Podcasts about 3pl

The old DTC playbook is dying. And most brands don't even realize it yet.In this episode, Nik sits down to talk about how DTC has evolved, why lean and profitable is the new thing, and what the next five years of ecom will actually look like. Nik explains the shift toward what he calls performance branding, where brand and measurable performance work together instead of competing for budget. They break down the real growth ceilings brands hit at $5M, $20M, and beyond - and why performance marketing alone eventually stops working. They also cover tariffs, shipping arbitrage, hidden 3PL fees, inventory risk, app bloat, Shopify's evolution, and why context and operator skill will matter more than ever. If you're building a brand in 2026 and beyond, this episode is a blueprint for staying lean, fast, and culturally relevant in a world where everyone has access to the same tools. Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising.roku.com/limitedsupply⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why retail is now a demand chain, not a supply chain How AMRs deliver 6–12 month ROI in high-variability e-commerce Why robotics-as-a-service changes peak capacity planning The real bottleneck in AI adoption: structured WMS data Why dashboards are dying and exception-based orchestration is rising How consolidation will reshape 3PL economics Why operational excellence remains the ultimate differentiator HIGHLIGHTS 00:01–00:12 | Consumer expectations and the “fast + free + cheap” reality 00:12–00:15 | AMRs, ASRS, RaaS, and 6–12 month automation ROI 00:15–00:16 | Buy vs build: what's commodity vs “secret sauce” 00:16–00:19 | Agentic AI in warehouse ops: labor planning + execution 00:19–00:22 | AI proof, case studies, and demand planning as the next frontier 00:22–00:24 | Dashboards vs operators: turning analytics into actions 00:24–00:28 | Operator advice: efficiency, mechanization, and competition shifts 00:29–00:31 | Manifest trends: retail channels evolving + tech-driven 3PL future QUOTES  [00:04:10] “One of the biggest changes is you used to have a choice. You could either have it fast, you could have it free, or you could have it cheap. The consumer today wants all three.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:05:10] “We as logistics supply chain companies need to lean in and figure out how to do more with less. Today it's a necessity.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:07:30] “You need automation... We need to be faster and more flexible. Peaks have gotten much higher.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:16:00] "The hard part isn't building AI or using AI. It's what do you do with the results?" - Gary Allen [00:16:50] “Operators shouldn't hunt dashboards, they should get alerts, exception-based triggers. AI takes analytics to the next level.” – Gary Allen [00:23:00] "Reporting is the death of analytics." - Gary Allen  ABOUT THE GUESTS Jeff Wolpov Jeff Wolpov is Senior Vice President of E-commerce and Ryder Last Mile at Ryder System, Inc., where he leads the vision and strategy for omnichannel fulfillment and big & bulky home delivery. Previously, he served as CEO of Whiplash (formerly Port Logistics Group), achieving nearly 30% year-over-year revenue growth before its acquisition by Ryder in 2022. Earlier in his career, Jeff founded Distribution Solutions, scaling it from a startup into a $50 million regional logistics firm that became the foundation of Whiplash's national network. He holds a degree from the University of Michigan. Gary Allen Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder, overseeing Solution Design, Continuous Improvement, Data Analytics, and Automation across the supply chain organization. With more than 32 years of experience, he previously led EY's logistics consulting practice and held leadership roles at DHL and FedEx in product innovation, solution design, sustainability, and operations. Gary helped launch and co-author the “Annual Third Party Logistics Study” with Dr. John Langley of Penn State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Materials and Logistics Management from Michigan State University. LINKS MENTIONED Ryder report: https://www.ryder.com/en-us/insights/white-papers/e-comm/2025-ryder-e-commerce-consumer-study Ryder website: https://www.ryder.com/en-us Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Daniel McDonnell co-founder of Maple Movement, shares how severe gut health issues during his professional Ironman career led him to discover the power of maple syrup as a natural fuel source and launch Maple Movement. What began as a house-deposit gamble quickly evolved into a fast-growing gut-friendly energy gel brand now stocked in 125+ stores across Australia and New Zealand. Daniel opens up about bootstrapping the business, learning margins from scratch, managing rapid growth from his living room, and transitioning to a 3PL. He dives into brand positioning, organic content strategy, subscription revenue, and building a lean, aligned team. It's a raw, practical story of turning personal pain into a scalable FMCG business with purpose and momentum. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Daniel McDonnell, the hardest part of growing a small business is keeping up with rapid growth before scalable systems are fully in place, especially during big sales months when demand spikes beyond operational capacity. He shared how he and his wife were packing nearly 95 orders a day from their living room while trying to maintain a personal brand touch, highlighting that the real challenge wasn't generating sales but managing growth sustainably while building the right infrastructure to support it. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Daniel said his favorite business book that's helped him the most is "Built to Sell" by John Warrillow — a practical guide about structuring and scaling a business so it's not dependent on the founder and becomes sellable. He's mentioned it shaped how he thinks about systems, value creation, and building something that can run beyond him. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Daniel McDonnell, one podcast he highly recommends for small business growth is Chew the Fat by the Greive brothers, where they share real, relatable stories after building and exiting Realbase. He values listening to founders who have scaled and exited businesses, as their practical lessons help avoid costly mistakes. Daniel also emphasizes learning directly from experienced mentors and operators rather than figuring everything out the hard way. For him, real-world business conversations and founder-led insights have been the most impactful learning resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Daniel McDonnell would point to a tool that helps you systemize and scale without chaos, and one he personally recommends is Notion — it's where he organizes products, SOPs, content calendars, order processes, and more in one place so nothing slips through the cracks. He also emphasizes tools for automating the parts of your business that don't need manual work, like Mailchimp or Klaviyo for email automation, and Shopify + a good 3PL integration to handle orders cleanly as volume grows. For analytics and ads, basic dashboards like Google Analytics and Facebook/Meta Business Suite help you make smarter decisions instead of guessing. The key, he says, isn't having every tool under the sun — it's picking the ones that actually save you time and help you standardize your processes so the business can scale. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Daniel McDonnell, on day one he would tell himself to raise far more capital than he thinks he needs, understand margins and cash flow from the start, and build scalable systems early—because growth can come fast, but without enough cash and structure, it becomes far more stressful than it needs to be. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Solve a real problem and the market will pull you forward - Daniel McDonnell When the team wins in their own lane the whole brand moves faster - Daniel McDonnell Build systems early because growth exposes every weakness - Daniel McDonnell      

Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Your SKU system does NOT need to be complicated...but it does need to be consistent. If you're an apparel brand owner setting up your Shopify backend, preparing for a 3PL, or scaling beyond self-fulfillment, this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down exactly how to structure your SKU numbers the right way from day one. In this short, tactical episode, Rachel simplifies SKU creation for clothing brands and explains why overengineering your numbering system can hurt your reports, your inventory accuracy, and your ability to scale. Whether you're fulfilling from your home office or preparing to work with a warehouse, this episode will help you avoid messy backend data and inventory confusion as your brand grows. Click here to get your FREE Smart SKU Generator: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/smart Sign up for the FREE Shopify Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shopify-workshop Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:00 SKUs Don't Need to Be Complicated 00:26 What a SKU Is & Why It Matters for Inventory 01:10 The 3 Must-Have Parts of a SKU 01:50 Do You Really Need SKUs/Barcodes If You Fulfill Yourself? 04:01 Why Warehouses/3PLs Require Scannable SKUs (Avoid Inventory Chaos) 04:59 Introducing 'The Board' Membership 06:19 Shopify Backend: Standardize SKUs to Keep Reports Clean 07:22 Free Smart SKU Generator + How to Use It 11:09 Wrap-Up: SKU vs UPC/Barcode + Next Steps   Watch The Business of Apparel Podcast: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw  Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion   Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.   

Scott Dancy is the founder and CEO of Azuna, a fast-growing brand in the natural air freshener space. With a background in staffing, technology, and several entrepreneurial ventures, Scott started Azuna in Buffalo in 2019, scaling the business from hand-packaging orders to becoming the world's largest purchaser of tea tree oil and achieving significant success in both DTC and Amazon channels. In this episode of DTC Pod, Scott shares his journey of launching Azuna, from navigating supply chain challenges and product R&D to unlocking consistent growth and managing cash flow as order volumes soared. He covers the pivotal product decisions, strategies for boosting AOV, lessons from high-profile partnerships, and Azuna's approach to retail expansion. Scott also offers practical advice for founders on knowing their numbers, avoiding expensive mistakes, and building a team that's invested in the brand's success. Episode brought to you by Stord - 3PL for Commerce Episode brought to you by EMF Radar - Health Starts with EMF Safety in mind Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack. On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover: 1. Scott Dancy's entrepreneurial background and Azuna's origin story 2. Early-stage bootstrapping: packaging, fulfillment, and ad writing 3. Scaling operations: manufacturing, 3PLs, and hiring expert talent 4. Product and packaging strategy: sustainable materials, bundling, and raising AOV 5. Building a brand moat with proprietary tea tree oil sourcing 6. Subscription economics and customer retention strategies 7. Navigating cash flow, funding growth, and working with MCAs 8. Knowing key metrics: revenue, gross profit, AOV, and cash allocation 9. D2C vs Amazon vs retail channel strategy 10. In-house vs agency operations and pitfalls 11. Brand marketing and influencer partnerships 12. Lessons learned from sports and celebrity partnerships 13. Timing retail entry and optimizing product mix for channels 14. Importance of customer service and product quality 15. Entrepreneurial learnings: failures, details, and staying data-driven Timestamps 00:00 Scott Dancy's background and founding Azuna 03:05 The “aha moment”—tea tree oil product discovery 04:10 Early days of hand-packaging, first sales, COVID impact 05:36 Scaling up: building the team, manufacturing, growth in Buffalo 07:14 Transition to 3PL and challenges of scaling past $10M 08:10 Product development, bundling, and packaging strategy 10:05 Target audience and tea tree oil sourcing 13:41 Growth channels: Meta, Google, and influencer seeding 15:53 Subscription model economics and retention 19:03 Funding growth: inventory buys, cash flow, using Clearco 22:24 Data-driven decisions and knowing your numbers 26:25 Channel mix: Amazon, DTC, retail launch, pricing strategy 32:00 Learning from agency mistakes and shiny object syndrome 35:06 Retail timing, product mix, and learnings from entering stores 42:02 Brand partnerships: AKC, NFL, influencer marketing 46:44 Final lessons and what Scott would have done differently 47:50 Where to find Azuna and connect with Scott Show notes powered by Castmagic Past guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.   Additional episodes you might like: • #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth • #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content • #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views • #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands • #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook • ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands ----- Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further? Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you. Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox? Check out our newsletter here. Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for Content Follow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok Scott Dancy - CEO & Founder of AzunaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In this episode, host Josh interviews Afolabi Oyerokun, co-founder of Honu Worldwide, about his journey building successful Amazon brands. Afolabi shares key lessons he'd apply if starting over: focus on innovation, automate processes, and prioritize time for rest and strategic thinking. He emphasizes creating unique products, niching down, and protecting intellectual property through patents and copyrights. Afolabi also discusses using data-driven research for product development and effective listing strategies. The episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to scale and protect their e-commerce businesses.Chapters:Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Afolabi Oyerokun, his background, and achievements in product development and Amazon businesses.Lessons Learned & The Importance of Freedom (00:00:56)Afolabi discusses lessons from his Amazon journey, emphasizing the original goal of freedom and challenges faced.Three Key Takeaways: Innovate, Automate, Rest (00:02:21)Afolabi outlines his three main takeaways: innovate, automate, and allocate more time for thinking and rest.The Power of Innovation & Niching Down (00:04:58)Afolabi explains the importance of innovation, creating unique products, and niching down to dominate categories.Protecting Intellectual Property (00:08:30)Discussion on the necessity of protecting product designs with patents and copyrights, and the types used.Case Study: Copyright Enforcement on Amazon (00:10:24)Afolabi shares a real example of using copyright to remove copycats and restore sales on Amazon.The Value of IP in Brand Exits (00:12:19)Afolabi describes how intellectual property increased the value and appeal of his brands during exit.Finding Design Inspiration & Trend Analysis (00:14:08)Afolabi details how they research trends, combine successful patterns, and create standout product and packaging designs.Product Listing Strategy: Variations vs. Standalone (00:16:20)Afolabi explains their approach to listing products as separate items rather than variations to maximize search visibility.Closing & Future Topics (00:17:11)Josh thanks Afolabi and hints at future discussions on supply chain topics.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  "Honu Worldwide": "00:03:00""Data Dive": "00:14:30"Concepts and Ideas  "Innovation": "00:04:58"  "Automation": "00:04:58"  "Thinking Time": "00:04:58"  "Design Patents": "00:08:37"  "Utility Patents": "00:08:37"  "Copyrights": "00:08:37"  "Intellectual Property (IP)": "00:12:19"  Key Takeaways  "Niche Down and Innovate": "00:06:45"  "Protect Your Ideas": "00:08:30"  "Create Unique Designs": "00:14:30"  Notable Quotes  "Your business is in your IP.": "00:12:19"  "If you don't have any IP, you don't have a business.": "00:12:19"Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I'm really excited to introduce you to Afolabi Oyerokun. He is the co-founder of Honu Worldwide and Innovative Product Development, Sourcing and 3PL company based in Pennsylvania. Afolabi has always been a has always been passionate about finding things, haggling and negotiating prices. His obsession with finding good quality products at bargain prices led him to help several seven and eight figure brands increase their profits and scale rapidly by buying smart from Asia and the US. He is behind the successful launches of several multi-million dollar products on Amazon and other retail channels. An entrepreneur at heart, Afolabi owns and has sold a few seven figure private label brands. He loves helping people design, develop and manufacture innovative products. Welcome to the show.Afolabi 00:00:53  Thank you Josh. I'm happy to be here. I'm excited.Josh 00:00:56  You know, if you were to restart on Amazon, which I think that's what you're doing now, is you're creating some new brands and launching them on Amazon. What are some of those lessons, actionable takeaways that you can give to other sellers to say, hey, here are the challenges that we faced at different points in the business, that I'm going to make sure that we don't go through these same challenges again in the future.Josh 00:01:20  If you wouldn't mind breaking some of those lessons learned for us. Breaking it down.Afolabi 00:01:25  I'm going to, if I were to start all over again, I'm also going to weave some stories and past experiences into it. So when somebody goes into E-comm, you're starting your e-commerce or you're starting your Amazon business. Sometimes we forget the reason why we started in the first place. We forget the reason why we quit our jobs and we went into e-commerce. For me, my main driver was freedom. I wanted freedom, I wanted to be. I wanted to be able to control my time. I wanted to be able to be there for my family any day, any time. I wanted to be able to take off. If I want to take off, I want to take off, you know? Yeah. So you start this e-com business and you're married to it. You know, you're you're you're waking up 3 a.m. in the morning. You're, you know, you're sleeping late at night. So eventually it defeats the purpose of why you started in the first place.Afolabi 00:02:21  So we found ourselves caught up in all those things. You know, me and my business partner, we would fight each other. You know why? Why? You know why are we running out of stock? I'm like, I didn't know that product was going to run out of stock, you know? You know, we didn't have a good system in place and we didn't have the freedom or anything. So going back now, looking back to where we came from to now, there are three things I'm going to do differently this time. First, I'm going to innovate. Second, I'm going to automate. Third, I'm going to have a lot of free time to think. Because for me, I believe that thinking time is a very creative time. I believe that your rest time is very important. People ask me, you know, you know, jokingly, maybe I'm speaking to Norm, I mean, Norm. You know, there's my business partner on you. You know, he picks, you know, he picks up on me a lot.Afolabi 00:03:19  He's like, hey, I love you. What did you do this weekend? I'm like, no, I did nothing. I just sat on my couch and I was watching soccer all day. I was not doing nothing. You know, sometimes he calls me. I said, I'm going to stop disturbing me. I'm on the field with my son. We're playing soccer here. Please. You know. Yeah.Josh 00:03:41  So, yeah.Afolabi 00:03:42  Freedom. Time to spend time with your loved one is very important. So I'll make sure that this time I automate so that I can free up myself to do whatever I want whenever I wanted to do it. I don't want anything just pressuring me down all the time. Because when I'm thinking I'm creating things that are so valuable in my rest time. Yeah, I could be sitting on a lounge. I mean, on a on a on a recliner. And you, you know, you when you're relaxed, when your mind is at rest, you so many creative ideas come to you and you can look into your business and, and actually spot all the things you are doing wrong when you're in a relaxed mode, you know?Josh 00:04:26  Yeah.Josh 00:04:27  So you're you're kind of three takeaways then, right? If you were to restart would be to innovate, automate and then have more time for thinking and just downtime in general. Right. So...

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Drake Meyer, VP of Operations at Atomix. Atomix is a fast-growing 3PL with locations in Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, and Baltimore, and it operates on its own in-house WMS. Drake shares his path from forklift driver to executive leadership and explains how warehouse continuous improvement drives performance. The conversation covers culture, WMS strategy, robotics, AI, and practical lessons from large-scale operational transformations. From reducing audit labor to building a data-first mindset, Drake offers grounded insights for warehouse leaders focused on sustainable growth.Learn more about Sonaria here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In "An Insider's Guide to Small Parcel Shipping", Joe Lynch and Glenn Gooding, Founder of Gooding Supply Chain Advisors and host of the Chain of Command podcast, discuss strategies to navigate today's complex multi-carrier landscape and reduce costs through data-driven optimization. About Glenn Gooding Glenn Gooding is the Founder of Gooding Supply Chain Advisors and host of the Chain of Command podcast. With 40 years in supply chain and logistics, Glenn brings a rare combination of carrier-side and shipper-side expertise to every engagement. He spent 21 years at UPS in Operations, Industrial Engineering, and Enterprise Pricing before spending 19 years helping shippers optimize their transportation networks — delivering over $500 million in quantified savings across Fortune 50 companies, high-growth eCommerce brands, and third-party logistics providers. Glenn specializes in small parcel, LTL, and truckload optimization, and is known for his carrier-agnostic, data-driven approach to supply chain strategy. About Gooding Supply Chain Advisors Gooding Supply Chain Advisors helps shippers develop and maintain best-in-class supply chains. Founded in 2025 and built on four decades of industry experience, the firm provides comprehensive optimization services including carrier agreement analysis, rate benchmarking, accessorial cost mitigation, carrier mix optimization, and ongoing contract monitoring. GSCA operates as an extension of the client's team — performing deep analysis, developing negotiation strategy, and building carrier-facing business cases while the client maintains direct carrier relationships. The firm's performance-based fee structure aligns its success with its clients', and its carrier-agnostic approach ensures recommendations are always driven by data, not carrier affiliations. Key Takeaways: An Insider's Guide to Small Parcel Shipping In "An Insider's Guide to Small Parcel Shipping", Joe Lynch and Glenn Gooding, Founder of Gooding Supply Chain Advisors and host of the Chain of Command podcast, discuss strategies to navigate today's complex multi-carrier landscape and reduce costs through data-driven optimization. The "Cube-Out" Revolution: Small parcel shipping has shifted from "weighing out" (hitting weight limits) to "cubing out" (filling volume). Because ecommerce packages are often light and bulky, Dimensional (DIM) Weight pricing is now the primary driver of cost. If over 50% of your shipments are billed at DIM weight rather than actual weight, your packaging is unoptimized. The End of the UPS/FedEx Binary: The days of choosing only between UPS and FedEx are over. The 2026 market may require a multi-carrier strategy that includes super-regionals (like OnTrac), postal aggregators, and gig-economy delivery services. Technology now allows shippers to "agnostically" choose the best carrier for every individual package. Zone Skipping for High-Volume Shippers: For subscription boxes or high-density shippers, Zone Skipping is a game-changer. By consolidating orders and trucking them closer to the final destination before handing them off to a local carrier hub, you can bypass expensive long-haul zones and significantly reduce shipping costs. 3PLs Must Evolve Beyond "Rate Reselling": Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are often viewed skeptically by carriers who think they just "cannibalize" margins. To succeed, 3PLs must bring value back to the carrier by providing "efficient" freight—better packaging, lower average zones, and high-density induction—rather than just asking for deeper discounts. The "Opaque" Reality of Rate Increases: General Rate Increases (GRIs) are often marketing numbers. A "5.9% increase" might actually cost a specific shipper 8% or 10% depending on their specific profile (e.g., lightweight vs. heavy, residential vs. commercial). You must analyze activity-based costing to understand how surcharges and accessorials impact your specific bottom line. Shipping as a Branding Tool: Transportation can represent up to 20% of an ecommerce company's expenses. However, the delivery experience is the "final mile" of customer service. High-growth brands are using AI-curated buying experiences coupled with transparent delivery choices (speed vs. cost) to drive customer lifetime value. Mastering the Cold Chain: Shipping perishable or temperature-sensitive goods (like fresh meals or frozen treats) requires a "surgical" induction plan. Success depends on using refrigerated truckload moves to specific hubs on specific days to ensure products never sit in a warehouse over a weekend, which would otherwise destroy product integrity. Learn More About An Insider's Guide to Small Parcel Shipping Glenn Gooding | Linkedin Gooding Supply Chain Advisors 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  

Send a textWhen evaluating WMS systems for 2026, it is essential to recognize that this is a structurally best-of-breed category rather than an extension of ERP or eCommerce platforms. This analysis deliberately excludes lightweight warehouse workflows embedded in broader systems, which are primarily designed to pass transactions downstream into a true WMS and lack the functional depth, orchestration complexity, and automation readiness required by serious distribution operations. True WMS platforms represent a category in their own right, with broader suites, richer integration patterns, and materially different architectural demands. Compounding this complexity is the diversity of operational models the category must support, from 3PL-centric environments focused on billing logic, client segregation, SLAs, and rapid customer onboarding, to manufacturing- and retail-centric value chains that prioritize production staging, kitting, reverse logistics, store replenishment, and omnichannel fulfillment. These differences are further reinforced by the technical segmentation of the category into WMS, WCS, and WES layers, with some vendors offering unified suites and others remaining purely transactional without deep integration into ASRS, robotics, conveyors, or advanced warehouse technologies—distinctions that materially affect long-term system fit and scalability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top WMS systems in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these WMS systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each WMS system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YHLvbCbuARead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-wms-systems/Questions for Panelists?

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why balancing cost, speed, and quality is now table stakes in logistics strategy How to design a flexible 3PL platform without hardcoding yourself into rigidity The operational difference between supporting enterprise brands vs. high-growth brands Why scenario planning still matters in an era of tariffs, snowstorms, and volatility How to avoid over-engineering automation that limits long-term flexibility What defines a true strategic partnership beyond SLAs and QBRs Why solving problems together—not alone—is the real measure of partnership maturity TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS 00:00 – 01:00 | Balancing Cost, Speed & Quality Post-Pandemic 01:00 – 02:30 | Becoming the Customer: Operational Audits & CX Insight 02:30 – 04:00 | Agility, Uncertainty & Platform-First Thinking 04:00 – 05:30 | Defining High-Growth vs. Enterprise Brands 05:30 – 07:00 | Capability-Based Support Models vs. Split Teams 07:00 – 09:00 | What Real Strategic Partnerships Actually Look Like TOP QUOTES  [00:01:00] “We know the cost of customer acquisition has increased exponentially. So the customer you have is the customer that you wanna keep.” - Laura Ritchey [00:03:00] “I think obviously the overused word of agility these days… how quickly can you divert to warehouses that aren't closed or to transportation options that are still running?” - Laura Ritchey [00:05:00] “We were doing 10,000 orders a day. All of a sudden we have to do 100,000, and that's really different.” - Laura Ritchey [00:08:15] “Are we solving them together, or are we solving them alone?” - Laura Ritchey [00:18:00] “The team is looking to us to be the calm in the storm.” - Laura Ritchey ABOUT THE GUEST Laura Ritchey is President & CEO of the Americas region at GEODIS and a member of the Group's Executive Board. She leads nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, overseeing contract logistics, freight forwarding, and transportation operations throughout North and South America. With more than 30 years of experience—including 15 years in supply chain leadership across retail and third-party logistics—Laura previously served as CEO of Radial, Inc., driving growth through operational excellence. Her background spans finance, sourcing, distribution, and strategic transformation. She holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University. LINKS MENTIONED Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/ GEODIS website: https://geodis.com/   Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupKareem Raslan (co-founder of BrainGain) breaks down how a “25 dumbbells in a garage” COVID side-hustle turned into a home gym brand with 100,000+ customers across 30 countries. We talk heavy-product logistics, why “just run Meta” isn't the whole story, and what it really takes to expand across Europe without margin leakage.For DTC operators selling high-AOV, physical products who want to expand beyond one market without getting crushed by fulfillment and localization.In this episode, we cover:Why BrainGain skipped dropshipping and went product-in-hand from day oneThe Europe expansion reality: VAT, language, regulations, and market-by-market nuanceWhy Germany can be the “logical” move… and still the hardest operationallyTheir channel strategy today: ~50% Amazon / ~50% Shopify, with Google doing the heavy liftingHow YouTube affiliates drive trust for high-consideration purchasesWho this is for:Founders and marketers selling heavy, high-AOV products (fitness, home goods, equipment) who need a real playbook for scaling across regions.What to steal:Build SKU-by-SKU unit economics so you know your true ceiling CAC (by market + channel)Use YouTube affiliates for “proof” when the purchase isn't impulsiveAudit 3PL invoices line-by-line (surcharges hide everywhere)Timestamps0:00 BrainGain's growth from garage sales to 100,000 customers2:00 How BrainGain started during COVID with Facebook Marketplace sales5:00 Post-lockdown demand, competing in “big and heavy” products7:00 Switching to Shopify and Amazon, building the brand online14:40 Expanding across Europe: VAT, regulations, and localization realities22:00 Channel mix breakdown: Amazon vs Shopify, Google vs Meta24:00 Why BrainGain is saying no to TikTok influencers and leaning into YouTube affiliates27:30 Picking the right 3PL in Europe and avoiding hidden surcharges31:00 Fulfillment cost levers: packaging thresholds, pallet rules, invoice audits34:10 SKU-level unit economics audit and setting a real CAC ceiling37:20 Pricing strategy: Shopify vs Amazon and controlling channel mix39:30 What US expansion could look like for heavy, bulky productsSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

How do you choose the right manufacturing process and avoid production bottlenecks? Adrian and Paul explain how volume, materials, tolerances, and cost determine whether to use injection molding, CNC machining, or die casting. They also cover common bottlenecks, including supplier capacity limits, component shortages, and assembly line imbalances, and how Design for Manufacturing (DFM) helps prevent delays and reduce production risk.   Episode Sections: 01:02 – The core question: choosing the right manufacturing process and avoiding bottlenecks 02:16 – Why the answer depends on your product, volume, and requirements 03:57 – Injection molding vs CNC machining: when each process makes sense 07:07 – How product materials and operating conditions affect process selection 09:24 – Real example: smartwatch housings and choosing between CNC and die casting 12:12 – How Design for Manufacturing (DFM) helps determine the right process early 16:07 – Where production bottlenecks usually begin: supplier and subcontractor capacity 19:07 – Why factory capacity and growth planning matter for long-term production 20:45 – Skilled labor risks and the impact of worker turnover on quality and output 23:39 – Component shortages and how incorrect part selection can delay production by months 26:24 – Assembly line bottlenecks and how unbalanced production slows output 28:14 – How manufacturers fix bottlenecks with line balancing and automation 30:30 – Why visiting your factory helps identify risks and improve production efficiency 31:03 – Key takeaways: process selection, DFM, supplier capacity, and bottleneck prevention   Related content… Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Why process selection starts at the design stage 10 Factors Affecting Supplier Production Capacity Optimizing Assembly Line Flow and Efficiency Electronic Component Selection: Avoiding Supply Chain Bottlenecks   This episode is brought to you by The Sofeast Group and includes links in the show notes to our blog posts and resources, and recommended books. For help with manufacturing in Asia, inspections, auditing, new product development, contract manufacturing, 3PL warehousing and fulfillment, visit sofeast.com.  Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Our guest today is an expert in industrial real estate with JLL in the Indianapolis MSA. It is obvious that she knows this market inside and out and she's able to share her market expertise with us. We're able to learn the answers to questions like: What is tenant sentiment when they approach a lease negotiation? What are the industrial leasing patterns? What does the development pipeline look like? How is leasing activity? https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-sievers-ab987226/ Email Jonathan with comments or suggestions:podcast@thesourcecre.comOr visit the webpage:www.thesourcecre.com*The audio of this podcast is never generated by AI. However, some of the show notes and images may have been generated using AI tools.

In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, Megan Young Gamble talks with fulfillment expert Maïré BAVARDAY-ROSA from ECOMSPACES all things fulfillment, operations, and growth for indie and product-based brands. Maïré details her inspiring journey from a small Caribbean island to launching a logistics business in Atlanta, sharing lessons on resilience and innovation. The conversation covers when to consider a 3PL, the importance of organization (like using SKUs and barcodes from the start!), strategies for inventory management, and why branded packaging and customer service are key growth levers. They also discuss the impact of technology like Shopify, dynamic pricing due to tariffs, retail readiness, and the ever-changing landscape of ecommerce logistics, including AI's growing role. Maïré offers super practical tips: focus on numbers, outsource shipping when it makes sense, and never underestimate operations' impact on customer experience. The episode wraps with a fun “power round” where Maïré shares personal tidbits and her passion for helping purpose-driven brands. Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform[Powerhouse Guest Maïré s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mairehina/Company Website : https://www.ecomspaces.com/Email Address: maire@ecomspaces.comQUOTES:Shipping is the most hated industry, I think, in the entire world. Shipping is hard.If you start spending more than two hours a day shipping, it's time to look at outsourcing your shipping.I would rather pay someone $100 to ship stuff for me in two hours than spend these two hours and lose the opportunity to make $500.Be organized. People overlook how important that is.Packaging is a very underutilized marketing tool.The best marketing is organic marketing.If you treat your customer extremely well and they have the best customer experience possible, you're going to grow organically.

Most hardware teams don't fail because of engineering; they fail because they misread the market. In episode 314 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian speaks with Renaud Anjoran about how product teams can answer three make-or-break questions before investing in prototypes, tooling, and mass production: Is there real demand? Why “friends and family” feedback is misleading, what strong validation actually looks like (interviews, deposits, LOIs, and real use tests), and how to run low-cost market experiments. Who is the target customer? How to move beyond “everyone” to a precise, reachable segment using hypothesis testing, interviews, and smart segmentation by industry, company size, and behavior. What features do customers truly want? A practical deep-dive into qualitative research, using a real-world example, showing how to identify must-have features, spot patterns across 20–30 interviews, and avoid costly over-engineering. Renaud explains why customer development must run in parallel with product development, how to de-risk market acceptance early, and why teams should avoid multiple prototype rounds without clear market proof. If you're bringing a physical product to market, whether consumer or B2B, this episode is a practical playbook for reducing risk, saving money, and increasing your chances of success.   Episode Sections: 00:00 – Intro: The big question — are you building what people will actually buy? 01:04 – Is there real demand? (customer discovery first) 09:40 – Who is the target customer? (segmentation beats ‘everyone') 15:35 – What features do customers actually want? (listen for patterns) 24:30 – Three lessons before you spend on tooling. 25:25 – Close & resources.   Related content… Agilian Technology — “The 3 Major Hardware Startup Killers: Part 1 – The Market.” Agilian Technology — “How to do Qualitative Market Research for a New Product.” Sofeast — “3 New Product Launch Tips for E-commerce Sellers.” QualityInspection.org — “9 Key Questions When Developing A New Product (Part 1).” QualityInspection.org — “The 8-Step Customer Journey Manufacturers Need To Consider.” The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you by Robert Fitzpatrick The Right It: Why So Many Ideas Fail and How to Make Sure Yours Succeed by Alberto Savoia The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Products that Win by Steve Blank   This episode is brought to you by The Sofeast Group and includes links in the show notes to our blog posts and resources, and recommended books. For help with manufacturing in Asia, inspections, auditing, new product development, contract manufacturing, 3PL warehousing and fulfillment, visit sofeast.com. Tune in to learn concrete steps to ensure you're building something people will actually buy. Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Finding the right 3PL is one of the most important decisions an e-commerce brand will make. It is also one of the hardest. With over 10,000 warehouses in the United States alone, most founders rely on referrals, Google searches, and guesswork.Matt built Third Person to change that.In this episode, Matt shares how he went from leading operations at early-stage startups like Rent the Runway and Birchbox to building a 3PL marketplace powered by AI. What started as a profitable consulting firm evolved into a scalable software platform designed to intelligently match brands with qualified fulfillment partners.In This Episode, We Cover✅ The Real Problem With 3PL SelectionThere are thousands of fulfillment providers. Most brands do not know how to filter them. Matt explains why this decision has become more complex, not easier, over the past decade.✅ From Consulting to Scalable SoftwareMatt and his partner were running a profitable consulting firm helping brands source 3PLs. They shut it down to build technology that could do the job better and at scale.✅ The “Dating App” Model for FulfillmentThird Person uses AI-driven scoring to match brands with top-fit 3PLs based on real operational needs. Brands see ranked matches and choose who to connect with directly.✅ Founder-Product Fit vs Product-Market FitMatt shares the difference between knowing you are the right founder for the problem and proving the market wants your solution at scale.✅ Building Value Without Charging BrandsThe platform is free for brands. Third Person earns referral fees from 3PLs by delivering qualified, high-intent leads.

What does it actually look like to outsource your inventory fulfillment? Today, 3PL founder Alia Oneal joins us to navigate this new territory for the podcast. Tune in as we break down the benefits of 3PL and how it can help your business grow. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Alia: Website: https://www.loudergroup.co/contact

What does it actually look like to outsource your inventory fulfillment? Today, 3PL founder Alia Oneal joins us to navigate this new territory for the podcast. Tune in as we break down the benefits of 3PL and how it can help your business grow. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Alia: Website: https://www.loudergroup.co/contact

Send us a textThis video explores the often-overlooked world of logistics warehousing within an "ecommerce business", showing how many brand owners start with home-based inventory before scaling to a "fulfillment warehouse". We discuss the benefits of engaging a "3pl provider" and how a "logistics company" can streamline your operations. Understanding "warehousing services" is crucial for growth.Fulfillment strategy affects costs, delivery speed, inventory flow, and customer trust for growing ecommerce brands. This conversation with  @thenewwarehouse breaks down 3PL services, in-house warehousing, order volume signals, and seasonality risks. Learn how logistics decisions impact profit margins, scalability, labor planning, and long-term operational stability.The New Warehouse Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQnQ6b7-u5I&list=PLDWO0QNzzM494k6v4RgzvGRRPm6TePuC1Vist their website: https://thenewwarehouse.com/Get a fulfillment and growth plan built for your real order volume before logistics mistakes start draining profit: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#EcommerceFulfillment #3PLLogistics #WarehouseStrategy #EcommerceOperations #supplychainmanagement --------------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon PPC Guide 2026 is here!: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXAmazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTAmazon Seller Strategy Report 2026: https://bit.ly/3YN1RME2026 Ecommerce Website & SEO Readiness Checklist: https://hubs.ly/Q040Jg0M0Q4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3Amazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps:00:44 – Why warehousing expectations keep rising02:13 – How logistics education gaps hurt founders03:57 – Why most brands ignore fulfillment until it hurts05:24 – When self-fulfillment stops making sense06:51 – Order volume signals that trigger a 3PL move07:59 – Seasonal demand and labor planning risks08:54 – Why brands leave 3PLs and go in-house10:51 – True cost comparison of 3PL vs self-fulfillment11:52 – How big platforms changed fulfillment standards13:27 – Why robots and warehouse tech are often just for show14:22 – Customer demand for real-time order visibility15:35 – Consolidation and specialization in 3PL services16:49 – Why boutique warehouses still win for some brands18:19 – How fast shipping reshaped logistics expectations20:14 – The hidden cost behind instant delivery21:54 – Why founders must understand the full fulfillment process22:40 – Why operations experience matters before scaling________________________________Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast:My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Alex Habbaz, Owner and Managing Director of Fleet Distribution Centers, to explore the evolving world of third-party logistics and warehousing. Alex shares insights from over two decades of building a customer-first 3PL operation in the competitive New Jersey port area, discussing how Fleet Distribution Centers maintains its position as a provider of choice for household-name brands. He addresses the real-world impacts of tariffs and port strikes on operations, emphasizing the importance of agility and communication during periods of disruption. Alex explores the growing demand for value-added services in warehousing and how customer needs continue to shape the industry. Looking ahead, he discusses the role of automation in warehouse operations, challenging the misconception that technology replaces workers rather than enhancing their capabilities. Whether discussing competitive differentiation or the future of warehouse technology, Alex's perspective offers practical wisdom for building resilient, people-centered logistics operations. Takeaways: Strategies for maintaining competitive advantage in the 3PL space Navigating business disruption from tariffs and port strikes The evolution of value-added services in modern warehousing How automation enhances rather than replaces warehouse teams Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Alex Habbaz is the Owner and Managing Director of Fleet Distribution Centers, a New Jersey–based third-party logistics and warehousing company serving brands across apparel, consumer goods, and specialty retail.  He built Fleet with a simple idea: strong logistics isn't just about moving product—it's about building systems, people, and meaningful partnerships.  Alex leads a high-volume operation focused on warehousing, fulfillment, inventory management, and EDI integration. He is known for modernizing warehouse operations through smart use of technology, automation, and process design, while keeping people at the center of everything he builds.  A proud Penn State alum, Alex graduated in 2000 and remains deeply connected to the university and its community. He regularly engages with education-focused initiatives and leadership programs tied to student and alumni development.  Beyond operations, Alex works closely with clients on strategy, growth, and scalability—helping companies design logistics models that can grow with them. His leadership philosophy is built around accountability, developing people, and building systems that make the business better tomorrow than it is today.  Outside of business, Alex is active in community leadership, youth sports, and education-focused initiatives. Whether coaching, mentoring, or serving on nonprofit and community boards, he brings the same mindset everywhere: invest in people, raise standards, and build for the long term. 

Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistic Solutions. With years of hands-on experience helping brands navigate the complexities of Amazon FBA and global supply chains, Ephraim has been instrumental in guiding 7-figure sellers to scale with smarter, more reliable shipping and logistics strategies.At Tactical Logistic Solutions, he oversees everything from freight forwarding and customs clearance to warehousing and FBA prep, ensuring sellers not only get their products where they need to be, but also protect their margins and scale with confidence.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Challenges in e-commerce logistics for Amazon sellers scaling from seven to eight figures.Rising costs associated with Amazon's logistics services and AWS.Navigating tariffs and understanding shipping terms (DDP, FOB, EXW).Impact of increased competition from overseas sellers, particularly from China.Strategies for optimizing logistics to maintain profit margins.Importance of understanding Amazon's evolving inbound shipping policies.The role of third-party logistics (3PL) versus Amazon's own logistics services.The significance of brand storytelling in competing against price-focused overseas sellers.Recommendations for diversifying sales channels beyond Amazon.The necessity of consulting with logistics experts to improve supply chain management.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics Solutions. They discuss the evolving challenges Amazon sellers face, including rising logistics costs, tariff complexities, and intense competition from overseas sellers. Ephraim shares actionable strategies for optimizing supply chains, navigating shipping terms, and maintaining profit margins. The conversation also covers the importance of brand building, diversification across marketplaces, and leveraging expert consultants. Practical advice and industry insights make this episode essential listening for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale and stay competitive.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Audit Your DDP Strategy for Potential 10-15% Tariff SavingsWork with a customs consultant to analyze if having your manufacturer ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) makes sense for your products. Break down your product components (e.g., plastic handle vs. steel blade) on commercial invoices to potentially reduce duty classifications. This only works if your supplier's margins allow for it and they're willing to be the official shipper.Switch from Placement Fees to 5-Way Splits for Better CoverageStop paying Amazon placement fees and instead do 5-way splits into multiple fulfillment centers. This distributes your inventory across 9-12 locations per split, improving delivery speed to customers nationwide and potentially increasing sales by 4-10%. Use a flat-rate freight service to avoid high trucking costs for partial loads.Build a Supply Chain Buffer SystemAlways maintain backup inventory outside of AWD/FBA - whether in your garage, basement, or a 3PL warehouse. This protects you from Amazon delays, lost shipments, or FC transfer bottlenecks. Running out of stock can permanently damage your listing's ranking, so having a contingency plan is essential for protecting your sales velocity.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazon Global Logistics (AGL)DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)EXW (Ex Works)AWB (Amazon Warehouse and Distribution)FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)Seller CentralSmart ScoutSeller BoardHelium 10PerplexityTraction by Gino WickmanVistageSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that's Ecomm with two M's) to learn more.Transcript AreaEphraim Ausch 00:00:00  The main question. You start off right now. Should I use AWS or not? Is the main factor. Question is the cost right? AWS is actually increasing the rates as of January 1st for West Coast. Now obviously that's going to push more people to East Coast where it takes longer to get there, but they'll get congested there and then they'll raise the rate in East Coast. And then they raise the rates across the board. I believe that's their model.MC 00:00:29  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business...

Send us a textMiguel Armaza sits down with Nikolay Seleznev, Co-Founder of Uzum, Uzbekistan's first tech unicorn rewriting the playbook for e-commerce and fintech in Central Asia. From Moscow to Tashkent, Nikolay Seleznev brings global banking experience and entrepreneurial grit to a country leapfrogging straight into the digital economy.In this episode, Nikolay Seleznev shares the origin story of Uzum and how a simple, subpar online shopping experience sparked the vision for a super app serving millions. He dives into the challenges of building next-day delivery and financial services from scratch—without warehouses, 3PL infrastructure, or widespread digital adoption. Discover how Uzum managed to issue 4 million debit cards in a single year, reach 20 million monthly active users, and outperform their first-year GMV forecast by 4x, all while driving massive change in a historically cash-based society.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Nikolay's Background05:45 Building a Super App Ecosystem08:05 Time as the ultimate resource10:51 Uzbekistan's rapid transformation15:13 Commerce and Fintech Ecosystem Overview20:12 Building trust through products23:15 Uzbekistan's first unicorn funding26:57 Scaling success and adaptation28:22 Super app strategy adjustments32:02 Super Apps and Local Adaptation35:41 Self-focused entrepreneurial perspectiveWant more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today's global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join ~85,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3jWIpqp

Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Jordan Welke Published: January 26, 2026 Length: ~30 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center ACE Up Your Trade Game: Modernizing Family Logistics This week on Simply Trade, host Annik Sobing chats with Jordan Welke, next-generation leader of Welke Customs Brokers & International Freight Forwarders, about evolving a family-owned logistics firm in a changing trade landscape. From rented desks symbolizing rapid 2025 growth to blending old-school service with cutting-edge tech, Jordan shares how Welke transformed challenges into expansion. Whether you're scaling a brokerage, managing hybrid teams, or navigating tariffs, this episode reveals strategies for staying nimble, compliant, and people-focused amid industry shifts.​ What You'll Learn in This Episode: Origins of Welke: Founded in 1985 from a basement brokerage to North America's magazine specialist 2025 breakout: Two new U.S. offices, 10 hires, NV OCC licensing for freight forwarding Hybrid culture: Three office days, flying teams for unity despite remote options Tech-service blend: Automating data entry to free staff for concierge client care Growth drivers: Capturing clients from acquired competitors, handling supply chain chaos Branding edge: Fun website vibes (shipping container dreams) driving inbound leads Leadership scaling: Empower divisional managers while communicating 5-year vision company-wide Adapting to pitfalls: Nimble mindset, owning mistakes, constant education like CVSA exams Future-proofing: Compliance tech, agency feeds, and hiring hustlers for U.S. sales​ Tips for Getting Started: Honor roots: Pair personalized service with AI for mundane tasks—keep humans on exceptions. Build online presence: SEO-optimize with personality to stand out in searches. Scale smart: Hire/promote leaders per office, share vision to preserve "mom-and-pop" feel. Stay adaptable: Embrace failure as learning; invest in team training amid tariffs/strikes. Respond fast: Answer crisis calls instantly—turn disruptions into loyalty wins.​ Key Takeaways: Welke proves family businesses thrive by modernizing without losing heart—40 profitable years into 2026 growth. Tech enhances, doesn't replace, expert people in complex trade. Nimbleness, culture, and quick service capture market share as boomers retire and chaos rises. Data-driven branding and automation build credibility for enterprise plays.​ Resources & Mentions: Jordan Welke: Connect on LinkedIn (search Welke Customs Brokers) Welke Customs Brokers: www.welke.com — Customs brokerage, freight forwarding, 3PL across North America Hiring: U.S. freight/customs sales roles open—DM Jordan for culture-fit hustlers Industry context: Tariffs, CARM, supply disruptions boosting demand for agile partners​ Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Jordan Welk Producer: Annik Sobing      Subscribe & Follow New episodes weekly! Presented by: Global Training Center

He quit Amazon, then launched One TikTok Shop SKU to 7-figures. Our guest breaks down content systems, creator outreach, FBT, cash flow, and scaling his product into the US.

Česko-americký startup ShipMonk patří mezi silné hráče na poli 3PL neboli Third-Party Logistics. Mnoho firem (třeba slavné hrnečky Stanley) se soustředí výhradně na produkt, ne už jeho doručení koncovému zákazníkovi. Tuhle outsourcingovou příležitost využívá ShipMonk naplno – odbaví ze svých skladů po celém světě miliony objednávek měsíčně a inkasuje za to stovky milionů amerických dolarů každý rok

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Mark Becker, President, CEO, and co-founder of G10 Fulfillment. Becker shares how G10 has evolved from an early Amazon distributor into a national 3PL built around flexibility, technology control, and practical automation. With warehouses strategically placed across the U.S., G10 supports both direct-to-consumer and complex B2B fulfillment, including hazmat and oversized items like zero-turn lawnmowers.The conversation explores why flexibility matters more than rigid efficiency models, how owning the tech stack enables faster pivots, and what real-world robotics adoption looks like on the warehouse floor. Becker also offers a grounded look at AI's role in fulfillment, separating hype from practical gains as the industry heads into 2026.Find more information about our sponsors here: Peak Technologies, Masterplan Communications, TGW Logistics, YMX Logistics Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why decision quality matters more than perfect systems in today's supply chainsHow leaders are shifting from growth-at-all-costs to margin-first thinkingWhat's actually breaking inside warehouses amid labor churn and volatilityWhere AI is helping operators—and where hype still outpaces realityWhy explainability, KPIs, and guardrails matter for AI adoption in operationsHow leadership expectations are changing across supply chain organizationsWhat conversations operators are prioritizing heading into Manifest 2026HIGHLIGHTS00:00–02:35 | Why 2025 forced hard reflection across supply chain03:17–04:30 | Decisions feel heavier, mistakes cost more05:23–06:49 | The shift from growth to margin as a first principle07:05–07:43 | Why warehouse systems lag brand expectations08:08–08:58 | Recalibration after stacked volatility09:48–11:20 | Why peak season planning never really ends12:32–13:45 | Labor, churn, and execution pressure inside warehouses14:35–16:51 | AI as decision enablement—not the strategy itself18:14–21:43 | From AI fear to outcome-driven adoption22:23–25:44 | What leadership looks like in volatile environments26:47–28:16 | What leaders are watching heading into Manifest 2026QUOTES[00:03:17] “Decisions feel heavier. Mistakes are more expensive.” – Tanzil Uddin[00:05:45] “There's a shift away from growth at all costs, really a repositioning of margin as a first principle.” – Kinta Gates[00:12:32] “The complexity with labor, training of the labor, churn of the labor, weather events, and the geopolitical state really impacts warehouse services.” – Linda Ewing[00:22:23] “Leadership looks like getting in the weeds. We don't have the luxury of just delegating.” – Kinta GatesABOUT THE GUESTSTanzil UddinSVP of Content & Partnerships at Manifest, where he works closely with supply chain leaders to shape programming around real operator priorities, partnerships, and emerging challenges across logistics and technology.Kinta GatesVP of Supply Chain & Operations at Glossier, overseeing end-to-end product operations. Kinta brings a people-first, margin-aware approach to scaling fulfillment, manufacturing, and supply chain execution.Linda EwingSVP Strategy & Operations at ID Logistics with deep experience across manufacturing, supply chain, and warehouse services. Linda focuses on execution reality inside 3PL environments, labor challenges, and responsible technology adoption.LINKS MENTIONEDManifest 2026 Agenda: https://manife.st/agenda/

  Matt Hertz is the Co-founder of Third Person, a digital marketplace that helps e-commerce brands discover and connect with the right fulfillment partners. He has over 15 years of experience in e-commerce logistics, including early roles at Rent the Runway and Birchbox, and later founded Second Marathon. Through his consulting and marketplace work, Matt has helped thousands of brands — including Hexclad, Away, BarkBox, and Milk Bar — optimize their supply chains and scale more efficiently. Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, Mark has held leadership roles in several professional industry organizations. Using a holistic approach, he also has experience in equipment material handling, operations management, supply chain optimization, professional development, and public speaking. In this episode… Choosing the right third-party logistics partner can make or break an e-commerce business, yet many brands struggle to find the right fit. With countless 3PL options and complex operational needs, logistics mismatches are more common than most expect. How can brands consistently find partners that truly align with their operations and growth goals? For Matt Hertz, a seasoned e-commerce operator and logistics strategist, the key lies in intentional matchmaking driven by data, specialization, and clarity. He highlights how brands and 3PLs often fail by saying yes to the wrong partnerships, leading to inefficiencies and broken relationships. The real impact comes from defining needs upfront and aligning operational strengths on both sides. Drawing on his experience at fast-growing consumer brands, he explains how technology, discipline, and community-based connections help eliminate guesswork and create long-term success in fulfillment. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by co-host Mark Hiddleson as they sit down with Matt Hertz, Co-founder of Third Person, to discuss modern 3PL matchmaking and supply chain optimization. They cover common 3PL qualification mistakes, the value of data-driven matching, and why curated industry events outperform large trade shows, along with insights on pricing, specialization, and competitive advantages.

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Summitt Hogue, Managing Partner at Growe 3PL Real Estate. Hogue has built his firm around one clear mission: helping mid-market, growth-minded 3PLs make smarter real estate decisions that directly support expansion. In this conversation, he breaks down why traditional brokerage models fail 3PL operators, how today's market conditions have created rare opportunities, and what leaders should be doing now to position themselves for 2026. Learn more about The Brecham Group here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Send us a textTransferring an Amazon seller account isn't as easy as flipping a switch. If you're buying or selling an Amazon account, knowing how to keep your listings active and avoid downtime is key. In this video, we break down three essential steps to protect your inventory, avoid marketplace verification issues, and make sure ads and shipping stay live during and after the transition.Learn how to check inventory health, switch over your deposit and advertising charge methods, and avoid costly errors with 3PL setup if you're doing FBM. From updating payment info to making sure your account isn't flagged for re-verification, this walkthrough is built for Amazon sellers handling an account change in 2026 and beyond.Need help with your account transition? Talk to the team at My Amazon Guy: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonAccount #SellerCentral #FBAHelp #AmazonTransfer #MyAmazonGuy--------------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTQ4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm32025 Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygovAmazon PPC Guide 2025: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXAmazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0TIMESTAMPS00:00 - What Happens to Listings During Account Transfer00:38 - Check Inventory and Restock Report01:49 - Transfer Must Include Brand, Products, and Patents01:52 - Ensure Marketplaces Are Still Active02:47 - Avoid Account Deactivation from Unverified Marketplaces03:00 - Update Store and Payment Info03:30 - Don't Forget the Advertising Charge Method03:52 - FBM Sellers: Check Shipping Settings and 3PL04:30 - Final Checks Before Transfer is Complete________________________________Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast:My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

Read our Macrovey deal analysis (closed) on KingscrowdRobotics hype is everywhere—but who actually makes robots work on real warehouse floors? In this episode, Chris sits down with Macrovey Director of Business Development Matt Labinski to unpack how Macrovey designs fully autonomous, material-handling systems that act like a warehouse “Robotics OS.” We start with what Macrovey is and isn't (00:03)—the company doesn't manufacture robots, it integrates best-in-class OEMs through proprietary orchestration software. Matt explains the model (00:32): up-front design + install and recurring software/maintenance—plus a Robots-as-a-Service option that lowers CapEx. We dive into who buys (06:28): e-commerce, 3PLs, pharma, defense (U.S. Air Force) and even smaller 10k–100k sq ft facilities. Category context (07:31): warehouse robotics penetration is still surprisingly low; Macrovey targets the SMB/mid-market others ignore. We cover why OEMs and warehouses need an integrator (09:09), the sales cycle and deal sizes (12:22)—from $50k pilots to $3M+ programs—and how modular, mobile systems (25:03) move with demand. Finally, we hit the AI layer (27:31): machine learning that optimizes slotting, picking, and vision-based QA. If you want exposure to warehouse autonomy without betting on a single robot, Macrovey's middle-layer, recurring-revenue approach may be the de-risked way to play it.

From Project X newbie to a $3M Amazon seller, our guest shares product research, Helium 10 tactics, TikTok Shop commissions, and how she defends her profits from copycats.

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 Yu is a technology executive and leadership coach who currently serves as the General Manager and Director for Amazon's externalized fulfillment services, including Buy with Prime and Multichannel Fulfillment. Over a distinguished thirteen-year tenure at Amazon, he has launched transformative products for Kindle and Amazon Logistics while training emerging leaders through executive development programs. As a scholar-practitioner and father to four multi-exceptional children, he brings a unique, personal perspective to cognitive diversity in the workplace. Through his diverse work in global business operations and private coaching, Wainwright remains dedicated to his mission of establishing mindful, compassionate leadership as the standard for the modern professional world. 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

Anderson Schoenrock is the Co-founder and CEO of Memory Ventures, a fast-growing portfolio of direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands and services specializing in digitization, wall art, gifting, and 3PL/logistics solutions. Paul Bigham is the President and Founder of Bigham Agency, a marketing, advertising, and strategic consulting firm specializing in nonprofit outreach, brand development, and omni-channel communications. Dale Castro is the Co-founder and Chief Creative & Strategy Officer at Overlap Interactive, a full-service digital marketing and development agency specializing in creative strategy, web design, SEO/paid media, and holistic omnichannel digital experiences.  Esther Kiss is the Founder & CEO of Born To Influence, the go-to PR firm for entrepreneurs, founders, and brands that aim to challenge the status quo through their innovative approach, products, and services. In this episode… Navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing world of business can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to stay ahead, grow sustainably, and make meaningful connections. What if there were smarter, more actionable ways to preserve memories, scale brands, enhance communication, and leverage cutting-edge tools — without the usual trial and error? Anderson Schoenrock, Paul Bigham, Dale Castro, and Esther Kiss reveal how they're redefining entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal branding with innovation, strategy, and practical insights. Anderson shares how Memory Ventures grows multiple direct-to-consumer brands and a 3PL business while introducing eco-friendly products like dissolvable wrapping paper and specialty coffee through Crema Coffee Products. Paul discusses mindset, communication, and strategies for raising funds for large-scale humanitarian initiatives. Dale highlights leadership lessons, agency growth strategies, and his favorite business books. Esther offers guidance on personal branding, media exposure, and using AI tools to create efficient, impactful content. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Anderson Schoenrock, Paul Bigham, Dale Castro, and Esther Kiss about building sustainable businesses and achieving long-term growth. They share practical insights on emotional intelligence, copywriting, productivity, and modern tech adoption to help listeners sharpen their skills, innovate, and strengthen relationships.

#709 What if your next big business idea was hiding in plain sight — like on your golf glove? In this episode hosted by Brien Gearin, we sit down with Randall Pulfer, co-founder of Chipp Golf Co, a company reinventing the golf glove with bold designs and premium materials. Randall shares how he and his college friend went from brainstorming dorm room ideas to cold-emailing Indonesian manufacturers, putting $10K on the line for their first production run, and fulfilling orders from their living room. You'll learn how they overcame product issues, transitioned to a 3PL, scaled with Meta ads, and leveraged design-driven branding to stand out in a sea of boring golf gear. If you're curious about starting a product business, mastering direct-to-consumer marketing, or just love a good entrepreneurial origin story — this one's for you! (Original Air Date - 5/1/25) What we discuss with Randall: + Origin of Chipp Golf Co + Finding an overseas manufacturer + First $10K inventory investment + Importance of product quality + Early ad testing and iteration + Transitioning to Shopify + Meta ad strategies that worked + Using email to boost LTV + Handling fulfillment with a 3PL + Scaling with new glove designs Thank you, Randall! Check out Chipp Golf Co at ⁠ChippGolfCo.com⁠. Use coupon code MILLIONAIRE to get 15% off your first order. Follow Randall on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠. Email Randall at randall@chippgolfco.com. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. About Wes Aretson Wes Arentson is a dedicated Senior Sales Manager, Logistics at SPS Commerce, empowering retail supply chains through innovative technology solutions. He is a recognized logistics sales leader with a strong track record of success at SPS Commerce, having consistently exceeded quota and earned prestigious honors like the Eagle Award and President's Club. At the core of his work is a deep commitment to the 3PL community, where he focuses on building strategic partnerships and enabling clients to better manage data and streamline operations using SPS Commerce's industry-leading technologies. Beyond driving sales success, Wes is a passionate Sales Coach and Mentor. He leads high-performing teams—including managing a team of 10 representatives across the U.S.—by fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability. His leadership philosophy is focused on building strong relationships and delivering measurable results. Wes is also highly engaged in the industry, having served as a President and Board Member for the CSCMP Twin Cities Roundtable for over a decade. He holds a BA in English and Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota. He specializes in connecting world-class technology with the senior executives who control budget and strategy. 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: 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 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 this best-of episode of Everything is Logistics, we're building the business case for healthy paranoia in freight. I'm pulling together clips from past conversations with Jonathan Ryan (Overhaul), Reid Clements (Highway), and Mark Funk & Shivrani Narayan (SPI Logistics), plus a breakdown with Grace Sharkey (Orderful) on the current state of cargo crime. From fake carriers and spoofed identities to food-and-beverage loads that “disappear” into the market, this is the stuff that quietly nukes margins while everyone argues over rates.This episode walks through how fraud actually happens on the ground, what the red flags look like inside your TMS and inbox, and what the best teams are doing to shut it down before a load ever hits the road.In this episode, you'll learn:Why identity is the real battleground in freight fraud—and how a $300 fake MC can wreck your quarter.How shippers, brokers, and carriers are using data from telematics, ELDs, and IoT devices to spot sketchy activity in real time.What cargo crime looks like at the agent level: carrier vetting, distress loads, and “oh no” moments that could've been prevented.Why thieves are shifting hard into food, beverage, and other “easily consumed” loads—and what that means for your contracts and processes.Practical steps to tighten carrier selection, build better response playbooks, and protect both freight and drivers.If you touch freight in any way—shipper, broker, carrier, 3PL, agent—this is your reminder that trust is not a strategy. Paranoia, on the other hand, might just save your freight budget.Watch the video version of these episodes over on YouTube. Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why. CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

What's the real cost of fraud, and how do we finally shut the door on the criminals exploiting the transportation industry? In this episode, Chris Burroughs breaks down how the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is stepping up with a new fraud hotline that connects 2,000 members directly to the FBI, helping track patterns, tighten data collection, and speed up responses to cargo crime! We also dig into how organized crime takes advantage of weak FMCSA oversight, why boosting the broker bond matters, the push for enforcement under MAP-21, the role industry advocacy plays, why unregulated dispatch services are becoming a serious risk, the ongoing broker transparency debate, and the need for consistent standards across the board!   About Chris Burroughs Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO for the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). He brings over 18 years of Congressional affairs experience to TIA. As the former Vice President of Government Affairs for TIA, he led the Government Relations department including the legislative, regulatory, PAC, and internal policy committee functions. Chris served as the staff liaison for the Highway Logistics Conference, the Intermodal Logistics Conference, and several other policy committees within TIA. Chris additionally served on the Board of Directors for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) as the Subcommittee Chairman of Industry Advisory Subcommittee and sole representative of the 3PL industry. During his time on Capitol Hill, Chris gained invaluable knowledge of the legislative process. He began his career working on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in 2006 and then later the House Natural Resources Committee. In 2009, Chris joined the Twenty-First Century Group, a bipartisan government affairs firm, as their Director of Government Affairs. In this position, Chris advocated on behalf of multiple clients involved in the transportation, telecommunications, health care, tax, and defense arenas. Additionally, he represented TIA on their issues of interest on Capitol Hill. Chris lives in Gainesville, Virginia with his wife Stacey and children Kelly, Christopher, and Connor. Chris earned a BS degree in Political Science from Shepherd University located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.  

Oh this one was a long time coming! I first met Steve Syfan at DAT's Executive Symposium in the spring of 2025. As one of the founders of Syfan Logistics, a leading 3PL based in Gainesville, GA, Steve lives a life rooted in his Christian faith. As a family business owner, Steve works alongside his father & brother as well as a team of incredible men & women that share a vision of integrity & a commitment to delivering excellence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.While the business of safely delivering freight on time & undamaged is difficult even under the best circumstances, Syfan sets itself apart. We all fall, it's how you get back up that matters most. In this episode we talk about faith, family, & building a world-class team within the most dynamic industry on the planet: logistics. Let's go!This program is brought to you by DAT Freight & Analytics. Since 1978, DAT has helped truckers & brokers discover more available loads. Whether you're heading home or looking for your next adventure, DAT is building the most trusted marketplace in freight. New users of DAT can save 10% off for the first 12 months by following the link below. Built on the latest technology, DAT One gives you control over every aspect of moving freight, so that you can run your business with speed & efficiency. This program is also brought to you by our newest sponsor, GenLogs. GenLogs is setting a new standard of care for freight intelligence. Book your demo for GenLogs today at www.genlogs.io today!

As modern supply chains grow more complex, shippers are under increasing pressure to move beyond spreadsheets, emails, and manual decision-making. For Trove Brands, rapid expansion across multiple product lines created new challenges in parcel, LTL, truckload, and international shipping. Keeping up with customer expectations and rising order volumes required better automation, cleaner data, and greater visibility across every mode. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton speaks with Tanner Dastrup, Director of Logistics at Trove Brands, and Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx. They break down how Trove replaced outdated workflows with automated rate shopping, digital truckload auctions, integrated freight audit tools, and real-time container tracking. By connecting these capabilities directly to their ERP systems, Trove reduced manual work, improved accuracy, and provided teams and customers with more reliable information.Together, Scott, Tanner, and Shannon explore the broader shifts shaping transportation today, from the value of unified data to the cost of inconsistent carrier selection and manual settlement. Their discussion shows how flexible technology can streamline warehouse and 3PL workflows, strengthen customer experience, and help growing shippers scale with confidence.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:34) Meet the panel(02:34) Trove Brands overview(06:29) Shipping operations and challenges(12:17) Automation and integration(17:48) Data and integration hurdles(25:30) Streamlining sales with real-time quotes(26:47) Challenges in B2B LTL shipments(29:21) Operational inefficiencies in warehouse and 3PL workflows(34:22) Improving international shipping visibility(42:20) Choosing the right TMS solutionAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/Learn more about Trove Brands: https://trovebrands.comConnect with Tanner Dastrup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-dastrup-1a4677165/Read why ShipLinx TMS was the best fit for A&A Global: https://www.ratelinx.com/use-cases/integrated-automated-in-control-shiplinx-tms-freight-audit-transforms-aa-global-shipping-operations/Check out our previous episode with RateLinx and A&A Global: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4d7dhNr8tQLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now...

This episode highlights Airbus kicking its A350 freighter program into high gear, with the prototype finalized and flight tests set for next October, aiming for a late 2027 service entry. Learn how the A350F promises a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and features a massive 175-inch wide cargo door, giving it a significant edge in handling bulky industrial cargo. We also examine major rail consolidation, specifically the Surface Transportation Board approval of Fortress Investment Group's acquisition of two new regional lines, the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway and the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway. This deal expands Fortress's roster of Class III railroads, and the STB agreed that the move would enhance the railways' access to capital for strategic investment and growth. Finally, we cover the worrying financial distress facing the 3PL sector as Odyssey Logistics was hit with a second debt downgrade from Moody's in less than three months, dropping its corporate family rating deep into Caa-1 "junk status". Moody's noted this rapid deterioration was driven by sky-high leverage—expected well over seven times operating profit—which creates serious refinancing risk ahead of the company's significant debt maturities in 2027. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Inner Edison Podcast, hosts Ed Parcaut and William Carlin dive into the evolving world of e-commerce fulfillment. William Carlin, co-founder of Racklify—the largest online marketplace connecting merchants and fulfillment providers—shares his journey from wholesale distribution to building a tech-enabled logistics platform. Discover how Racklify is making it easier for small and large businesses to find the perfect warehouse partner, avoid common pitfalls, and scale efficiently. Whether you're selling products from your living room or running a multi-million dollar brand, this conversation sheds light on mistakes to avoid, the power of economies of scale, and the changing landscape of warehousing networks. Listen in for expert insights, actionable advice, and a candid discussion about what really goes on behind the scenes in fulfillment—from logistics terminology to choosing your perfect 3PL partner. Ready to level up your e-commerce strategy and stop letting your inventory take over your garage? Tune in to learn everything you need to know about outsourcing fulfillment—and making sure it's the right move for your business. **Contact Ed Parcaut:** -

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 today's show, we're bringing back some of the best interviews from industry thought leaders to create a mashup you can listen to over time. That way, if you want a crash course in what shippers want out of their 3PL partnership, you can listen to one long-form episode instead of having to dig through our library. Guests are from these episodes: 00:58 What a Shipper Wants with The Produce Industry Podcast19:49 Study Reveals Marketing Ideas That Shippers Won't Hate37:36 Shipper Explains What He Wished He Knew Before Working With a 3PL43:53 The Logistics of Calypso LemonadeFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why. CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Malcolm Harris brings a stacked lineup diving into e-commerce logistics, fleet operations, and the growing impact of AI across the supply chain. Headlines: Malcolm breaks down the latest in freight, including FMCSA bond enforcement, driver shortages affecting farm labor, Maersk's relocation to Charlotte, 3PL marketing ROI insights, and rising cargo theft trends. Featured Guests Carlos Barbosa — VP of E-commerce Solutions, ePost Global Carlos shares insights from ePost Global's new report analyzing 20 million international shipments, revealing why multi-carrier strategies outperform single-carrier setups by 37%. He explains how speed, reliability, cost stability, and AI-driven decision-making are shaping the future of cross-border e-commerce. Zach Cellar — Operations Manager, Ploger Transportation Zach talks about how adopting AI-powered planning transformed their fleet operations. He discusses: -21%+ increase in load volume -Higher driver satisfaction & better scheduling -Reduced manual planning -Improved retention and recruiting -A must-watch for fleets exploring AI adoption. Ben Marks — Senior Solutions Leader, Optimal Dynamics Ben breaks down how Optimal Dynamics serves as the decision layer for trucking fleets—optimizing planning, increasing efficiency, and allowing dispatchers to focus on higher-value work. He also shares how fleets can evaluate AI partners and prepare for the future of automated operations. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Harris brings a stacked lineup diving into e-commerce logistics, fleet operations, and the growing impact of AI across the supply chain. Headlines: Malcolm breaks down the latest in freight, including FMCSA bond enforcement, driver shortages affecting farm labor, Maersk's relocation to Charlotte, 3PL marketing ROI insights, and rising cargo theft trends. Featured Guests Carlos Barbosa — VP of E-commerce Solutions, ePost Global Carlos shares insights from ePost Global's new report analyzing 20 million international shipments, revealing why multi-carrier strategies outperform single-carrier setups by 37%. He explains how speed, reliability, cost stability, and AI-driven decision-making are shaping the future of cross-border e-commerce. Zach Cellar — Operations Manager, Ploger Transportation Zach talks about how adopting AI-powered planning transformed their fleet operations. He discusses: -21%+ increase in load volume -Higher driver satisfaction & better scheduling -Reduced manual planning -Improved retention and recruiting -A must-watch for fleets exploring AI adoption. Ben Marks — Senior Solutions Leader, Optimal Dynamics Ben breaks down how Optimal Dynamics serves as the decision layer for trucking fleets—optimizing planning, increasing efficiency, and allowing dispatchers to focus on higher-value work. He also shares how fleets can evaluate AI partners and prepare for the future of automated operations. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Today's guest is Kelsey Hensley, President at NovEx Supply Chain, whose company was ranked No. 1,662 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey shares insights on company culture and leadership development, highlighting the six core values, kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, that guide decision-making and foster personal growth at NovEx. She discusses the balance between technology and human relationships in logistics, explaining how clearly defined values have transformed the company's hiring practices and strengthened team alignment. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kelsey emphasizes the importance of empowering teams and focusing on strategic growth, illustrating how intentional leadership fosters a thriving organizational culture. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:26 Introduction to Novex Supply Chain 2:40 Embracing AI in Logistics 6:34 The Human Element in Business 8:17 Leadership and Culture Connection 10:31 Highlighting Company Values 13:18 Living the Values 16:48 Independent Teams and Leadership 17:28 Overcoming Control Issues 21:23 Focusing on Valuable Work 24:28 The Worth of Cultural Efforts Building a Values-Driven Culture From the Ground Up In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey Hensley, founder of Novex Supply Chain, shares how rapid growth as a bi-coastal 3PL provider pushed her to shape company culture intentionally. She walks through the six core values that guide Novex. Kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, and how they influence decisions, hiring, coaching, and team interactions. Kelsey describes the pride she feels watching employees embody these values not only at work but in their personal lives, reinforcing the power of a values-first culture. Leadership Principles and Tech, AI, and the Human Touch in Logistics Empowerment Kelsey and Gene shift the conversation to today's evolving workplace and the rise of AI in logistics. While acknowledging industry layoffs and the anxiety surrounding automation, Kelsey stresses that technology should enhance human performance, not replace it. She believes logistics still thrives on relationships and personalized service, which machines cannot replicate. For Novex, AI is a tool, not the driver, and the company remains committed to keeping people at the heart of the business. Why Culture Shapes Leadership: Not the Other Way Around Diving deeper, Kelsey emphasizes that culture determines the type of leaders who emerge. She shares the breakthroughs she had once she formally defined Novex's core values, giving the organization a clear framework for hiring, training, and accountability. Her hiring philosophy centers on behavior over skill. Skills can be taught, but misaligned behaviors disrupt teams. By prioritizing value-aligned behavior, Kelsey has cultivated a dependable, supportive environment where people can thrive. Learning to Let Go: A Founder's Leadership Evolution Reflecting on her journey, Kelsey discusses her early tendency to control every detail of the business and how a long overseas family trip forced her to step back. Trusting her team, allowing them to make mistakes, learn, and lead became a turning point for Novex. Empowering her people has freed her to focus on strategy, brand development, and deeper client relationships. Her story highlights how founders evolve and how letting go can unlock growth, independence, and a stronger culture. Key Takeaways Values Drive Everything: Novex Supply Chain's six core values kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability serve as the foundation for decision-making, hiring, and team development. Culture Shapes Leadership: Kelsey emphasizes that strong culture produces strong leaders. Clearly defining company values created alignment and accountability across the organization. Hire for Behavior, Train for Skill: Skills can be taught, but behavior and attitude determine long-term success. Value-aligned behavior is the top hiring priority at Novex. Tech Supports People, Not Replaces Them: Despite AI advancements and logistics industry layoffs, Kelsey believes the human element relationships, communication, and personalized service remains irreplaceable. Letting Go Unlocks Growth: Kelsey's shift from controlling every detail to empowering her team was a turning point. Allowing others to lead freed her to focus on strategy, brand growth, and client relationships. Personal Growth Matters: The company's values don't just impact work they influence how employees show up in all areas of their lives, fostering well-rounded personal and professional development. Intentional Leadership Builds Thriving Teams: By trusting her team, creating clarity, and reinforcing shared values, Kelsey demonstrates how intentional leadership fuels sustainable growth and a strong organizational culture. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

What really goes into a 3PL quote? Does it ever feel like the final number comes out of thin air?For e-commerce brands and 3PL providers alike, fulfillment pricing can be a complex web. With no industry-wide standard and costs broken into multiple categories, understanding how a proposal is built is critical for a successful partnership.In this previously live session, Kevin was joined by a multi-disciplinary team from Barrett Distribution Centers to pull back the curtain. They went beyond a simple sales pitch to show you how multiple parts of a 3PL organization collaborate to develop pricing that creates a win-win for both the client and the provider.This is a rare opportunity to see how a price is constructed from the ground up and to understand the "why" behind every line item.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton teams up with special guest host Ward Richmond (Vice Chairman, Colliers) to dig into the state of industrial real estate with Brandon Page. EVP, Head of Leasing & Customer Solutions and Glenn Wylie (Senior Managing Director, East Region at Link Logistics. The conversation frames what a “balanced market” looks like in 2025 (tight small-bay infill vs. more options at bulk) while unpacking the demand stack from e-commerce and nearshoring to data center spillovers and the renewed importance of 3PL flexibility.The group gets practical on bonded warehouses and FTZs (where and why they fit), market dynamics across the Southeast, Texas, and Phoenix, and how power availability and automation readiness are influencing site decisions. You'll also hear how Link Logistics uses data and AI, from rent-modeling insights to faster decision support across an infill-centric portfolio (with most assets within an hour of dense populations). The throughline: customers want flexibility, optimization, and speed, and the teams that blend relationships with good data will find the next wave of opportunity first.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:40) Scott welcomes Ward, Brandon, and Glenn(03:17) Baseball stories and quick warm-ups(05:40) Tailgate favorites: Publix chicken, BBQ, cheeseburgers(07:28) Ward on music and podcast projects(08:37) Supply chain real estate 101 with Link Logistics(12:57) Market shifts since 2022: slower, smarter leasing(14:37) Demand drivers: e-commerce, nearshoring, power(24:20) 3PL growth, manufacturing, and data centers(27:25) Bonded warehouses and FTZ setup(30:55) Flexibility and cost pressures(32:14) Customer priorities: optimization and power(38:57) Regional trends: Southeast, Houston, Phoenix(46:05) AI and tech driving efficiency(53:21) Common myths about industrial real estate(58:16) Takeaways on balance and relationshipsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Brandon Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-j-page-385395236/ Connect with Glenn Wylie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-wylie-233105203/ Learn more about Link Logistics: https://www.linklogistics.com Connect with Ward Richmond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardrichmond/Ward Richmond's official website: https://www.truckinon.com/ Learn more about Colliers: https://www.colliers.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch