The Logistics of Logistics

In "Vanity Metrics Don't Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech", Joe Lynch and Jim Waters, Fractional CMO and Founder of FreightTech (marketing), discuss how marketing must shift from a tactical cost center to a strategic operating system that drives real revenue. About Jim Waters Jim Waters is a Boston-based B2B marketing executive with a proven track record of building robust sales pipelines. His passion lies in driving meaningful conversations, understanding customer pain points, and creating compelling content that generates active pipeline velocity. A results-driven innovator, Jim was an early employee at both FRAYT and Tive, where he spearheaded Global Marketing. Jim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to build successful marketing teams at Coveo, (CVO.TO), FAST (MSFT) and StreamServe (NASDAQ: OTEX). He earned an MBA from Northeastern University and is now Founder of FreighTech Advisors fractional CMO and advisor services to companies in the Logistics Technology industry. About FreighTech FreighTech is a company that delivers fractional CMO consulting, content development, marketing and advisory services specifically to logistics technology businesses. The company was founded in 2023 by Jim Waters, a logistics and supply chain marketing veteran. Key Takeaways: Vanity Metrics Don't Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech In "Vanity Metrics Don't Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech", Joe Lynch and Jim Waters, Fractional CMO and Founder of FreightTech (marketing), discuss how marketing must shift from a tactical cost center to a strategic operating system that drives real revenue. FreighTech's Specialization: Founded in 2023, FreighTech provides fractional CMO consulting and marketing advisory services specifically for logistics technology businesses. Jim Waters leverages his deep industry experience (having scaled companies like Tive and Frayt) to help growth-stage startups turn marketing from a cost center into a revenue-generating engine without the overhead of a full-time executive. Marketing as a Portfolio: Jim argues that marketing should be treated as an investment portfolio, not a one-off cost. Just like a financial portfolio or a fitness routine, it requires time and consistency. Companies often fail because they "micromanage" their marketing, expecting an immediate ROI within two weeks, rather than allowing for the 6–9 month cycle often required to see real pipeline growth. The Death of the Cold Call and the Rise of "Stalking": The traditional sales model of making 100 cold calls a day is losing effectiveness because buyers now screen calls and conduct their own research online. Joe and Jim discuss how the buying process starts long before the sales process, with potential customers "stalking" a company's content on LinkedIn, YouTube, and podcasts for up to a year before ever engaging with a salesperson. Navigating the 2026 Visibility Shift (SEO, GEO, and AEO):  Visibility in 2026 requires more than just traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Jim introduces two critical new concepts: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): Ensuring your brand is cited by AI engines like ChatGPT and Gemini as a subject matter expert. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Structuring content to directly answer binary buyer questions (e.g., "How do I improve ROI in logistics marketing?"). The "Revenue Engine Blueprint" Basics: Before scaling, companies must master the basics. Jim emphasizes that a "blueprint" requires a clear understanding of the Total Addressable Market (TAM) and a refined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). Without knowing exactly who you solve problems for, adding expensive tech stacks like Salesforce or HubSpot is simply "accelerating into a wall." The Danger of "Chainsaw" Customers: Jim shares a cautionary tale from his time at Tive about a salesperson wanting to tape a high-end tracker to a chainsaw to prevent theft. While any revenue is tempting, Jim warns that chasing customers outside your ICP is not repeatable or scalable. True growth comes from "niching down" to focus on fans and specific verticals (like Pharma or Cold Chain) rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Multiplying Reach through a Distribution Engine: Content is only half the battle; the other half is a distribution engine. This involves using a "one-to-many" strategy—leveraging partners, PR, and podcasts to amplify a single piece of high-quality thought leadership. By turning one conversation into video clips, articles, and social posts, companies build the authenticity and trust necessary for modern freight-tech sales. Learn More About Vanity Metrics Don't Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech Jim Waters | Linkedin FreighTech | Linkedin FreighTech Driving Sales Pipeline with Jim Waters | The Logistics of Logistics The Key to Effective Last Mile Delivery with Jim Waters | The Logistics of Logistics Every Shipment Matters With Jim Waters | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter", Joe Lynch and Dawn Salvucci-Favier, President, Intelligence, at Triumph, discuss how accuracy, transparency, and network connectivity are the new drivers for precision and confidence in the logistics industry. About Dawn Favier Dawn Salvucci-Favier serves as President, Intelligence, at Triumph following the acquisition of Greenscreens.ai in May 2025. She brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in transportation management and logistics technology. Prior to joining Triumph, Ms. Salvucci-Favier served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Product Officer of Greenscreens.ai, a dynamic pricing infrastructure solution for the logistics industry. Throughout her career, she has led global product strategy and management at several major transportation management system (TMS) providers, including Manugistics, JDA Software, Shippers Commonwealth, RedPrairie (now Blue Yonder), and 3Gtms. In these roles, Ms. Salvucci-Favier developed and executed strategies that delivered industry-leading technology solutions to the logistics market. Earlier in her career, Ms. Salvucci-Favier held leadership roles in logistics operations, including Director of Logistics Services at NFI Interactive Logistics. She began her career in inbound transportation management at Staples, Inc. and The TJX Companies. About Triumph Triumph is a financial and technology company specializing in payments, factoring, intelligence, and banking. The company is pioneering innovative solutions within the transportation industry, delivering unmatched precision, secure and transparent transactions, and enhanced working capital to its customers through the Triumph brand. Driven by the Triumph Network—a platform dedicated to modernizing and simplifying freight transactions—Triumph empowers its customers to Transact Confidently. Key Takeaways: Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter In "Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter", Joe Lynch and Dawn Salvucci-Favier, President, Intelligence, at Triumph, discuss how accuracy, transparency, and network connectivity are the new drivers for precision and confidence in the logistics industry. The Convergence of Finance and Intelligence: The acquisition of dynamic pricing infrastructure expert Greenscreens.ai by the financial and technology company Triumph highlights a critical shift: the future of transportation is driven by combining secure financial transactions with AI-powered market intelligence for unmatched precision. Accuracy is the New Rate: Relying on static or historical rates is no longer sufficient. Accuracy in pricing requires a real-time, dynamic pricing infrastructure (Greenscreens.ai's specialty) to minimize risk, ensure profitability, and provide a true competitive advantage "Beyond the Rate." Transparency Builds Trust (and Capital): As emphasized by the Triumph Network, Transparency in freight transactions—through secure and precise operations—is essential. This level of clarity fosters trust among partners and directly results in enhanced working capital for customers. The Power of 30-Year Experience: Dawn Salvucci-Favier's three decades of leadership across major Transportation Management System (TMS) providers (like JDA, Blue Yonder, and 3Gtms) and logistics operations provide the unique operational perspective needed to build technology that truly solves the industry's biggest pain points. 'Contacts' is Now 'Network': The traditional value of personal Contacts is being amplified by robust digital networks. The Triumph Network exemplifies this evolution, acting as the essential platform to modernize and simplify the complex interactions and transactions between all parties in the freight ecosystem. Technology Must Deliver Financial Outcomes: Dawn's career trajectory, from logistics operations to leading product strategy, underscores that successful logistics technology must move beyond simple workflow management and deliver concrete financial benefits, such as better pricing precision and optimized working capital. The Holistic Differentiator: The ultimate competitive edge is no longer achieved by focusing on a single metric (like the lowest rate). It is the strategic and integrated combination of technological Accuracy, financial Transparency, and deep industry Contacts (human and digital) that allows companies to "Transact Confidently." Learn More About Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter Dawn Salvucci-Favier | Linkedin  Triumph | Linkedin The latest announcement of Triumph's Intelligence offering Triumph Financial to Acquire Greenscreens.ai What is Dynamic Pricing with Dawn Salvucci Favier Faster, Better Freight Quotes with Dawn Salvucci-Favier The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser", Joe Lynch and Michael Kornhauser, Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. About Michael Kornhauser Michael Kornhauser is sector vice president of Trimble, leading Transportation & Logistics in North America. With more than 20 years in various leadership roles, Michael has proven to be an astute and dynamic leader with deep industry understanding and passion for delivering superior customer value. Kornhauser, along with Dan Popkin, established the European operations and development of the successful CoPilot business and guided the ALK Technologies business integration into Trimble. Under his leadership, Trimble's mapping solutions have become highly recognized and respected throughout the North American trucking and rail industries. He studied at Trinity College, where he received a research grant from NASA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem In "Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser", Joe Lynch and Michael Kornhauser, Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. The Power of a Global, Integrated Ecosystem: Trimble is no longer just a collection of individual tools; it is an intelligent ecosystem designed to connect all aspects of the supply chain—trucks, drivers, back offices, and freight. Because many of Trimble's customers are multinational, the company provides a global footprint that ensures consistency in data and operations, whether a shipment is moving through North America, Europe, or beyond. Industry Under Attack: Prioritizing Cybersecurity: Kornhauser emphasizes that the transportation industry is "under attack" from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. To combat this, Trimble invests over $100 million annually in R&D, with a significant portion dedicated to cybersecurity. By partnering with giants like Microsoft, they ensure that even small carriers using their platform have enterprise-grade protection that they couldn't afford to build on their own. The "Four Revolutions" of Transportation Tech: Michael outlines the technological shifts that have defined the industry: GPS: The foundation that allowed for real-time tracking (which Trimble pioneers helped patent). TMS (Transportation Management Systems): The transition from paper to digital "ERPs for trucking." ELD Mandate: Moving from selective enforcement to universal, data-driven safety and compliance. AI: The current revolution, focusing on automation, predictive agents, and massive efficiency gains. Strategic AI Implementation: "Eating Our Own Cooking": Unlike startups that may take a "move fast and break things" approach, Trimble is highly measured with AI. They are currently using AI internally to write code and improve customer support agents before rolling those features out to their Fortune 500 clients. This ensures that the "always-on" nature of global logistics isn't disrupted by experimental tech. The TMS as the "System of Record": Despite the many apps and sensors in a modern truck, the Transportation Management System (TMS) remains the heart of the ecosystem. Michael explains that Trimble's strategy is to keep the TMS as the central hub where "Order-to-Cash" workflows live, while connecting specialized tools (like maintenance or navigation) seamlessly into that single source of truth. Precision Mapping for "People Who Drive for Work": A major differentiator for Trimble is their proprietary mapping (PC Miler and CoPilot). Unlike consumer apps like Waze, Trimble's mapping is built for heavy-duty trucks, accounting for bridge heights, hazmat restrictions, and even specific entry/exit gates at massive industrial complexes. This "last mile" precision is often the difference between a profitable trip and a costly delay. A "Customer-First" Partner Philosophy: Trimble embraces an open platform, hosting hundreds of partners—including some competitors. Michael highlights that the goal is to eliminate the "swivel chair" effect, where a dispatcher has to jump between 10 different monitors. By allowing third-party apps (like fuel cards or specialized sensors) to integrate into the Trimble stack, they provide carriers with the flexibility to build the specific "tech stack" their niche requires. Learn More About Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem Michael Kornhauser | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation with Jonah McIntire Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking with Rishi Mehra The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making", Joe Lynch and Shaman Ahuja, Deputy CEO of Optym, discuss how applied AI and optimization maximize fleet utilization and driver profitability. About Shaman Ahuja Shaman Ahuja is currently serving as the Deputy CEO of Optym, a company specializing in prepackaged software solutions. With a robust background in technology and product management, he has held various leadership positions within Optym, showcasing his ability to drive innovation and efficiency. He began his professional journey as an intern and has progressively climbed the ranks, demonstrating a strong commitment to his career growth. His educational foundation in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University has equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in the competitive landscape of technology and his experience at firms like Goldman Sachs further underscores his capability and adaptability in high-pressure environments. He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges and is dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence within his teams. About Optym Optym, Inc. is a global leader in optimization and applied AI solutions for the transportation and logistics industry. For more than two decades, Optym has partnered with some of the world's largest trucking, airline, and rail companies to solve their most complex operational challenges. Its flagship products—including LoadAi and RouteMax—empower carriers, brokers, and fleets to maximize efficiency, increase profitability, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. Backed by deep expertise in operations research, optimization science, and machine learning, Optym builds technology that turns real-world complexity into simple, actionable workflows. Key Takeaways: The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making In "The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making", Joe Lynch and Shaman Ahuja, Deputy CEO of Optym, discuss how applied AI and optimization maximize fleet utilization and driver profitability. Optimization vs. Standard Routing: Shaman clarifies that Optym is not a turn-by-turn navigation tool. While standard routing focuses on the best path from Point A to Point B, Optym's "Decision Support" focuses on load assignment. It determines which load a driver should take next, considering all drivers and constraints simultaneously to create a holistic weekly plan for the entire fleet. Targeting the "Enterprise" Complexity: The software is specifically designed for enterprise fleets, generally starting at 200 trucks. At this scale, manual planning on whiteboards becomes inefficient. Optym solves the "utilization problem"—ensuring trucks aren't sitting idle and drivers aren't wasting hours waiting at docks—by identifying "juice to squeeze" in large, complex networks. Strategy Pivot: From TMS to Integration: Originally, Optym built its own TMS (LoadOps) to ensure data quality. However, they realized large fleets are reluctant to switch TMS providers due to operational disruption. Optym pivoted to a "Killer App" layer that integrates directly with industry standards like Trimble and McLeod, acting as a specialized intelligence layer rather than a replacement for core systems. Advanced Operational Models: Relay and "Meet & Turn": A core feature of the software is optimizing complex maneuvers like Relays (handing off trailers between drivers) and Meet & Turns (two drivers meeting at a midpoint to swap loads). By automating these schedules, fleets can keep drivers within a specific radius, allowing them to be home every night while keeping the assets moving 24/7. Bridging the "Tribal Knowledge" Gap:The industry faces a crisis as veteran planners (who "know the network in their sleep") retire. Younger, tech-savvy employees expect modern interfaces. Optym's AI captures that "tribal knowledge" and turns it into data-driven suggestions, allowing a new hire to be as productive as a 30-year veteran within a week. Proven ROI and Efficiency Gains: Shaman shares a case study of a 900-truck fleet where Optym's pilot program covered the same amount of freight using 100 fewer drivers. This represents a nearly 20% reduction in driver costs. To lower the risk for new clients, Optym offers a 5x ROI guarantee, promising to generate $5 in value for every $1 spent. Enhancing Driver Lifestyle through Predictability: Beyond the math, the software addresses the "human" element of trucking. By using AI agents to reschedule appointments based on real-time ETAs and reducing wasted "dwell time" at shippers, Optym creates a more predictable schedule. This reduces the stress and sleep deprivation that contribute to the high health risks faced by long-haul drivers. Learn More About The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making Shaman Ahuja | LinkedIn Optym | LinkedIn Optym | Instagram Optym Optym Blog | Insights on Logistics & Technology Customer Stories | Success with Optym Case Studies | Optym Transportation Solutions LoadAi The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. Rishi Mehra As VP, Product and Engineering, Rishi Mehra is primarily responsible for overseeing the company's technology, products and engineering in North America. Mehra has been with Trimble since 2014, and previously served as a senior product manager and director of web products for ALK Technologies (now a part of the Trimble family). In that role, he led the product management and go-to-market activity for all web solutions globally and helped establish the commercial transportation-focused web digital platform within the organization. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. The Power of a Connected Ecosystem: Trimble is more than a mapping company; it is a platform that connects shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers. Rishi emphasizes that they don't have to provide every single solution themselves. Instead, they prioritize an open, scalable platform that allows partners (even competitors) to integrate, ensuring the customer has a seamless flow of data across their entire tech stack. Mapping as a Profitability Tool: Mapping technology is now a primary driver of ROI. By using tools like PC*Miler, carriers can plan the most cost-effective routes by factoring in state-specific fuel prices, tolls, and equipment-specific restrictions. Rishi notes that in a tight economy with low operating ratios, these "small" routing efficiencies are often the difference between a carrier being profitable or losing money. Preventing "Nuclear Verdicts" Through Safety Tech: Safety isn't just about avoiding accidents; it's about protecting the company from existential legal threats. Trimble's CoPilot Navigation prevents bridge hits (a major source of liability) by using precise commercial vehicle data. By investing a few dollars a month in truck-safe routing, fleets avoid the "nuclear verdicts" that have historically bankrupt multi-generational trucking companies. Hyper-Local Weather and Traffic Intelligence: General weather alerts are often too broad to be useful. Through a partnership with Weather Optics, Trimble provides a risk index score for specific road segments. This alerts drivers to hydroplaning risks, high winds that could tip empty trailers, and snow accumulation in real-time. This data also flows to dispatchers, allowing them to proactively reroute freight before a driver gets stuck. Solving the "Driver Utilization" Problem: The industry is shifting its focus from a "driver shortage" to a "driver utilization" problem. Trimble uses data analytics to track dwell times and detention at shipper facilities. By providing drivers and dispatchers with predictability regarding how long a stop will take, fleets can better manage Hours of Service (HOS) and ensure drivers aren't wasting their legal driving windows sitting at a dock. Combatting Sophisticated Cargo Theft and Fraud: Cargo theft is becoming increasingly high-tech, involving "spoofing" and "double-brokering." Rishi explains how Trimble uses connectivity to protect assets—for example, disabling fuel cards if the truck's GPS shows it isn't actually at a fuel bay. This level of integration between telematics and financial tools provides a layer of security that manual processes cannot match. The New "Three-Letter" Revolution: AI: The interview marks a transition in the industry's technological evolution. After the eras of GPS, TMS, and ELD, the next major frontier is AI. Trimble is integrating AI into its new TMS to automate mundane tasks, power "autonomous workflows," and provide predictive insights that help the industry move goods "safer, greener, and faster." Learn More About Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking Rishi Mehra | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation with Jonah McIntire The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage", Joe Lynch and Zach Schuchart, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. Zach Schuchart Zach Schuchart is the Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics. He has over 20 years of experience in the North American and European transportation industries, including roles at UPS, CHAINalytics, and XPO, he brings deep expertise and leadership to the Optimal Dynamics team. As Head of Sales, he oversees a talented group of Account Executives and Solutions Engineers, guiding prospective customers through the evaluation of advanced optimization solutions that drive operational success. About Optimal Dynamics  Optimal Dynamics provides the decision intelligence layer that powers logistics transformation. Born out of 40 years of research at Princeton University, Optimal Dynamics leverages proprietary artificial intelligence technology to automate, optimize, and radically improve decision-making across trucking and transportation operations. Headquartered in New York City, Optimal Dynamics is backed by marquee investors including Koch Disruptive Technologies, Bessemer Venture Partners, The Westly Group, and Activate Capital. Learn more at www.optimaldynamics.com. Key Takeaways: Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage In "Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage", Joe Lynch and Zach Schuchart, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. From Research to Reality: The Princeton Pedigree. Optimal Dynamics isn't just another tech startup; it is built on 40 years of academic research from Princeton University. This provides a level of scientific rigor and proprietary AI that differentiates their solutions from standard off-the-shelf logistics software. The Power of "Decision Intelligence". While many platforms focus on data visibility (showing you what is happening), Zach highlights the shift toward Decision Intelligence. This layer automates and optimizes the choice itself, helping carriers move from reactive management to proactive, data-driven execution. Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Execution. Leveraging Zach's 20+ years of experience at giants like UPS and XPO, the episode explores how traditional planning often fails when it hits the "real world." Optimal Dynamics focuses on creating dynamic plans that account for the inherent volatility in trucking operations. Leveraging High-Dimensional Artificial Intelligence. The core technology focuses on solving "high-dimensional" problems. Instead of looking at simple variables, the platform uses AI to process thousands of data points simultaneously—such as driver hours, fuel costs, and lane profitability—to find the "Optimal" solution. Automating the Complexities of Trucking. Automation isn't just about replacing manual tasks; it's about augmenting human capability. Zach discusses how their solutions allow sales and operations teams to evaluate complex scenarios in minutes rather than days, drastically reducing the "evaluation-to-action" cycle. Maximizing Profitability in Volatile Markets. In an industry with razor-thin margins, "Optimal Dynamics" means finding the most profitable way to move freight despite fluctuating market conditions. The platform helps fleets identify which loads to accept and how to route them to ensure maximum fleet utilization. Strategic Backing for Long-Term Transformation. The company's growth is fueled by marquee investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and Koch Disruptive Technologies. This level of backing underscores the industry's belief that Optimal Dynamics is a foundational player in the future of global logistics infrastructure. Learn More About Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage Zach Schuchart Optimal Dynamics | Linkedin Optimal Dynamics Optimizing for the Future: D.M. Bowman Embraces Decision Automation Shifting From Manual Grind to Automated Growth Driving Strategic Growth and Innovation with Decision Automation How Smarter Planning Leads to Stronger Performance Rapid Transformation and Record-Breaking Results at Grand Island Express During Freight Recession, BCB Transport Sees 19.6% Increase in Revenue Per Truck After Embracing Artificial Decision Intelligence The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network", Joe Lynch and Josh Steinitz, Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, discuss how to turn complex global logistics into a seamless competitive advantage. About Josh Steinitz Josh Steinitz serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, a leading global company empowering businesses with intelligent mailing and shipping solutions through trusted products like ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, and Packlink. In his role, Steinitz leads corporate development, strategic partnerships, carrier relationships and strategy, and cross-border solutions. With a distinguished career in both travel and logistics, Steinitz previously led corporate business development for Amazon Worldwide Operations, held senior leadership positions at Revinate and Away.com, and founded NileGuide. Steinitz holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University. About ShipStation Every day, tens of thousands of ecommerce businesses rely on ShipStation to solve the day-to-day challenges of importing orders and processing shipments. Since 2011, ShipStation's online shipping solution has helped businesses scale and deliver exceptional customer experiences—wherever they sell and however they ship. The multi-channel and multi-carrier platform offers over 400 integrations and partnerships with leading shopping carts, marketplaces, carriers, and fulfillment services, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, GlobalPost, Amazon, Shopify, and BigCommerce. ShipStation is a member of the Auctane family of companies and is headquartered in Austin, TX. For more information, visit www.shipstation.com. Key Takeaways: The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network In "The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network", Joe Lynch and Josh Steinitz, Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, discuss how to turn complex global logistics into a seamless competitive advantage. Diversification is the Foundation of "Unbreakable" Logistics: Drawing from Josh's experience at Amazon Worldwide Operations (where he helped launch Amazon Logistics and expand Amazon Air), a primary takeaway is that a resilient network cannot rely on a single carrier. An unbreakable strategy requires a multi-carrier approach—integrating giants like UPS and FedEx with regional players and postal services to mitigate risks like strikes, capacity crunches, or price hikes. Move from "Reactive Shipping" to "Proactive Strategy": As Chief Strategy Officer, Josh emphasizes that shipping should not be an afterthought at the end of a sale. The "Playbook" involves using logistics as a competitive lever. By leveraging Auctane's suite of tools (ShipStation, Metapack, etc.), businesses can transform fulfillment from a cost center into a strategic asset that drives customer retention. Automation is the Antidote to Operational Complexity: ShipStation's core value proposition is streamlining the "day-to-day challenges of importing orders." Automation is key - automatically selecting the best carrier, service, and packaging based on pre-defined criteria. This eliminates human error and allows a small team to handle the volume of a much larger enterprise. The Power of "Unified Commerce" and Deep Integration: With over 400 integrations, ShipStation's strategy highlights that an unbreakable network must be "plug-and-play." Your fulfillment system should seamlessly sync with marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce), and inventory management. Leveraging "The Amazon Effect" for Small and Mid-Sized Brands: Josh's background at Amazon gives him unique insight into what consumers now expect: speed, transparency, and low costs. A major takeaway is how ShipStation democratizes these "Amazon-level" capabilities for smaller merchants, providing them with discounted rates and branded tracking experiences that allow them to compete with the world's largest retailers. Multi-Channel Order Centralization: ShipStation acts as a "single pane of glass" by integrating with over 100 different e-commerce marketplaces (like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay). For a shipper, this eliminates the need to jump between platforms; it centralizes every order into one dashboard, significantly reducing manual data entry and the risk of fulfillment errors. Automated Rate Shopping and Discounted Shipping: The platform provides instant access to deeply discounted rates with major carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx. Shippers can use automation rules to "rate shop" in real-time - automatically selecting the most cost-effective or fastest carrier based on the package's weight, destination, or service level - which directly protects profit margins and scales shipping operations without adding headcount. Learn More About The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network Josh Steinitz | Linkedin ShipStation | Linkedin ShipStation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation", Joe Lynch and Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, discuss Trimble's open, scalable platform that connects every aspect of the supply chain—from trucks and drivers to the back office—by serving as a reliable "system of record" that integrates practical AI innovation to help fleets maximize performance, visibility, and safety. About Jonah McIntire Jonah McIntire is Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble. He joined Transporeon in June 2021 and quickly led a succession of larger product organisations in the sourcing & data insights areas of the company. Known for his broad international experience, having lived and worked in 13 countries, Jonah's prior experience includes running global logistics for Build-a-Bear Workshop, launching business units for Manhattan Associates and Panalpina, and writing a university textbook on supply chain visibility. He also founded two companies and led them to successful acquisitions: Clear Abacus, an early cloud computing transport optimisation solution acquired by GT Nexus; and TNX Logistics, a spot procurement data science SaaS acquired by Transporeon. He is also a regular guest author in industry journals, hosts the popular Logistics Tribe podcast, and maintains a widely read industry newsletter on logistics technology. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation In "The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation", Joe Lynch and Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, discuss Trimble's open, scalable platform that connects every aspect of the supply chain—from trucks and drivers to the back office—by serving as a reliable "system of record" that integrates practical AI innovation to help fleets maximize performance, visibility, and safety. The Responsibility of the Incumbent: Unlike startups that lead with "bombastic" promises, Trimble prioritizes its role as the foundational "system of record" for the world's largest supply chains, where stability and reliability are non-negotiable. A "Safety-First" AI Philosophy: Because Trimble's software manages critical infrastructure and multi-billion dollar logistics networks, their innovation roadmap is built on a "safety-first" framework to ensure no disruption to global commerce. The Three-Phase AI Maturity Model: Trimble is following a logical, tiered progression into the AI age: starting with internal adoption, moving to AI-enhanced features, and ultimately launching AI-native applications. "Eating Their Own Cooking": Before shipping AI solutions to customers, Trimble utilizes AI internally to refine the technology, ensuring they can provide honest, experience-based guidance to their partners. Enhancing the Proven vs. Chasing the New: A core pillar of their current strategy is adding AI-powered features to existing, trusted solutions (like TMW.Suite or TMT) to provide immediate value without requiring a total system overhaul. The Shift to AI-Native Applications: The next frontier for Trimble is the development of applications built from the ground up on AI architectures, designed to solve complex logistics problems that traditional logic-based software cannot. Prioritizing Practicality Over Hype: Trimble's focus remains squarely on the "practical uses" of AI—solving real-world friction in dispatch, maintenance, and routing—rather than following fleeting technology trends. Innovation as Change Management: Trimble recognizes that the hardest part of the AI transition isn't the code; it's the human element. Their strategy includes a heavy focus on onboarding, training, and building the "Customer Trust" necessary for long-term adoption. Learn More About The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation Jonah McIntire | LinkedIn Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube  

In "Beyond FBA: Unlocking Amazon's Fulfillment for Retailers", Joe Lynch and Wainwright Yu, the General Manager and Director for Amazon's externalized fulfillment services, including Buy with Prime and Multichannel Fulfillment, discuss how retailers can scale their brands by leveraging Amazon's global logistics and the Prime badge to drive multi-channel growth. About Wainwright Yu Wainwright "Wain" Yu currently serves as General Manager and Director of the Multichannel Commerce and Fulfillment business at Amazon, where he leads the organization's business and go-to-market functions. In this role, he oversees strategic initiatives that enable customers to seamlessly fulfill and deliver products across multiple channels. Wain joined Amazon in 2012, beginning his Amazon career in the Kindle organization where he played a pivotal role in expanding services across device platforms, marketplaces, and languages. He later transitioned to the Last Mile Operations organization, where he developed and managed Amazon's extensive network of pickup and return drop-off locations, creating innovative solutions that enhanced customer convenience and operational efficiency. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Wain is passionate about developing leaders and fostering healthy workplace cultures. He serves as a leadership coach and is a dedicated advocate for mindful, compassionate leadership in the modern workplace. Wain holds an MBA from Stanford University, where he developed his strategic and analytical foundation for business leadership. About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews. Key Takeaways: Beyond FBA: Unlocking Amazon's Fulfillment for Retailers In "Beyond FBA: Unlocking Amazon's Fulfillment for Retailers", Joe Lynch and Wainwright Yu, the General Manager and Director for Amazon's externalized fulfillment services, including Buy with Prime and Multichannel Fulfillment, discuss how retailers can scale their brands by leveraging Amazon's global logistics and the Prime badge to drive multi-channel growth. Leveling the Playing Field with MCF: Wainwright explains how Multi-Channel Fulfillment allows any retailer—whether they sell on Amazon or not—to tap into Amazon's global network of 200+ fulfillment centers. This turns Amazon into a high-performance 3PL that handles picking, packing, and shipping for orders from your own website, Shopify, or even social media stores. The "Halo Effect" of Buy with Prime: A major focus is how Buy with Prime allows D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) sites to offer the familiar Prime logo and checkout experience. By providing the same fast, free delivery promise shoppers trust on Amazon, retailers have seen an average 25% lift in conversion rates on their independent sites. Unified Inventory Management: Wainwright discusses the strategic advantage of a single pool of inventory. Instead of splitting stock between various warehouses, retailers can keep all their products in Amazon's centers to fulfill both Amazon.com orders (via FBA) and off-Amazon orders (via MCF), drastically reducing out-of-stock risks. Frictionless Checkout via Amazon Pay: With Buy with Prime, the checkout process is streamlined using the customer's existing Amazon account details. This reduces "cart abandonment" because shoppers don't have to enter credit card or shipping info, making the purchase as simple as a few clicks. Unbranded Packaging Options: A common concern for retailers is brand identity. Wainwright highlights that MCF orders can be shipped in unbranded, "blank box" packaging, allowing the retailer's brand to remain front and center rather than being overshadowed by Amazon's smile logo. Trust-Building through Reviews: Through Buy with Prime, retailers can now display their Amazon.com star ratings and reviews directly on their own websites. This social proof helps "new-to-brand" shoppers feel confident enough to buy from a site they may be visiting for the first time. Predictable, All-In Pricing: Wainwright clarifies that both services offer a simple, transparent fee structure that includes storage, picking, packing, and shipping. For many brands, this eliminates the hidden costs of managing private warehouses and allows for more accurate margin forecasting. Learn More About Beyond FBA: Unlocking Amazon's Fulfillment for Retailers Wainwright Yu | Linkedin Amazon | Linkedin Relentless.com Amazon MCF Amazon MCF Case Study: JLab Recent News The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Why It's Time to Expect More from Your EDI Platform", Joe Lynch and Shane Hagen, Presales Solutions Architect at Cleo, discuss the necessity of transitioning from traditional EDI to a unified platform for strategic supply chain orchestration and superior visibility. About Shane Hagen Shane Hagen is a Presales Solutions Architect at Cleo. He designs integration solutions that seamlessly connect internal applications with external partners, leveraging both API and EDI integration patterns. Cleo's customers rely on Shane to solve complex supply-chain challenges, trusting him to bridge the gap between business objectives and technical execution. With over eight years of experience in the integration space—including a prior role at Boomi—Shane brings deep expertise in modern connectivity and enterprise workflow design. He holds a computer science degree from Penn State University. About Cleo Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC) is a cloud-based integration platform, that allows organizations to build, operate, and optimize critical supply chain orchestration processes. The CIC platform brings end-to-end integration visibility across API, EDI, and non-EDI integrations, giving technical and business users the confidence to rapidly onboard trading partners, enable integration between applications, and accelerate revenue-generation. As a supply chain orchestration software company focused on business outcomes, Cleo's focus is to ensure each customer's potential is realized by delivering strategic solutions that make it easy to discover and create value through the movement and integration of B2B enterprise data. Key Takeaways: Why It's Time to Expect More from Your EDI Platform In "Why It's Time to Expect More from Your EDI Platform", Joe Lynch and Shane Hagen, Presales Solutions Architect at Cleo, discuss the necessity of transitioning from traditional EDI to a unified platform for strategic supply chain orchestration and superior visibility. The Imperative for Seamless System Connectivity The penalty for not connecting internal systems directly to external business partners is severe: it forces manual entry, leading to processes that are time-consuming, slow, unreliable, and prone to error. Organizations must expect their EDI platform to eliminate this manual burden and ensure robust, automated data exchange. Shift from Transaction Processing to Supply Chain Orchestration Expect your platform to evolve beyond simple data exchange to become a strategic tool for supply chain orchestration. Modern cloud platforms, like Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC), manage, operate, and optimize critical B2B enterprise data movement across the entire network, driving strategic business outcomes. Enabling Profitable Partner Relationships Through Speed Working with a powerful integration platform like Cleo is the key to accelerating growth. It directly enables companies to onboard new customers, suppliers, and business partners significantly faster, which is foundational to building more prosperous, high-velocity relationships. Hybrid Integration is the New Standard (API + EDI) The complexities of the modern supply chain require integration solutions that seamlessly blend traditional EDI with contemporary API patterns. A high-value platform must provide a unified environment for designing complex, end-to-end workflows that leverage both types of connectivity. Comprehensive Visibility Across All Data Streams True operational control requires end-to-end integration visibility across every data flow—API, EDI, and non-EDI. This holistic view gives technical and business users the confidence to solve complex supply-chain challenges by quickly identifying and resolving any bottlenecks. Bridging the Gap Between Business Strategy and Technical Execution A modern EDI platform must act as the essential link between ambitious business objectives (like accelerated revenue and growth) and the technical execution required to meet them. Guest experts, like Shane Hagen, are relied upon to translate complex requirements into measurable business value. Strategic Partnerships Drive Industry Focus (The Trimble Example) Expect your integration provider to have deep, strategic alliances within key industries. Cleo's position as a proud Trimble partner highlights its experience in solving complex integration challenges for Trimble customers and demonstrates its specialized focus on critical industry ecosystems. Learn More About Why It's Time to Expect More from Your EDI Platform Shane Hagen Cleo | Linkedin Cleo Demo Case Studies The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected", Joe Lynch and Rob Painter, Trimble's President and Chief Executive Officer, discuss how Trimble connects the freight ecosystem—people, data, and workflows—to navigate the difficult truckload market and drive customer efficiency using AI and integrated commercial solutions. About Rob Painter Rob Painter became Trimble's president and chief executive officer in January 2020. From 2016 through 2019, he served as the Company's chief financial officer. Joining the Company in 2006, Painter held a variety of leadership positions, including corporate development, corporate strategy, general manager of Construction Services, general manager of the Intelligent Construction Tools international joint venture, and vice president of Trimble Buildings construction software. In August 2023, he was appointed to serve on the Synopsys Board of Directors. Painter holds a bachelor's degree in finance from West Virginia University and an MBA from Harvard University. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected In "Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected", Joe Lynch and Rob Painter, Trimble's President and Chief Executive Officer, discuss how Trimble connects the freight ecosystem—people, data, and workflows—to navigate the difficult truckload market and drive customer efficiency using AI and integrated commercial solutions. Holistic Solution for a Difficult Truckload Market: Trimble's T&L segment directly addresses the pressures of the current truckload market by providing core operational platforms (TMW.Suite, TruckMate) to help carriers, shippers, and brokers manage operations, accounting, and dispatch, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost control when margins are tight. Driving Strategy with the Connect & Scale Message: The entire product portfolio—spanning TMS, maintenance, visibility, and procurement—is structured to embody Trimble's "Connect & Scale" message, which focuses on integrating people, data, and workflows into a unified ecosystem to drive growth and efficiency. AI-Powered Autonomous Freight Procurement: Trimble is leveraging AI within its Freight Procurement solutions (Transporeon, Freight Marketplace) to move toward autonomous procurement. This helps shippers and brokers efficiently source capacity and optimize freight spend in real-time, which is critical in a volatile capacity environment. Commercial Mapping for Efficiency and Safety: Essential tools like Trimble MAPS (CoPilot, Appian) go beyond basic navigation. They provide commercial-grade routing that accounts for truck-specific constraints and HOS, acting as a crucial element in optimizing routes and protecting drivers (part of the people and workflow components of Connect & Scale). TMS as the Core Workflow Integrator: Comprehensive Transportation Management Systems (TMS) platforms like TMW.Suite act as the central brain for workflows, integrating data across the business from operations to financial accounting, which is foundational to the "Scale" component of Trimble's strategy. Proactive Maintenance and Data Connectivity: Solutions for Asset & Fleet Maintenance focus on maximizing uptime—a key lever in today's market. By using data from connected trucks (fault codes, location) for preventative and predictive maintenance, they ensure assets remain productive and reduce unexpected downtime. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation (People & Data): The Safety & Compliance offerings help fleets mitigate risk and adhere to federal regulations, ensuring the safety and legal operation of their people (drivers) and assets, proving that technology is essential for responsible management and effective use of operational data. Learn More About Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected Rob Painter | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Revolutionizing the Road: Trimble's Tech Solutions with Kelly Williams | The Logistics of Logistics Trimble & Platform Science: The Future of Telematics with Rob Painter and Jack Kennedy The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue", Joe Lynch and Wes Arentson, Senior Sales Manager, Logistics at SPS Commerce, discuss how streamlining the supply chain's Order-to-Cash cycle is the key to accelerating business growth. About Wes Aretson Wes Arentson is a Sales Manager at SPS Commerce. He leads a logistics sales team focused on providing 3PLs and Carriers with tools to optimize their supply chains, connect with their partners more efficiently and make onboarding new customers easy. Wes has over 15 years of experience in supply chain and technology helping customers solve business problems with software and automation. About SPS Commerce SPS Commerce is the world's leading retail network, connecting trading partners across the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. The company enables data-driven partnerships through innovative cloud-based technology, customer-centric service, and a team of accessible industry experts—allowing clients to focus on their core business. With over 45,000 recurring revenue customers spanning retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics, SPS Commerce powers a vast and growing global retail network. Key Takeaways: SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue In "Optimize Speed to Revenue", Joe Lynch and Wes Arentson, Senior Sales Manager, Logistics at SPS Commerce, discuss how streamlining the supply chain's Order-to-Cash cycle is the key to accelerating business growth. Direct Correlation: Order-to-Cash Speed = Revenue Acceleration. The single most critical factor in optimizing revenue is the speed of your Order-to-Cash (O2C) cycle. Wes stresses that every inefficiency in processing orders, from receipt to payment, translates directly into delayed revenue. Streamlining O2C with efficient data exchange is the fastest way to pull cash forward. Stop Margin Leaks by Eliminating Disconnected Systems. Learn how disjointed or manual systems create costly margin leaks—the silent erosion of profitability. These leaks are often caused by the lack of connection between trading partner portals, forcing manual data re-entry and increasing the risk of chargebacks and penalties. EDI as the Foundation for Impeccable Data Quality. At the core of SPS Commerce's success is the commitment to data quality. Listeners will understand that clean, standardized, and automated data transmission via modern EDI is essential not just for compliance, but for enabling accurate forecasting and preventing operational errors for all SPS Commerce customers. Master Retailer Scorecards by Fixing Data Exchange. Achieving and exceeding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)—the foundation of retailer scorecards and milestones—is non-negotiable. Wes explains that a failure to meet these standards is often a symptom of poor EDI connections or the lack thereof, not operational failure. Automated, accurate EDI is the fix. Accelerate Onboarding with Proven Compliance and Security. Wes highlights the comprehensive service offered by SPS Commerce, focusing on mapping, testing, compliance, and security. This end-to-end approach drastically shaves weeks off the process of onboarding new trading partners, ensuring systems are instantly compliant and secure, which minimizes risk and accelerates time-to-revenue. The EDI Advantage: Consolidate Portals and Win More Tenders. True efficiency moves beyond basic EDI compliance. By consolidating disparate retailer portals into one platform, you eliminate the "swivel-chair" chaos. This improved efficiency and performance not only stops margin leaks but directly improves your scorecard performance, helping you win more high-value tenders. Future-Proof Partnerships with Automated Data Strategy. The conversation culminates in the shift from tactical order management to a strategic, data-driven approach. Wes advocates for using centralized EDI to build continuous learning and accountability, allowing companies to focus less on manual data work and more on connecting world-class technology with senior executives who control budget and strategy. Learn More About SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue Wes Arentson | Linkedin SPS Commerce | Linkedin SPS Commerce Woods Distribution Case Study Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics Case Study Jay Group Case Study The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Penske's State of Logistics: Leasing, Tech, and Loss Prevention with Andy Moses", Joe Lynch and Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Solutions and Sales Strategy for Penske Logistics, discuss the critical findings from the State of Logistics Report, the strategic advantage of integrating leasing and logistics services, and the operational necessity of combating escalating threats like cargo theft and cyber fraud. About Andy Moses Andy Moses is the senior vice president of solutions and sales strategy for Penske Logistics. He leads the organization's engineering solutions team and heads corporate sales strategy, advising Penske's product line leaders on sales and development. He was most recently senior vice president of sales and solutions, and previously held the role of senior vice president of global products. He has a distinguished career in the transportation industry in product and sales leadership roles, including prior experience as vice president of sales at Penske Truck Leasing. A member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and a supply chain author, Moses has spoken at industry conferences and guest lectured at top universities. A Master Black Belt in Six Sigma, Moses holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Brooklyn College and a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University in leadership development. About Penske Logistics Penske Logistics  is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, 4PL and lead logistics, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more. Key Takeaways: Penske's State of Logistics In "Penske's State of Logistics: Leasing, Tech, and Loss Prevention with Andy Moses", Joe Lynch and Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Solutions and Sales Strategy for Penske Logistics, discuss how integrated services and proactive technology are building a more secure and agile supply chain. Cyber Security, Cargo Theft, & Freight Fraud: Digital and physical security threats are escalating, making loss prevention a strategic imperative. Logistics providers must invest in robust cyber defenses for operational technology (OT) systems and implement advanced tracking, authentication, and security protocols to mitigate both physical cargo theft and sophisticated freight fraud schemes. The State of the Market (CSCMP/Penske Report): The industry is defined by persistent uncertainty and disruption, requiring a shift from short-term cost-cutting to long-term strategic resilience. The CSCMP/Kearney/Penske State of Logistics Report highlights that while capacity is balancing, geopolitical and economic headwinds, including shifts in trade and the $2.6 trillion U.S. business logistics costs, continue to drive complexity and require agility. Penske's Cross-Over Advantage (Leasing & Logistics): Penske's unique position—providing both truck leasing and logistics services—offers customers a unified and adaptable solution. This cross-over provides superior scale, equipment access, maintenance support, and integrated market intelligence on transportation capacity and emerging market needs. Technology as a Solution Driver: Penske's ClearChain® Technology Suite leverages data, analytics, and AI to provide end-to-end visibility, orchestration, and control. This technology allows companies to move beyond reacting to problems and engage in predictive modeling to proactively address issues before they impact the network. Problems Penske Solves: Penske leverages its engineering and sales strategy to solve critical business problems, including optimizing network design, providing compliant dedicated transportation, offering rapid scalability, and delivering the data-driven transparency required for consumer trust and regulatory adherence. Learn More About Penske's State of Logistics Andy's LinkedIn Penske Logistics CSCMP/Penske State of Logistics Report Penske ClearChain® Technology Suite The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube  

In "Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain with Moody's Andrei Quinn-Barabanov ", Joe Lynch and Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, Moody's lead Supply Chain expert, discuss the need to leverage predictive data and holistic strategies to mitigate complex, interconnected global risks. About Andrei Quinn-Barabanov Andrei Quinn-Barabanov is Moody's lead Supply Chain expert.  He works closely with Supply Chain Risk product team to shape the predictive capabilities of Moody's solution and with its customers to identify, assess, prioritize and mitigate supply chain risks. With more than three decades of experience, Andrei brings both practitioner's and consulting expertise to his role.  His career in supply chain included ten years as the head of supply chain risk management at Raytheon.  He also has significant management consulting experience, having worked on global operations for Nike, Sara Lee, Philips, W.W. Grainger, Lafarge and Kennametal. A native of Russia, Andrei is based in Washington DC.  He earned his MBA at Stanford. About Moody's In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody's (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody's gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com. Key Takeaways: Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain In "Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain with Moody's Andrei Quinn-Barabanov ", Joe Lynch and Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, Moody's lead Supply Chain expert, discuss the need to leverage predictive data and holistic strategies to mitigate complex, interconnected global risks. Financial Resilience Vetting: Supply chain managers must vet the financial health of all partners, not just customers. Use financial services (like Moody's) to assess stability. A stressed supplier is a critical performance risk, especially for industries like automotive and pharma. Geopolitical Planning & Diversification: Geopolitical risk is now a core factor, tied to tariffs and compliance. Aerospace and defense require scenario planning for policy changes and conflicts. Diversify sourcing regions to mitigate sanctions and trade duties. Digital and Physical Security: Threats include both physical cargo theft/freight fraud and sophisticated cyber security breaches targeting operations (OT). An attack on a 3PL or tech supplier (common in high-tech) can halt the chain. Invest in protocols covering digital and physical movement. Ethical & Legal Due Diligence: Pressure is high to ensure clean supply chains. Avoiding companies involved in slavery and/or money laundering requires rigorous checks. Non-compliance is a massive reputational and legal risk for sectors like pharma and energy. Climate-Informed Logistics: Weather risk is rising; use climate science in network design. In regions prone to typhoons or earthquakes, pre-qualify alternative routes, hold strategic buffer stock, and invest in resilient infrastructure. Transparency is Compliance: Achieving transparency and traceability is vital for issues like corruption and ethical sourcing. Modern tools (AI) are essential to trace components. This guarantees provenance for high-tech and ensures regulatory adherence for energy firms. Proactive Risk Modeling: Move beyond reaction to proactive risk modeling. Synthesize data (financial, geopolitical, ethical) to create risk scores for partners. This allows sectors like defense to build resilience by dual-sourcing and stress-testing their networks.  Learn More About Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain Andrei's LinkedIn Moody's Moody's Cyber Report Moody's Auto Report The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges", Joe Lynch and Mike Myers, the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai discuss how to supercharge existing Warehouse Management Systems with bolt-on algorithms for labor and cost savings. About Mike Myers Mike Myers is the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai, a bolt on technology that allows warehouses to ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. Mike's career has included roles at a large apparel brand, multiple national 3PL leaders, and finally a automation firm focused on autonomous vehicles. Mike describes himself as "obsessed with warehouses," and it shows! About Lully.ai Lully.ai helps customers drive both cost and labor savings, by leveraging a combination of simple operating rules and world-class algorithms, all available via API. Their approach enables you to supercharge your WMS without the typical pains of technology integration. Lully's focus is on making the work easier for the team on the floor; less travel, fewer location visits, better utilized equipment. The end result is happier employees and bolstered bottom lines. Key Takeaways: Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges The "Orchestrating Chaos" Philosophy: Warehousing challenges are framed not as insurmountable problems, but as "chaos" that can be "orchestrated" using smart, targeted technology. The core message is that efficiency is found in harmonizing existing equipment and processes, rather than in complete overhauls. Supercharge, Don't Replace (The "Bolt-On" Approach): Lully.ai's solution is a "bolt on technology... available via API." This takeaway emphasizes that warehouses can achieve massive optimization by supercharging their existing WMS without the typical high-cost and painful technology integration, making advanced algorithms accessible and fast to deploy. The Dual Bottom Line Focus: The solution directly addresses the two critical pressures in logistics: driving both cost and labor savings. The algorithms are designed to improve the financial bottom line while simultaneously tackling the labor crisis by making floor work more efficient. Human-Centric Optimization: Lully.ai translates optimization directly into benefits for the floor team, leading to happier employees. Key improvements include significantly less travel, fewer location visits, and better utilized equipment, which reduces fatigue, increases accuracy, and improves retention. Experience-Driven Solution: Mike Myers' diverse background—which spans a large apparel brand, 3PL leaders, and autonomous vehicle automation—provides a unique, holistic, and deeply practical understanding of warehouse operations. This real-world expertise informs a solution that is grounded in operational necessity. The Algorithm/Rules Combination: The technology's effectiveness stems from blending "simple operating rules and world-class algorithms." This suggests that complex optimization is delivered via practical, easily adoptable rules, ensuring the technology is not only intelligent but also simple for floor managers and workers to implement. Maximizing Existing Assets (Capital-Light Efficiency): A major takeaway for warehouse leaders is that the solution helps ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. This focus on maximizing current assets offers a capital-light path to high-performance warehousing. Learn More About Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges Mike Myers | Linkedin Lully.ai | Linkedin Lully.ai Lully.ai | YouTube Logistics of Logistics Listeners special offer The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Making a Living and a Life on the Road", Joe Lynch and Dave Nemo, Host of RadioNemo, discuss the blend of essential industry information, driver wellness, and community building that allows professional truckers to find success and connection over a long career on the road.  About Dave Nemo Dave Nemo has been the voice of trucking radio for the past 55 years, drawing on his love of music, useless facts, jokes, and history, coupled with the solemn duty to provide reliable weather and road reports with important news and information every driver should have. His career has been through more changes than you'd believe – through AM radio (where in one nine-year stretch he worked for eleven different companies), satellite ratio, and now digital streaming. And through all the changes, he's managed to keep our over the road professional drivers awake, alert, and alive. About RadioNemo RadioNemo is a radio network stemming from 55 years of radio lineage. Spearheaded by founder Dave Nemo, its talk content has been on both terrestrial and satellite radio. Now, it makes its home on the Internet airwaves for everyone. Catch Nemo Nation Mondays at 8a ET with Dave Nemo, Road Gang Radio Tuesdays-Fridays at 8a ET with Jimmy Mac & Lindsay Lawler, and We Should Write Wednesdays at 12p ET with Lindsay Lawler. For more information, visit www.radionemo.com Key Takeaways: Making a Living and a Life on the Road In "Making a Living and a Life on the Road", Joe Lynch and Dave Nemo, Host of RadioNemo, discuss the blend of essential industry information, driver wellness, and community building that allows professional truckers to find success and connection over a long career on the road. The Enduring Voice of the Road: With over 55 years behind the mic, Dave Nemo's career demonstrates the critical importance of a consistent, reliable voice in the isolated world of professional driving. His longevity (from AM radio to digital streaming) illustrates the constant need for connection and trusted information in the trucking industry. More Than Just Talk: The Blend of Entertainment and Safety: The podcast highlights that a "life on the road" requires stimulation and mental engagement. Nemo's use of music, "useless facts, jokes, and history" is a conscious strategy to keep professional drivers "awake, alert, and alive," making entertainment a vital safety measure. Holistic Driver Wellness is Key to Longevity: RadioNemo's content moves beyond trucking logistics to focus on the driver as a whole person. Segments like "Highway to Health" address critical issues such as nutrition, managing conditions like diabetes, and accessing resources for mental health—recognizing that physical and emotional well-being is essential for a successful career. The Need for Community and Connection: For a traditionally solitary profession, RadioNemo fosters a powerful sense of community ("Nemo Nation"). The "Breaker Breaker Backtalk" segment (where drivers share stories and questions) demonstrates that this network serves as a communal watercooler, transforming the isolation of the cab into a shared experience. Navigating the Business of Trucking: "Making a Living" requires staying current on regulations, maintenance, and policy. The network's partnership with advocacy groups like OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) shows the importance of staying informed on critical issues like broker transparency, safety rules, and legislative changes that directly impact an independent driver's bottom line. Adaptability and the Digital Future: Dave Nemo's transition from terrestrial radio to satellite and now to digital streaming reflects the evolution of the industry itself. The shift to Internet airwaves, on-demand streaming, and podcasting shows that successful professionals must embrace new technologies to maintain relevance and reach the next generation of drivers. Culture and Identity on the Road: The inclusion of culture and storytelling (such as the "Sleeper Cab Library" and We Should Write segments) suggests that a "life" in trucking is about more than miles and freight. These features validate the need for drivers to maintain interests, read, reflect, and engage in deeper conversations that build a rich personal identity despite long stretches away from home. Learn More About Making a Living and a Life on the Road Dave Nemo | Linkedin RadioNemo | Linkedin RadioNemo RadioNemo | iHeart RadioNemo | Audacy RadioNemo | YouTube RadioNemo | Facebook RadioNemo | TuneIn RadioNemo | Alexa The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group", Joe Lynch and Dan Cicerchi, the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, discuss the strategic integration of trustworthy AI to enhance existing core logistics technology and solve practical pain points across the global supply chain. About Dan Cicerchi Dan Cicerchi is the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, where he leads strategy and innovation for one of the industry's most widely adopted logistics technology platforms. A seasoned entrepreneur and logistics tech pioneer, Dan co-founded MacroPoint, a real-time freight visibility solution that transformed how brokers, shippers, and carriers track and manage loads. Following its acquisition by Descartes, he has continued to champion technology that drives efficiency, transparency, and resilience across global supply chains. With decades of experience spanning startup growth and enterprise leadership, Dan is passionate about applying practical AI and automation to solve the freight industry's most pressing challenges. He frequently shares insights on freight visibility, fraud prevention, and the future of transportation management. About Descartes Systems Group Descartes Systems Group is a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions designed to improve the productivity, performance, and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, with offices and customers worldwide, Descartes helps shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers connect, collaborate, and automate across the supply chain. Its portfolio includes transportation management, visibility, customs and regulatory compliance, and e-commerce logistics solutions. By combining deep industry expertise with innovative technology, Descartes enables organizations to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver superior customer experiences. Thousands of companies around the world rely on Descartes' logistics network and software to move goods more efficiently, mitigate risk, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex global marketplace. Key Takeaways: Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group In "Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group", Joe Lynch and Dan Cicerchi, the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, discuss the strategic integration of trustworthy AI to enhance existing core logistics technology and solve practical pain points across the global supply chain. Trust First: AI adoption in logistics must be built on governance and trust, using frameworks like NIST to ensure data security and accountability. AI Augments, Doesn't Replace: AI is a powerful enhancer for core systems (TMS, visibility), not a standalone replacement. Its primary role is to improve efficiency. Focus on Practical Pain Points: Start AI implementation by targeting tedious manual tasks (e.g., check calls, data entry, carrier onboarding) for rapid, measurable ROI. Stability Over Startups: Partnering with existing, integrated tech vendors (like Descartes) ensures greater stability, expertise, and roadmap alignment than relying on new AI-only startups. Audit Your Current Tech: Before investing in new AI, ensure you are fully utilizing the latest features and integrations of your current mission-critical systems. Build Trust with Staff: Overcome internal resistance by layering AI into current workflows and establishing clear performance baselines (ROI) before deployment. Enhance What Works: The path to resilience is through strategically integrating AI into proven, existing workflows step-by-step, not by chasing every new technology trend. Learn More About Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group Dan Cicerchi | Linkedin Descartes Systems Group | Linkedin Descartes Systems Group The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "The State of Logistics Hiring", Joe Lynch and Charlie Saffro, a recruiting and retention expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, discuss why employee-focused cultures and niche expertise are now critical to overcoming talent shortages in the supply chain industry.  About Charlie Saffro Charlie Saffro is a recruiting and retention expert, a female entrepreneur, and a TEDx speaker with a passion for sharing ideas around human leadership, talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, and company culture. Charlie founded a third party recruiting firm in 2010 with the goal of connecting employers and professionals within the Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain industry. Today, as the CEO of CS Recruiting, Charlie leads a thriving organization and a talented team of professional career matchmakers. She is dedicated to helping leaders of all industries prioritize employee-focused cultures. Charlie is an established thought leader and offers personalized coaching, team workshops, and keynotes to share her perspective as both a recruiter and a company leader. About CS Recruiting CS Recruiting focuses on recruitment and talent advisory within the Logistics, Transportation and Supply chain Industry. We partner with clients across North America to help them identify the most qualified candidates for their niche hiring needs. Our client base consists of 3PLs, Asset Providers, Shippers (Manufacturers/Distributors) and companies that offer a technology platform, equipment solution or consulting services. We pride ourselves on our industry expertise, competitive market knowledge and network of talent to support searches for positions of all levels and functions that influence the Supply Chain. CS Recruiting's goal is to partner with clients and candidates to develop long lasting relationships and make appropriate and time sensitive career matches. Key Takeaways: The State of Logistics Hiring In "The State of Logistics Hiring", Joe Lynch and Charlie Saffro, a recruiting and retention expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, discuss why employee-focused cultures and niche expertise are now critical to overcoming talent shortages in the supply chain industry. Culture Drives Retention: Employee-focused cultures are the primary strategy for both attracting and keeping talent in logistics. Specialization is Essential: Hiring success demands deep niche industry expertise within the Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain sectors. Broad Talent Demand: The hiring crisis spans across 3PLs, Shippers, and Tech providers—the entire supply chain ecosystem. Prioritize Human Leadership: Effective recruitment and engagement rely heavily on human leadership skills to improve employee experience. Recruiting as Advisory: The best firms view recruiting as a strategic talent advisory partnership, not just a transaction. External Expert Insight: Companies are leveraging external thought leaders (like Charlie Saffro) for coaching and workshops to refine internal processes. Candidate-Driven Market: Logistics hiring requires understanding and addressing what motivates top talent, as candidates currently hold the leverage. Learn More About The State of Logistics Hiring Charlie Saffro | Linkedin CS Recruiting | Linkedin CS Recruiting Charlie's TEDx Talk Recruiting and Retaining Top Performers in Logistics with Charlie Saffro Winning the Logistics Talent War with Charlie Saffro The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation", Joe Lynch and Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. About Doug Schrier Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, is a driving force behind the company's strategic expansion while upholding a customer-centric philosophy. With a comprehensive background encompassing over two decades of operations and strategic leadership, Doug has dedicated the past 15 years to the transportation sector. His impactful roles at Covenant Logistics and Transflo have honed his expertise and allowed him to champion innovation. Doug's commitment to pioneering innovation remains unwavering, further solidifying McLeod Software as the premier TMS provider in the industry. About McLeod Software Since 1985, McLeod Software has been transforming the transportation industry by providing powerful transportation management and trucking software solutions. These solutions, developed entirely by our company, are comprehensive and support integration with a broad array of complementary logistics products. We are the leader when it comes to software for trucking dispatch operations management, freight brokerage management, fleet management, document imaging, workflow, EDI, and business intelligence and process automation solutions for trucking, freight brokerage, third party logistics, and shipper companies in the United States. Key Takeaways: Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation", Joe Lynch and Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. The Shift "Beyond TMS": McLeod Software's evolution from a traditional Transportation Management System (TMS) provider to offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions that addresses the needs of trucking, freight brokerage, 3PLs, and shippers, encompassing everything from dispatch to document imaging and fleet management. The Power of the Open Ecosystem: The strategic importance of an "open ecosystem," highlighted by McLeod's ability to support seamless integration with a broad array of complementary logistics products, providing flexibility and interoperability that customers demand. Automation as a Core Strategy: The critical role of business intelligence, workflow, and process automation solutions in modern transportation, moving beyond basic transaction management to drive efficiency and reduce manual intervention for their customers. Leadership Driven by Deep Industry Experience: Doug Schrier's two decades of strategic leadership, including 15 years in transportation at companies like Covenant Logistics and Transflo, provides McLeod with an operations-first perspective that shapes their product innovation and customer-centric philosophy. Innovation Rooted in Longevity: McLeod Software's position as a premier industry leader is reinforced by its founding in 1985 and sustained commitment to developing all its solutions internally, providing a stable and unified platform for growth. Customer-Centric Growth: The discussion reinforces how McLeod's strategic expansion (driven by Schrier) is governed by a customer-centric philosophy, ensuring that new technologies and solutions are developed to solve real-world industry challenges. The Future of Logistics Technology: The episode outlines how McLeod is solidifying its market leadership by championing pioneering innovation focused on next-generation capabilities like process automation, which will be essential for fleets and brokers to remain competitive. Learn More About Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation Doug Schrier | Linkedin McLeod Software McLeod Software | Linkedin McLeod Software | Facebook McLeod Software | Instagram The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. About Rob Light Robert Light is the CEO and a Co-Founder of CarrierSource, the leading review website for brokers and carriers. Rob has been building CarrierSource for the past five years, and prior to that was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space. He's excited to bring this same opportunity to logistics and transportation. About CarrierSource CarrierSource is revolutionizing the freight industry with real-time Shipper Intent Data and AI-powered Research Agents. For the first time, brokers and carriers can see when a shipper is searching for capacity, viewing competitor profiles, or interacting with their own listing. These signals empower teams to engage high-intent prospects at exactly the right moment, turning passive interest into closed business. With Research Agents, teams can go from shipper intent signal to context to outreach in minutes, bridging the gap between intent and action. CarrierSource is built on top of the first truly two-sided review marketplace. Brokers and carriers can review each other, and shippers can find freight partners through verified reviews, FMCSA safety and insurance data, and detailed company profiles. With over 75,000 reviews across 40,000+ brokers and carriers, CarrierSource is where reputations are built. It's now also where intent turns into revenue. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. Real-Time Shipper Intent is the New Gold: The most critical factor in winning freight is knowing when a shipper is actively in the market. CarrierSource provides real-time signals—such as a shipper searching for capacity or viewing a competitor's profile—allowing brokers and carriers to engage prospects at the precise moment of highest intent. AI Closes the Intent-to-Action Gap: The platform utilizes AI-powered Research Agents to bridge the gap between signal and outreach. This technology ensures that teams can move from identifying an intent signal to gathering necessary context and initiating an informed outreach effort in minutes. Reputation is the Foundation for Conversion: Rob Light's experience at G2 highlights the power of customer voice. CarrierSource is built on a two-sided review marketplace with over 75,000 reviews, establishing that a verified and strong reputation is essential for converting a high-intent prospect into closed business. Democratizing the Competitive Edge: The technology empowers smaller and mid-sized brokers and carriers. By providing access to high-value intent data and leveraging the voice of their customers through reviews, they can effectively compete head-to-head with the largest companies in the logistics space. A Holistic View Wins the Business: Winning freight requires more than just knowing intent; it demands credibility. The platform integrates real-time intent data with essential compliance information, including verified reviews, FMCSA safety data, and insurance details, providing a comprehensive profile for shippers. The Shift to a Proactive Revenue Model: The industry is shifting from a reactive approach (waiting for RFPs) to a proactive one. CarrierSource enables a model where "intent turns into revenue," fundamentally changing the sales motion from passive interest tracking to immediate, targeted engagement. Leverage Reviews to Compete on Par: A core lesson from Rob's previous work is that customer reviews are a powerful tool to level the playing field. By making the voice of the customer central to the partner selection process, brokers and carriers of all sizes can use their established service reputation to secure new freight opportunities. Learn More About Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Rob Light | Linkedin CarrierSource CarrierSource | Linkedin The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube