In this episode, Blythe speaks with Pablo Palafox, CEO of Happyrobot, about using AI-powered voice assistants to automate repetitive tasks in freight operations. They discuss Pablo's background in industrial engineering and computer science, and how Happy Robot's technology can free up logistics teams to focus on higher-value work, improving efficiency and customer service. LINKS: Pablo's LinkedIn Happyrobot's website Email Happyrobot WATCH THE FULL EPISODE Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? ...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min
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 ...
Apr 16, 2024•59 min
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.com How to reverse image search Formula1 chief appalled to find his team manages 20k pa...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 55 min
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: [email protected] Dawn's LinkedIn Greenscreens'...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 31 min
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 intrigue...
Apr 04, 2024•2 hr 54 min
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 b...
Apr 02, 2024•55 min
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 Allen Garrett on X Garrett's LinkedIn LoardPartner LinkedIn...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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 LinkedIn REPOWR LinkedIn REPOWR Fa...
Mar 26, 2024•56 min
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 g...
Mar 21, 2024•28 min
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...
Mar 19, 2024•33 min
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 NA Jim McCullen, CIO, Century Supply Chain Solutions Andrew Petrisin, Supply Chain Advisor, U.S. Department of Transportation Peter Weis, CIO, SVP Supply Chain, ITS Lo...
Mar 14, 2024•39 min
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 Website Kristy's LinkedIn WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE Feedback? Ideas for a future e...
Mar 12, 2024•29 min
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 LinkedIn Metafora's website WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE Feedback?...
Mar 07, 2024•29 min
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 Linktree Sisters of the Road: Inside a cross-country tour spotlighting 40 truckers during Women’s History Month Live From Northwest Arkansas: A Conversation with Shelley Simpson HBO's Lovecraft Country Contains a Crucial Histori...
Mar 05, 2024•2 hr 5 min
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 Website Press Release: Ryder...
Feb 27, 2024•34 min
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 fo...
Feb 22, 2024•49 min
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 t...
Feb 20, 2024•56 min
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' Website Meghann's LinkedIn WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Sh...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr
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 lon...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 19 min
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 wel...
Feb 08, 2024•38 min
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 plane...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Everything is Logistics, host Blythe Brumleve and Walter "Mitch" Mitchell, CEO of Tai Software, discuss logistics innovations that will revolutionize operations and accounting workflows for freight brokers in 2024 and beyond. Mitch highlights automation and AI breakthroughs that slash manual tasks by up to 90% while making shipments more profitable. He also shares best practices for system migrations, untangling carrier relationships, and using data to gain competitive advanta...
Feb 01, 2024•56 min
In this episode of the "Everything Is Logistics" podcast, host Blythe Brumleve discusses quick website wins and improvements for 2024, building on a previous episode from 2023. She emphasizes the importance of owning your website as a key platform you control, unlike social media and using it to build trust and facilitate conversions. The goal is to craft an experience where visitors easily find social channels, convert to leads or book sales meetings. Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot...
Jan 30, 2024•50 min
Manifest is one of the fastest-growing supply chain conferences, more than doubling attendance within just a couple years. In this episode, host Blythe Brumleve interviews Senior Vice President of Partnerships at Manifest/Connective, Dan Reiss, about what has fueled this explosive growth. He explains how Manifest differentiated itself from other logistics events by focusing on the latest technologies across the entire supply chain, not just freight and logistics operations. By curating innovativ...
Jan 25, 2024•45 min
This episode features Sal Mercogliano, the mastermind behind the "What is Going On With Shipping" YouTube channel. He discusses global shipping's evolution dating back to WWII times, delving into its impact on local store prices, international trade policies, and the world's fascination with logistics. From conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Red Sea crises to supply chain strategies, Sal's insights shed light on the domino effect of shipping delays, offering a fresh perspective on just-in-tim...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Today, I wanted to share an episode I recorded for Charlie Pesti, the logistics PR extraordinaire. Moderated by John Monarch, the discussion centers around how freight companies are managing their 2024 marketing budgets. Panelists include Steve Bonadio, VP of Global Marketing at Tive Inc., Clara Flaherty, Co-Founder and Head of Growth at CarrierSource, and Gemma Fiorentino, CEO of Consono, and myself. Together, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the latest market report, surveying decision-m...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min
This episode features Beth Potratz, founder and CEO of Drive My Way, discussing driver recruiting, retention, and helping drivers find fulfilling jobs. She explains what drivers want today, and how carriers can better communicate with and support drivers through feedback loops. Providing valuable perspectives on improving the driver experience, she also discusses personalized recruiting platforms and nurturing driver relationships. LINKS: Beth Potratz LinkedIn Drive My Way Website WATCH THE FULL...
Jan 09, 2024•53 min
In this episode, we're covering one of the more fascinating topics in all of supply chain - crime, fraud, and disasters. Grace Sharkey also makes her debut in the best of compilation because we cover cargo crime in each one of our monthly episodes. Meanwhile, the other portion of this compilation revolves around Disaster Logistics - where we have some of the best and brightest in logistics trying to optimize recovery efforts during some extremely challenging situations. These episodes will play ...
Jan 05, 2024•3 hr 5 min
It's that time of the year when the days between Thanksgiving and the New Year feel like one giant blur. But it's also a time to think about the things you want to get done in 2024. So what better way to get a handle on what to be thinking about than a mega episode of this year's best shows? In this episode, we're highlighting the creators in freight that appeared on the pod in 2023. Freight creators have grown tremendously since COVID and I firmly believe that we are still only scratching the s...
Jan 02, 2024•5 hr 48 min
This episode explores the insights and expertise of Jason Burns, an industry expert and president of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA). Learn about the final mile logistics industry, the CLDA, their upcoming conference, and how the last mile keeps the wheels of commerce moving. The discussion provides valuable details about the CLDA's Final Mile Forum event happening in February 2024. LINKS: CLDA Website CLDA’s FMF (Use code DD200 for a $200 discount off your cart total fo...
Dec 28, 2023•49 min
