficient, and profitable while maintaining long-term supplier relationships?On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush speaks with Summer Griffin, Drayage Procurement Manager at Wayfair. Griffin shares her path from ocean carriers to her current leadership role at CastleGate, Wayfair’s freight forwarding arm. Their conversation explores how her team manages procurement, profit optimization, and supplier partnerships to keep goods moving smoothly.Key Points from the Conversation:The dual role of procurement and profit management: Griffin explains how her team negotiates drayage rates while optimizing margins for CastleGate.What makes drayage unique: From port arrivals to warehouse delivery, drayage plays a specialized role in domestic distribution.Career insights for supply chain newcomers: Griffin emphasizes the importance of cross-training across supply chain functions for effective drayage management.Summer Griffin is the Procurement Manager for Drayage at Wayfair, where she leads carrier negotiations, profit management, and cost-saving initiatives for CastleGate Forwarding. She brings over eight years of experience in supply chain operations, beginning her career with K-Line and Ocean Network Express, where she developed expertise in equipment management, procurement, and large-scale system integrations during a global merger. Griffin is recognized for strengthening drayage networks through vendor partnerships, operational improvements, and cross-functional collaboration.

The freight logistics industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. With financial instability affecting brokerages and shifting commission structures prompting sales talent to explore new paths, the “agent model” — a 1099 contractor framework for freight brokers — is seeing renewed attention. As more logistics professionals seek greater flexibility, ownership, and earnings potential, understanding the mechanics and risks of this model is becoming increasingly important. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation and warehousing sector is projected to add over half a million jobs between 2022 and 2032, signaling steady growth and drawing new entrants to the field with one key question:Should freight brokers go independent as agents or stay in traditional W2 roles?Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Matt Dahl, Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, to break down the nuances of the freight agent model. They discuss the advantages, misconceptions, and red flags associated with the shift from employee to entrepreneur in logistics sales.Key takeaways from the episode…Freedom over finances: While many assume money is the primary motivator for going agent, Matt shares that freedom, flexibility, and escaping micromanagement often top the list.Readiness matters: Jumping into the agent model without a book of business or prior experience can lead to burnout and financial stress. Discipline and planning are key.Non-competes vs. non-solicits: Matt breaks down why non-competes are widely disliked in the industry and advises new grads to scrutinize employment contracts carefully.Matt Dahl is a logistics professional with a strong background in freight brokerage, account management, and agent recruitment. He currently serves as Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, where he leads the development of 1099 agent networks. He has previously held sales and operations roles at DestiNATION Transport and Logistic Dynamics. Matt is also the co-host of 2 Dawgs, 1 Pod, where he explores industry trends and insights across the freight and logistics landscape.

At the ACT Expo, Hammer Down host Mike Bush dives deeper into the future of freight with a hands-on look at Windrose Technology’s electric Class 8 trucks. Joined by Joseph Jaramillo, Driver Supervisor at Talon Logistics Inc., Mike takes a test drive to experience the smooth ride, dual digital displays, and unique features—like advanced regen modes and a sunroof—that are rare finds in heavy-duty trucks.Representing Windrose, Kyle Maki, Director of Customer Success & Operations, and Michael Millar, Marketing Lead, North America, shared how the company, with roots in China and operations in California and Belgium, is rethinking electric trucking from the ground up. Their truck tackles weight and range challenges head-on with an 82,000-pound capacity and 420-mile range.As the logistics industry rapidly evolves, this episode underscores how purpose-built electric trucks are steering the future—and doing it with style and efficiency.

In a special episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush hit the show floor at ACT Expo, one of the logistics industry’s premier events for sustainable transportation. The conversations highlighted real-world innovations and clean trucking technology accelerating the shift to a lower-emissions future.Prathamesh Dabholkar, Project Engineer at OneH2, discussed the company’s mobile hydrogen fueling units. These systems offer a flexible solution for fleets needing quick and space-efficient hydrogen access, without the need for permanent infrastructure.Thomas Heck, Director of Key Account Management at Schaeffler of America, showcased the company’s electric drivetrain technologies, including a modular eAxle. Schaeffler’s solutions support both battery-electric and fuel-cell power, with additional hybrid components designed to reduce emissions from combustion engines, broadening the practical use of clean trucking technology across heavy-duty applications.To address growing EV adoption, Steve Kingsley-Jones, Senior Product Manager at WEX, introduced a streamlined platform that helps fleets reimburse drivers for at-home EV charging. The system automates installation, usage tracking, and payments—all while maintaining driver privacy and utility integration.From hydrogen to hybrid systems and smarter EV infrastructure, ACT Expo confirmed that clean logistics tech is not just emerging—it’s arriving, fast.

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.Highlights from the conversation:Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.Highlights from the conversation:Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.Key Highlights from the Episode:The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.Key Highlights from the Episode:The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices through outdated systems has made digital freight invoicing a rising priority for modernization.​How can digitized invoicing and integrated payment platforms reduce administrative overhead and accelerate the cargo release process?On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush talks with Rishav Mondal, Senior Key Account Manager at ODeX. Mondal dives into how the company helps shipping lines and customers manage documentation and payments at scale. He explains how ODeX replaces inefficient email workflows with instant access to invoices, shipment reports, and digital payment options—all in one platform.Key Points from the Episode:Centralized Access to Freight Documents: ODeX eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails by consolidating all shipping invoices and documents on one platform. Customers can log in, view pending invoices, and track documents in real time, saving time and reducing human error.Faster Payment Confirmations: Before ODeX, many customers waited up to 48 hours for payment confirmation through traditional ACH or wire methods. ODeX shortens this process to six hours. This faster turnaround helps prevent cargo delays caused by pending financial approvals and strengthens the case for digital freight invoicing across global shipping networks.Expanding Across North America: ODeX launched in the United States in 2023 and has since onboarded more than 1,000 customers. After strong demand, the platform is now available in Canada. It supports over 150 global shipping lines and continues to grow across 15 countries.Rishav Mondal serves as the Senior Key Account Manager for Implementation and Relationship Management at ODeX. He supports platform adoption across new markets and collaborates with global stakeholders to streamline digital workflows in freight logistics. His background in international operations, project coordination, and client success has played a key role in ODeX’s expansion across 15 countries.​

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices through outdated systems has made digital freight invoicing a rising priority for modernization.​How can digitized invoicing and integrated payment platforms reduce administrative overhead and accelerate the cargo release process?On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush talks with Rishav Mondal, Senior Key Account Manager at ODeX. Mondal dives into how the company helps shipping lines and customers manage documentation and payments at scale. He explains how ODeX replaces inefficient email workflows with instant access to invoices, shipment reports, and digital payment options—all in one platform.Key Points from the Episode:Centralized Access to Freight Documents: ODeX eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails by consolidating all shipping invoices and documents on one platform. Customers can log in, view pending invoices, and track documents in real time, saving time and reducing human error.Faster Payment Confirmations: Before ODeX, many customers waited up to 48 hours for payment confirmation through traditional ACH or wire methods. ODeX shortens this process to six hours. This faster turnaround helps prevent cargo delays caused by pending financial approvals and strengthens the case for digital freight invoicing across global shipping networks.Expanding Across North America: ODeX launched in the United States in 2023 and has since onboarded more than 1,000 customers. After strong demand, the platform is now available in Canada. It supports over 150 global shipping lines and continues to grow across 15 countries.Rishav Mondal serves as the Senior Key Account Manager for Implementation and Relationship Management at ODeX. He supports platform adoption across new markets and collaborates with global stakeholders to streamline digital workflows in freight logistics. His background in international operations, project coordination, and client success has played a key role in ODeX’s expansion across 15 countries.​

Supply chain leaders face an overwhelming volume of siloed data across ERPs, TMS platforms, and warehouse systems, yet few know how to align it for smarter decisions. The stakes are rising fast. According to Capgemini’s 2024 report Data: A Powerful Ally in Tackling Scope 3 Emission Reduction Targets, 85% of organizations cite data access as a barrier to developing supply chain inventories, especially from external partners. As supply chain data analytics becomes essential to agility and competitiveness, companies that fail to get control of their information risk falling behind while AI, analytics, and digital twins become the new industry standard.What will it take for mid-sized logistics companies to gain real control of their data and turn it into a competitive advantage?At Manifest Vegas, Hammer Down host, Mike Bush, speaks with Ben Aguillón, Co-Founder and Business Development Manager at Ventagium Data Consulting. Aguillón explains how his company builds custom analytics tools for supply chain organizations drowning in unstructured data. Ventagium takes a flexible, co-created approach tailored to each client's operational reality rather than offering another cookie-cutter dashboard. The discussion centers on how data maturity can make or break tomorrow’s supply chain.Key Points from the Episode:Beyond the Dashboard: Ventagium focuses on enriching, cleaning, and aligning data from across a company’s systems before building custom solutions because inaccurate data leads to poor decisions.Microsoft Expertise: As a specialized Microsoft partner, Ventagium leverages tools like Azure and Microsoft Fabric to bring scalability, security, and sustainability to its clients’ data ecosystems.Supply Chain Uniqueness: Every logistics operation is different. Ventagium treats each client as a unique case, delivering flexible solutions instead of forcing clients into one-size-fits-all platforms.José Benjamín Aguillón Padilla is the Co-Founder of Ventagium Data Consulting, a specialized analytics firm serving clients across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. He leads the development of custom enterprise analytics platforms that have helped over 70 organizations improve supply chain decision-making, reduce stock-outs, and boost operational efficiency. Aguillón is also the founder of Datachain Summit and a recognized advocate for data-driven transformation in global logistics.

Manual scanning remains a critical but time-consuming step in warehouse operations. That bottleneck could be nearing its end. A wave of edge technologies is pushing logistics into a new era of automation, and startups are capitalizing. The global warehouse automation market is projected to reach $41 billion by 2027, driven by demand for real-time inventory tracking and labor optimization. As warehouses grow in complexity and volume, the need for continuous, automated visibility into assets and inventory movement has become a top priority for logistics leaders.Can warehouse workflows finally move beyond hand-scanning to a truly automated, context-aware logistics system?In this mini episode of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush speaks with Bob Reny, the Chief Revenue Officer at Dot Ai. They explore how passive-charging, ultra-small RFID tags and mesh networks are transforming warehouse visibility. The episode dives into how Dot Ai’s platform eliminates the need for manual scans, integrates into zero-infrastructure environments, and advances the broader movement toward warehouse automation through real-time data and edge intelligence. This solution reduces human error, increases throughput, and allows for continuous, hands-free monitoring of warehouse assets.Key Points from the Episode:Zero-Infrastructure Tracking: Dot Ai uses passive-charging tags and wireless mesh networks to automate object visibility without relying on traditional handheld scanners.Defense and Manufacturing Pilots: Reny outlines successful pilots with the Defense Logistics Agency and a go-to-market partnership with Worth Industry.Scalable Innovation: The solution’s size, power efficiency, and wireless design allow broad adoption across logistics, even in complex environments.Bob Reny is Chief Revenue Officer at Dot Ai, where he leads the company’s expansion into warehouse automation through edge intelligence and zero-infrastructure tracking solutions. After retiring from a successful cybersecurity career, he transitioned into logistics technology to scale next-generation solutions for supply chain visibility. His leadership now supports Dot Ai’s growth across manufacturing, defense, and logistics sectors by bridging technical innovation with operational efficiency.

Freight forwarding faces a crossroads amid shifting global trade dynamics. The rise of the “China Plus One” strategy, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures, forces companies to rethink supply chain resilience. According to McKinsey & Company, more than 60 percent of companies across sectors are actively redesigning their global supplier base to mitigate risk. Many are turning to alternative manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, seeking greater agility and regional balance.How can freight forwarders remain essential as manufacturers diversify sourcing away from China?On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush speaks with Jeffrey Shih, CEO of Dimerco Express Group, to explore how his company supports customers navigating supply chain shifts, tariff threats, and regional diversification. The conversation covers Dimerco’s strategy in Southeast Asia, its evolving customer base, and how the China Plus One strategy is shaping both logistics solutions and long-term freight planning.Key Points from the Episode:China Plus One in Action: Dimerco plays a critical role in helping manufacturers expand operations into Southeast Asia to reduce overreliance on China. Their on-the-ground presence in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia supports faster, localized logistics solutions.Navigating Tariffs and Geopolitics: Shih discusses how Dimerco advises clients on sourcing strategies amid ongoing trade tensions involving the U.S., China, and emerging markets like Mexico. Tariff unpredictability and regulatory complexity require constant adaptation and deep local insight.Supply Chain Careers Have Staying Power: Shih encourages young professionals to consider freight forwarding as a long-term career, underscoring its importance highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued relevance in today’s interconnected economy.Jeffrey Shih is the CEO of Dimerco Express Group and brings over 35 years of global experience in supply chain and logistics. His career includes leadership roles across Asia and the U.S., overseeing international freight, warehousing operations, and cross-cultural team management. Shih is known for driving customer value, fostering long-term partnerships, and leading with a strong focus on people development.

As global trade logistics falls under more and more pressure to be faster, greener, and more transparent, port authorities and stakeholders are facing a new kind of challenge: how to modernize infrastructure while balancing environmental and community demands. Ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach are at the epicenter of innovation and scrutiny, which in turn makes the conversation around port development an urgent one. One of the many things to consider is the pros and cons. For example, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex handles about one-third of all containerized imports to the United States each month. This makes them a major source of regional air pollution. This concern further demonstrates the need for some bold, collaborative change.How can ports evolve into cleaner, more efficient hubs without leaving behind labor, business, or local communities?On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush, who is also a board member of FuturePorts, sat down with his fellow FuturePorts board members to explore the past, present, and future of the organization. They also reflected on how a group founded in the early 2000s during a period of legal and operational gridlock became a crucial player in port development, policy, and community advocacy.During the episode, FuturePorts' board members covered:The origin story of FuturePorts and how it emerged as a unifying force in the logistics ecosystemWhy transparency and communication between ports, businesses, labor, and community are the real drivers of sustainable growthWhat it means to “grow smart” in the modern supply chain economyFuturePorts' board members include long-standing industry advocates, environmental policy veterans, and leaders in logistics. Kat Janowicz, the current chair, has led FuturePorts for three years and was first drawn to the organization in 2015. Collectively, the board represents decades of experience in navigating the complex intersection of industry growth and civic engagement.

As the freight industry grapples with the lingering impacts of a market downturn and rising digital vulnerabilities, a critical question has emerged: how can trucking companies defend their reputations in an era where a single online review can kill a business? In 2023 alone, over 88,000 trucking companies shuttered, and for many, the catalyst was a single freight guard — a digital red flag that brokers use to blacklist carriers. In a landscape where reputation is everything, one false accusation can park your fleet for good.So what happens when the review systems designed to keep the industry safe become the very tools that tear good carriers down? Is there any way to fight back?In this episode of Hammer Down by MarketScale, host Mike Bush sits down with Sean Mathews and Dan Artaev, the minds behind Carrier Defender, to unpack how they're helping trucking companies fight false reviews, recover from unfair freight guards, and protect their livelihoods in a system where the deck often feels stacked against them.In this episode:Why freight guards can make or break a carrier’s future — and how false ones are costing honest companies everything.How Carrier Defender uses industry know-how and legal expertise to resolve disputes before they hit the courtroom.Real-life stories of hacked accounts, rogue brokers, and the innocent carriers caught in the crossfire — and how Carrier Defender stepped in.Sean Mathews brings firsthand experience from the trenches of freight brokerage, having previously run a brokerage at a major Houston-based trucking company. He saw the devastating effects of unfair reviews and helped co-found Carrier Defender to offer a better path forward.Dan Artaev is an attorney and founder of Artaev Law in Metro Detroit, with a background as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan. A business law expert with a focus on emerging tech, Dan brings both legal firepower and mediation skills to resolve carrier-reputation disputes before they escalate to litigation.

Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases generated by energy use globally, with over one billion oil-powered vehicles contributing to the challenge of achieving climate goals. That said, the transition to clean transportation is accelerating, and nowhere is that more evident than in the commercial fleet sector. As regulatory pressure shifts toward sustainability goals, companies are navigating a complex landscape of alternative fuels, zero-emission vehicles, and infrastructure challenges. With more than 460 exhibitors and a full-scale takeover of the Anaheim Convention Center, the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo promises to be the largest and most impactful yet.With fleets exploring electric, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas options, one key question looms: What strategies are truly working in the shift to clean trucking?Welcome to Hammer Down. In this episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Lawren Markle, the Director of Media Relations at the Clean Transportation Solutions Team at TRC, which hosts the ACT Expo. The duo dives into what’s ahead for ACT Expo 2025, the real-world successes and challenges of fleet electrification, and how businesses can cut through the noise to build an effective clean transportation strategy.Key takeaways from the conversation…Fleet Case Studies & Technology Deep Dives: ACT Expo 2025, to be held from April 28-30, will feature peer-to-peer learning opportunities, showcasing real-world implementations of electric, hydrogen, and natural gas-powered fleets.Economic & Operational Realities: While sustainability is a key driver, fleets are now focused on the financial and operational feasibility of clean technology investments.Infrastructure & Fueling Challenges: From grid capacity issues to hydrogen fueling logistics, the discussion explores the hurdles fleets must overcome to scale clean transportation solutions.Lawren Markle is a media relations and communications expert specializing in clean transportation, renewable energy, and emerging vehicle technologies. As the Director of Media Relations at TRC’s Clean Transportation Solutions Team, he connects reporters with key stories on zero-emission commercial fleets, industry regulations, and sustainability trends. With previous leadership roles at LAEDC, Caltech, and Tech Image, he has a strong track record in strategic PR, content development, and thought leadership for the high-tech and environmental sectors.