From AI agents that negotiate contracts to the surprising world of private-label branding, this month’s Freight Friends covers the big shifts shaping logistics right now. Blythe and Grace Sharkey break down Grace’s experience at the Change event, the rise of HappyRobot and other AI-driven workflows, the state of reverse logistics, and how private-label strategies are influencing everything from Costco to Meghan Markle’s failed brand.

Key takeaways:

• Supply chain executives at the Change event are prioritizing education and AI readiness.
• AI adoption is slowing in some areas, but practical agents like HappyRobot are gaining traction.
• Reverse logistics is becoming a bigger operational challenge for retailers and manufacturers.
• Private label strategies separate brand failures from retail giants like Costco.
• Marketing plays, community spotlights, and Source-to-Porch stories keep freight creative and human.

LINKS:

• Grace’s LinkTree
• Returns Category on CargoRex
• Didero AI
• NRF and Happy Returns Report
• Michael Gessen’s Direct Mail Marketing Efforts
• Reachdesk Website
• HappyRobot Website

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

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