Everything is Logistics

In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Blythe speaks with Jack Zwart, the shipping manager at GatorBar, a manufacturer of composite rebar in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He shares information on the history and importance of the Rust Belt, the role of the Great Lakes in raw material shipping, and the value of building personal relationships with carriers. Jack also explains how he stumbled into his manufacturing role, the unique transportation challenges faced by rural Midwest shippers, and insights into the future of American manufacturing.LINKS:Jack's LinkedInThe Great Lakes aggregate industry is rather quiet but massively importantGatorBar WebsiteHeartland Revival Podcast by JackWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

Grace Sharkey and Blythe are back with another episode of Freight Friends! This time the duo addresses the evolving retail landscape, including Shein's supply chain services and Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology halt. They also discuss the Baltimore bridge collapse and the rise of online misinformation, covering a range of timely logistics and supply chain topics.LINKS:Grace's Linktree FightingForTruckers.comHow to reverse image searchFormula1 chief appalled to find his team manages 20k parts via ExcelKyla Scanlon's Shein post on XERP Failure Case Study - Hershey’sWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe speaks with Greenscreens CEO and Chief Product Officer Dawn Salvucci-Favier about her transition from administrative assistant to freight tech innovator. Dawn discusses the evolution of freight brokerages, TMS systems, and the power of predictive pricing using AI and machine learning. She also shares insights into the changing freight landscape and strategies driving successful freight tech companies.LINKS: Dawn's Email: dawn@greenscreens.ai Dawn's LinkedInGreenscreens' WebsiteKevin Hill's LinkedIn PostWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, we're going to examine the maritime sector's impact on global trade after the Baltimore Bridge collapse. In this roundup, we're featuring conversations with a TikTok-famous merchant mariner Gabby Salazar, who defies industry norms; Chris Cook, who uses data to track grain shipments through Ukraine; maritime attorney Lauren Beagan, explaining the complexities of maritime law; and Nick Chubb, showcasing how technology streamlines ancient shipping practices.Whether you're intrigued by the legalities, the data, the technology, or the human stories behind the scenes, this maritime-focused episode is for you.GUEST TIME STAMPS: Gabby Salazar- 03:44Chris Cook- 21:18Lauren Beagen - 01:15:52Nick Chubb- 02:08:07QUOTABLES: Lauren Beagen: "90% of all goods are shipped via the big cargo ships, there are many issues that pop up all the time.  Navigating through the legal straits that every cargo ship must cross underscores the monumental stakes of maritime law." Gabby Salazar: "Working in a male-dominated field, it's like just another day in the office... our office just floats and is 1,000 feet long." Chris Cook: "The invasion of Ukraine... opened up a series of enormously important stories."Nick Chubb: "Streamlining this ancient industry is about more than just integrating new technology; it's about changing the way we think about shipping and logistics."LISTEN NEXT: How War Affects Shipping with Sal MercoglianoMore podcast episodes from Maritime Means by Spire---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe and Sean McGillicuddy, Chief Revenue Officer at Tai Software, explore how inefficient processes can hold back freight brokerages. Sean shares valuable advice on optimizing operations, leveraging data and analytics, and developing a strong brand identity to attract and retain customers. He also discusses auditing processes, utilizing TMS analytics, balancing marketing/sales efforts, implementing AI/automation, and understanding modern buyers' needs - all aimed at helping brokerages improve efficiency and drive growth.LINKS:Sean's LinkedInTai Software's websiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe discusses the world of AI in freight with Garrett Allen, the co-founder of LoadPartner. Garrett discusses the current state of AI and how businesses can prepare for AI adoption. He also explains how AI can enhance logistics operations, addresses concerns about job displacement, and discusses the future of AI across the industry. LINKS:Podcast: Will LoadPartner AI Replace Trucking Industry Check Calls? w/ Garrett AllenGarrett on XGarrett's LinkedInLoardPartner LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe speaks with Jake Battles, VP of Business Development and Sales at REPOWR, about how his company has built a digital marketplace for renting trailers and equipment. Jake explains the challenges of trailer utilization, REPOWR's innovative solution, and how it benefits carriers and shippers alike. He also highlights pioneering approaches that increase supply chain flexibility and efficiency through intelligent trailer-sharing.LINKS: Jake's LinkedInREPOWR LinkedInREPOWR FacebookREPOWR InstagramWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe speaks with Marina Mayer, the Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, about her journey in the logistics industry. Marina discusses the importance of promoting women in supply chain, the challenges of editorial planning, and her advice for independent creators. She also provides insights into her favorite tools, books, and logistics facts, and provides valuable perspectives for those passionate about supply chain, content creation, and gender diversity in the field.LINKS:Marina's LinkedInFood Logistics WebsiteSupply & Demand Chain Executive WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

This episode features a discussion between Blythe and Holly LaBoda from "Logistics Luminaries Live!" focusing on leveling up freight sales strategy. Topics include bridging the gap between marketing and sales, leveraging content creation for customer engagement, the power of storytelling, and using AI tools to enhance sales processes. This episode provides valuable takeaways for logistics professionals seeking to improve their sales approach, align marketing efforts, and effectively connect with customers.LINKS:Holly's LinkedInLogistics Luminaries, Live! with Blythe BrumleveLuminaries Consulting's websiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

This episode highlights a panel discussion moderated by Blythe, from Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics, focusing on the topic of "Multimodal Shipping & International Growth: How is True Visibility Achieved?" Panelists included: Charlie Cunnion, VP, Supply Chain & Customer Service, CMPC Forest Productions NAJim McCullen, CIO, Century Supply Chain SolutionsAndrew Petrisin, Supply Chain Advisor, U.S. Department of Transportation Peter Weis, CIO, SVP Supply Chain, ITS LogisticsThe discussion centered around challenges and solutions for attaining comprehensive multimodal visibility within the supply chain, addressing issues such as data quality, standards, and emerging technologies like APIs and AI, and emphasizing the importance of ecosystem collaboration to enhance transparency and coordination. Another focus was the necessity for collaborative efforts and an ecosystem approach to improve visibility and coordination across the supply chain.LINKS:Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics websiteCharlie's LinkedInJim's LinkedInAndrew's LinkedInPeter's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe and Kristy Killingbeck, VP of Supply Chain Operations at Ryder, discuss evolving shipper expectations, the push for automation like AGVs, navigating the labor landscape across the U.S., and her perspective on mentorship for women in supply chain leadership roles. Kristy also describes what it's like to manage 40 facilities and a $1 billion freight book for major CPG brands.LINKS:Ryder's WebsiteKristy's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe and Ryan Schreiber, the Chief Growth Officer at Metafora, discuss AI readiness, integrating data sources, developing a strong data strategy, and identifying specific business use cases. Drawing from his diverse background spanning freight brokerage to tech startups, Ryan also offers practical advice for companies looking to successfully implement AI and extract meaningful insights from their data. LINKS:Ryan's LinkedInMetafora's websiteWATCH FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

Grace Sharkey and Blythe Brumleve are back with another episode of Freight Friends! This time the duo discusses ISO Technologies releasing service awards for carriers, advice for freight brokerages, automating manufacturing, and the supply chain of makeup. LINKS:Grace’s LinktreeSisters of the Road: Inside a cross-country tour spotlighting 40 truckers during Women’s History MonthLive From Northwest Arkansas: A Conversation with Shelley SimpsonHBO's Lovecraft Country Contains a Crucial Historic ReferenceGrace Black History Month X ThreadWATCH FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe and Nate Robert, founder of logistics startup Baton, discuss how his company was acquired by Ryder to build out their new Silicon Valley-based technology lab. The goal of the 40-person lab consisting of engineers, designers, and product managers is to solve pain points identified through engagement with Ryder operators. This includes tackling the driver efficiency issue of only 6.5 productive hours out of an 11-hour driving day.LINKS:Ryder's WebsitePress Release: Ryder Establishes Silicon Valley-Based Technology Lab Led by Founders of Start-Up BatonNate's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

Grace Sharkey is back for a special live edition of Freight Friends recorded during Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain and Logistics in Las Vegas. Discussed on the show are the latest visibility technology and the problems that still need to be solved to achieve true end-to-end solutions, along with some of our favorite booths and trade show marketing on the 500-square-foot expo floor. Also, shout out to Zehl Logistics for hosting us at their podcast booth, which was a genius way of getting foot traffic, social media content, and making genuine connections. LINKS: Grace’s LinktreeLessons from 15 Years at TQL with Chris FieldsWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe explains how to organize a website redesign project into phases based on priority, starting with an MVP launch before adding other features. Listeners are presented with tips for gathering the necessary "ingredients" ahead of time - such as detailed page outlines, text, images, bios, etc. - to make development smoother. Other audience takeaways include strategies for getting stakeholder buy-in early, while also limiting feedback rounds later to avoid getting derailed by too many opinions.RELATED LINKS:Quick Website and Marketing Wins in 2024What I’ve Learned After Hosting 30+ WebsitesHow To Stop Annoying Your Website Visitors---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe discusses fighting fraud and the value of great customer service with Meghann Erhart, EVP at Relay Payments. She emphasizes customer service rooted in empathy, honed through over 15 years in the industry and firsthand experiences with drivers. Meghann also stresses the importance of kindness and fostering strong relationships within the freight community.LINKS:Relay Payments' WebsiteMeghann's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe discusses the art of freight sales with 15-year industry veteran and former MoLo cofounder, Stephan Mathis. He shares tips on building trust and long-term partnerships, overcoming adversity to strengthen relationships, leveraging storytelling and reviews to stand out, and developing a personal brand on LinkedIn, as well as providing more invaluable advice for new and experienced brokers alike.  Overall, this episode serves as a masterclass on setting a brokerage up for long-term success!LINKS:Stephan's LinkedInStephan's WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

In this episode, Blythe interviews Anita Bassi, Vice President of People and Operations at  SPI Logistics. They discuss her career journey in the freight industry, the day-to-day challenges freight agents face, and the unique way SPI supports its agents through technology assistance and proactive fraud prevention to reduce turnover and cultivate enduring partnerships. Anita also emphasizes the importance of networking and continual career development for freight agents to stay competitive, as well as offers advice to agents looking to thrive in this fast-evolving industry.LINKS: Anita's LinkedInVisit SPI Logistics' WebsiteCheck out SPI’s Freight Agent Program---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.

Grace Sharkey and Blythe Brumleve are back with another episode of Freight Friends! This time the duo discusses the ongoing legal cage match between Project44 and FourKites that could set new precedents around corporate libel laws. They also focus on relationship-building over product-pushing to stand out among the 33% rise in freight brokers vying for business. Other takeaways include fascinating details about the logistics process, like magnetizing metals for industrial uses and shipping planes packed with a million Valentine's flowers.LINKS: Grace’s LinktreeProject44 vs. Fourkites Cage MatchBuilding an Audience Tips in 2024Logistics of Valentines Day Flowers---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Maximize your website’s performance as a sales tool with Digital Dispatch’s website management.