POPULARITY
Categories
Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract 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. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition 19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast 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 ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
What You'll Learn:The enduring priorities in fulfillment despite two decades of industry change: focus on the end-consumer experience and aligned people/processThe definition and strategic value of connected commerce as a frictionless end-to-end ecosystem across sales channels and fulfillmentWhy tech integration across OMS, WMS, TMS and digital marketplaces remains the biggest hurdle to unified fulfillmentHow Essendant repositions fulfillment from cost center to growth enabler, leveraging digital teams and marketplace expertiseWhen to accelerate 3PL expansion versus stabilize and optimize existing operations, anchored on clear value and identity assessmentThe realities and opportunities around Seller Fulfilled Prime, including network scale, inventory optimization, and performance requirementsKey operational metrics beyond OTIF, including inventory health and profitability by channel, critical in managing complexityPeak season outlook: early marketplace promotions, supply chain stability, and the goal to flatten the demand curve for better operational controlHighlights00:00 – Guest Introduction & Industry Background01:00 – Consistencies & Changes Over Two Decades in Fulfillment03:00 – Defining Connected Commerce & Its Strategic Objectives 05:00 – Common Fulfillment-Tech Challenges & Silo Breakdown07:00 – Unlocking Fulfillment as a Revenue Lever, Not Just Cost Center 10:00 – When to Accelerate vs. Stabilize 3PL Operations14:00 – Procurement & Evaluation Dynamics in Mid-Market Deals17:00 – Seller Fulfilled Prime: Market Demand & Execution Challenges22:00 – Focused Operational Metrics to Drive Business Outcomes28:00 – Peak Season Predictions & Advice 30:30 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Info Quotes:[00:02:00]: “The things that remain consistent would certainly be focusing on the end consumer... building the right team around us to align with that strategy and then making sure that we had the right processes.” - Patrick Allard [00:04:00]: “Connected commerce to us is really about creating that frictionless end-to-end ecosystem... from product discovery through the purchase cycle, all the way through fulfillment, delivery, final mile returns.” - Patrick Allard [00:10:00]: “How do we know when to pour gas on the fire and really go for expansion, and when is it time to maybe take a step back, pause, and get the house in order?” - Dan [00:19:00]: “There's still quite a bit of pain for the larger brand retailers that might have a really good dominant market and brand recognition, but where they want the prime badge, but having that inventory all locked up in Amazon...puts them in a financial challenge.”- Patrick Allard [00:23:00]: “There's a million things you can track and it is data overload... but the key is focusing on promise metrics, inventory health, and profitability by channel.”- Patrick Allard About the Guest:Patrick Allard is President of Fulfillment Services at Essendant, driving the transformation of a traditional B2B distributor into a connected commerce powerhouse. With over 20 years in e-commerce and logistics, Patrick has held leadership roles at Newgistics, Pitney Bowes, and Radial. His expertise spans M&A integrations, fulfillment scalability, multi-channel retail logistics, and leveraging fulfillment as a revenue growth lever rather than simply a cost center.Links Mentioned:Essendant Fulfillment Services: https://www.essendant.com/ Patrick Allard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-allard-04657111/ 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
Cristina Ashbaugh, co-founder of Yardsale, shares how they reinvented the ski pole by adding magnets and modular design—starting with taped-together prototypes in her San Francisco apartment. With no industry experience, she and co-founder Kelly McGee launched their business unconventionally: through NYC subway ads, cold-calling ski shops as a "student researcher," and a rehearsed Shark Tank pitch that secured an investment from Kendra Scott. Cristina discusses tactical strategies, including DIY PR that landed Fast Company coverage, managing wholesale complexity with customizable products, why they're running their own fulfillment instead of using a 3PL, and expanding beyond ski poles into bags and technical apparel for the "90% of skiers."Learn more about KORE OutdoorsLinksYardsale websiteYardsale's Substack (Behind the scenes of building the brand)See their NYC subway ads & truck adsWatch their Shark Tank episodeSouth Park documentary about their creative process: 6 Days to AirConnect with Cristina on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn
This week on What The Truck?!?, Malcolm Harris kicks off a loaded four-piece Monday special with powerhouse guests and big industry takes. FreightWaves' own Craig Fuller returns fresh off an epic F3 and unloads on the ATA's “driver shortage” myth, calling for accountability and smarter policy to protect veteran drivers and restore safety across the roads. Next up, Craig Leinauer of Travelers digs into the rising broker liability crisis — from contract traps to AI-enhanced cargo theft and cluster scams — and shares critical steps brokers can take to protect their business. Then, Dan Cicerchi, GM and VP of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes MacroPoint, breaks down the future of visibility, automation, and AI-driven fraud prevention, and how trust and data accuracy continue to power smarter supply chains. Finally, Mike Beckwith of Odyssey Logistics joins the show to talk 3PL automation, capacity pain points, and market inflection, with a no-BS look at tech adoption, regulation, and how carriers are staying agile in a tightening economy. Packed with insight, candor, and a few mic-drop moments — this is one What The Truck?!? you don't want to miss. 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 today's episode, Kevin chats with Jason Morin, Senior Director of Continuous Improvement and Engineering at ID Logistics. They discuss how technology, user experience, and continuous improvement intersect in today's warehouse operations. ID Logistics is a global 3PL operating across 18 countries with nearly 18 million square feet of space dedicated to e-commerce, FMCG, food and beverage, healthcare, high-tech, and more.Jason shares insights on ID's internal labor management system, its global AI initiative, and why he believes good user experience design is critical for warehouse management systems. He also reflects on lessons from the floor, from identifying process breakdowns to balancing technology with human capability, offering a candid look at how warehouses can adapt to rapid change while staying focused on what matters most—making work easier and more efficient for people.Learn more about The Brecham Group here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.RICHPANELCut your support costs by 30% and reduce tickets by 30%—guaranteed—with Richpanel's AI-first Customer Service Platform that will reduce costs, improve agent productivity & delight customers at http://www.richpanel.com/partners/ajf?utm_source=spotify.//Kareem Elgendy is the CEO of Veiled, a multiple 8-figure apparel brand running at 15% EBITDA selling modest clothing primarily for Muslim women. If you're interested in working with Kareem's incubator and/or 3PL, visit https://ynkincubator.com.//Most eCommerce brands plateau at $1-3M because they chase growth without fixing unit economics. Kareem L. Gendi, CEO of Veiled, did the opposite — and now runs an 8-figure brand with a 10.68 MER and 40% penetration of his target market. In this episode, you'll learn how a bootstrapped modest apparel brand cracked profitability at scale through ruthless focus on contribution margin, supply chain innovation (including 90-day payment terms from Chinese manufacturers), and strategic retail expansion.This isn't theory — it's the playbook from a founder who survived crushing inventory debt and emerged with a business throwing off real profit.If you're stuck between growth and cash flow, this conversation will rewire how you think about scaling. Kareem breaks down the exact moment they stopped relying on gut and started using data to drive merchandising decisions, how they negotiated payment terms that changed their cash position overnight, and why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the next frontier for DTC brands. You'll also hear about their 3PL and incubator model for operators who want to leverage Veiled's infrastructure. This is essential listening for founders running 7-9 figure brands who are tired of burning cash to hit revenue targets that don't matter.Key Takeaways: - Market penetration strategies for niche audiences- Unit economics that actually drive profitability- Supply chain negotiation tactics- How to scale bootstrapped brands without dilution- Retail expansion done right - GEO and the future of search optimization//CHAPTER TITLES:00:01:07 - What Is Veiled?00:04:11 - Product Variability00:07:55 - Cultural Values & Marketing Strategy00:10:34 - Veiled IS A Profit Monster00:16:45 - Investing In OpEx00:20:21 - Veiled's Top Notch Logistics Strategy00:23:33 - Looking Into The Data00:31:57 - Outsourcing Marketing Needs00:36:14 - Lowering Shipping Costs00:40:13 - Profitability Hacks00:46:50 - Wins & Losses With Supply Chain//SUBSCRIBE TO MY PODCAST FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com
This week on What The Truck?!?, Malcolm Harris kicks off a loaded four-piece Monday special with powerhouse guests and big industry takes. FreightWaves' own Craig Fuller returns fresh off an epic F3 and unloads on the ATA's “driver shortage” myth, calling for accountability and smarter policy to protect veteran drivers and restore safety across the roads. Next up, Craig Leinauer of Travelers digs into the rising broker liability crisis — from contract traps to AI-enhanced cargo theft and cluster scams — and shares critical steps brokers can take to protect their business. Then, Dan Cicerchi, GM and VP of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes MacroPoint, breaks down the future of visibility, automation, and AI-driven fraud prevention, and how trust and data accuracy continue to power smarter supply chains. Finally, Mike Beckwith of Odyssey Logistics joins the show to talk 3PL automation, capacity pain points, and market inflection, with a no-BS look at tech adoption, regulation, and how carriers are staying agile in a tightening economy. Packed with insight, candor, and a few mic-drop moments — this is one What The Truck?!? you don't want to miss. 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
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupRob Fraser, founder of performance sock brand Outway, returns to the DTC Podcast to share how his business rebounded from flat growth to profitable eight-figure scale. Rob reveals exactly how Outway added Amazon, wholesale, and U.S. distribution, and why 2026 is all about community and brand.This is a must-listen for brand owners scaling past $5M and trying to professionalize ops, expand markets, and stay profitable while doing it.
Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call. https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazonTired of guessing your way through stockouts, overstock, and Amazon's ever-shifting fees? We sat down with Randy Thebeau—programmer, analyst, Amazon seller, and former 3PL owner—who turned years of warehouse chaos into SKU Compass, a practical system for sellers who want clarity, not dashboards for show. Randy shares how he set a hard revenue target and deadline to quit his bank job, then learned the hard way why spreadsheets crumble under daily sales swings, multi-channel expansion, and the hidden math of bundles and kits.We unpack the habits that protect margins: treating safety stock as non-negotiable insurance, measuring coverage in days (not just units), and setting channel-specific thresholds so FBA stays lean while sales stay steady. Randy breaks down a hybrid approach to AWD and 3PL that speeds replenishment without surrendering your P&L to auto systems, plus a simple rule to cut long-term storage by taking manual control when FBA dips below a 30-day window. We also get tactical on returns triage for higher-ticket products, supplier standards that prevent rework (barcode at the factory or walk away), and why two manufacturers per SKU can save a launch when quality slips.If multi-channel sales have turned your inventory into a guessing game, you'll hear how bundling can push up average order value while SKU Compass handles the tricky component math across Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, WooCommerce, and ShipStation-powered channels. The throughline is simple: right-size your stock, protect cash flow, and make fewer—but sharper—decisions that compound over time. Subscribe, share with a seller who's stuck in spreadsheet hell, and leave a review with your biggest inventory headache—we'll queue it up for a future deep dive.Randy Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/randy.thebeauhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-thebeau/SKU Compass Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566592928758https://www.youtube.com/@SKUCompasshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sku-compass/https://skucompass.com/Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call. https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show
At the heart of The Prophets' vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here Logistics doesn't always get the attention it deserves in the automotive world. Yet a wealth of knowledge is sitting inside 3PLs; companies that don't just move parts but keep the entire system running.That's why she brings in Jeff Kosloski, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial at Ryder, to talk about what a modern 3PL really does.Jeff explains that Ryder handles everything from transportation and warehousing to sequencing, line-side delivery, and industrial engineering support. It's not just outsourcing; it's about helping manufacturers design better, leaner supply chains.He describes how Ryder has invested more than $1.7 billion in automation and AI over the past several years, exploring robotics, data tools, and new tech through its venture fund, Ryder Ventures, to keep up with the rising cost and complexity of manufacturing.But behind those investments is a simple truth: change is constant. Short-term uncertainty keeps logistics teams on their toes, while automation and AI are the biggest long-term disruptors, Jeff says.The challenge in automotive is standardization: every part, container, and process looks different, so implementing automation requires more creativity. Ryder's engineering teams constantly test new robotics and warehouse systems to meet that challenge.Jim asks how Ryder manages efficiency when the environment keeps shifting. Jeff says flexibility is key. They move with customers as priorities change while focusing on improvement across the supply chain.That leads to the heart of the episode: collaboration. Jeff says the best partnerships are built on trust and open communication. His ideal scenario? A meeting where you can't tell who the customer is and who the 3PL is, and everyone is rowing in the same direction.On the subject of AI, Jeff is clear: it's no longer hype. Ryder uses it to forecast problems, improve routing, and make faster decisions. But people remain central to the work. That's why Ryder focuses on growing new talent through leadership programs that expose young professionals to every side of logistics while building their technical and people skills.When asked what skills matter most for the future, Jeff doesn't hesitate: digital fluency and critical thinking. Leaders need to understand AI tools firsthand and learn how to apply them in real operations. He admits he's learning it himself because ignoring it isn't an option anymore.When asked what advice he'd give to supply chain leaders facing constant disruption, Jeff says the speed of change has never been faster, so don't chase every new idea or wait for perfection. Surround yourself with smart people, embrace the unknown, and give your team the freedom to innovate. Mistakes will happen, but staying still is worse.Themes discussed in this episode:The evolving role of 3PLs as strategic partners driving efficiency in automotive supply chainsHow Ryder integrates automation and AI to enhance logistics performance and reduce operational costsThe challenges of applying automation in automotive logistics where parts and packaging lack standardizationThe power of collaboration and trust between OEMs and 3PLs in achieving long-term supply chain successHow shared goals and transparent communication strengthen partnerships between manufacturers and logistics providersThe growing impact of AI and predictive analytics on real-time logistics planning and decision-makingHow Ryder's leadership development programs prepare the next generation of logistics professionals through hands-on...
Kevin chats with Joe Biancofiori, President of AMSCO Prep, to explore his journey from corporate life to running a fast-growing fulfillment and prep service. AMSCO Prep, initially launched in 2017, began as a small FBA prep business and has since expanded into direct-to-consumer (DTC) distribution and fulfillment. Joe shares how his entrepreneurial drive led him from packing boxes in his basement to managing multiple warehouses handling millions of units each year. The conversation delves into how AMSCO Prep adapted to changing Amazon policies, the importance of selecting the right warehouse management system, and what brands should consider when choosing their first third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Joe's story offers valuable lessons for e-commerce sellers and brands navigating today's shifting fulfillment landscape.Get better visibility with Surgere. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
For most sellers, shipping eats the largest slice of the budget. But with the right strategy, it can become your most powerful competitive edge.Lori from Falcon Fulfillment joins Neil to unpack how the fulfillment industry is transforming, from Amazon's two-day dominance to the rise of smarter, more profitable shipping models.They dive into how brands can cut costs, use AI to optimize logistics, and compete in an eCommerce world where speed isn't the only advantage. Whether you're scaling DTC or managing 3PL relationships, this episode breaks down the hidden levers that drive fulfillment profitability.In This Episode, We Cover:✅ Why Amazon's fulfillment model is no longer the only way to compete✅ How brands are saving thousands by extending from two-day to four-day shipping✅ The rise of flexible “mosaic” carrier strategies that lower shipping costs✅ How AI is changing fulfillment forecasting and decision-making✅ The return of U.S. and North American manufacturing post-COVID✅ What to look for in a fulfillment partner that actually fits your business
Renaud breaks down this week's one-two punch in the U.S.–China trade saga: Beijing's new export controls on key rare-earth minerals (notably neodymium for high-strength magnets) and the White House's counter-threat of a 100% tariff on made-in-China imports from November 1. He unpacks the “small yard, high fence” strategy, how China is now mirroring U.S. tools (FDPR-style controls, personnel restrictions, licensing), and what this means for your supply chain in the next few weeks. Episode Sections: 00:00:26 The headline: China's new export controls on rare-earth minerals (incl. neodymium) 00:01:45 U.S. response: proposed 100% tariff on made-in-China goods from Nov 1 (leverage & deadline) 00:02:46 China says it will reciprocate; deadlock + market jitters 00:03:07 Mixed signals on X; why near-term headlines may whipsaw 00:04:59 WSJ angle: “learn the barbarians' tools” — China's smarter countermeasures 00:05:11 “Small yard, high fence”: narrowing the choke points (semis, EVs, batteries) 00:07:05 Example #1: U.S. FDPR vs. China's mineral-origin export controls (mirroring) 00:07:48 Example #2: Restricting people — U.S. persons in CN semis vs. CN nationals in rare-earth chain 00:08:15 Example #3: Licensing regimes for dual-use tech — copy-and-invert 00:09:16 Takeaways for importers: don't overreact, prep playbooks before Nov 1 Work with us Design, industrialization, inspections, audits, CM, and 3PL across Asia → Sofeast Group: https://www.sofeast.com/ Related content... How China's new rare earth export controls work (Reuters) China's rare-earths power move jolted Trump but was years in the making (WaPo) China's New Rare Earth and Magnet Restrictions Threaten U.S. Defense Supply Chains (CSIS) Trump announces extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting next month (CBS) China warns US of retaliation over Trump's 100% tariffs threat (The Guardian) Foxconn sees limited impact from China rare earths curbs for now (Reuters) ASML plays down Chinese tool stockpiling, impact of rare earth restrictions (Reuters) 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
Send us a textNavigating Fraud in Logistics with Kristen Dino of Trinity LogisticsIn this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, host Chris Harris interviews Kristen Dino from Trinity Logistics. They discuss various types of fraud affecting the logistics industry, including straight theft, fictitious pickups, identity theft, and the fraudulent sale of motor carrier numbers (MCs). Kristen explains how Trinity Logistics vets shippers and carriers to mitigate these risks and the importance of compliance, insurance, and robust vetting systems. They also delve into insurance policies relevant to motor carriers, specifically cargo and auto liability insurance, and the nuances of claims in scenarios of negligence and fraudulent activities. Additionally, the importance of constant vigilance and technological tools in combating fraud is highlighted, as well as the role of regular 'Fraud Friday' meetings at Trinity to stay updated on the latest developments in fraud tactics and trends.To reach Kristin Deno about Transportation Fraud – Kristin.Deno@trinitylogistics.comTrinity Logistics is a nationwide 3PL, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions® since 1979. For the past 45 years, we've been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions. Learn More800-846-3400https://trinitylogistics.com/https://www.facebook.com/logisticsleaders/https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/trinity-logisticshttps://www.instagram.com/trinity_logistics/https://www.youtube.com/@TrinitylogisticsYou Host:Chris Harris,Safety Dawg Inc.905 973 7056chris@safetydawg.com00:00 Introduction to Vetting Shippers and Carriers00:19 Understanding Fraud and Insurance Policies00:50 Managing the Safety Department Like a Pro01:21 Meet Kristin Dino from Trinity Logistics03:37 Fraud Trends and Tactics05:24 The Impact of Identity Theft in Logistics13:31 Vetting Shippers and Carriers: Best Practices17:23 Insurance Policies for Motor Carriers25:09 The Role of Technology in Fraud Prevention30:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts32:35 Listener Appreciation and Weekly Sign-Off00:00 Vetting Shippers and Carriers00:19 Understanding Fraud and Insurance Policies00:50 Managing the Safety Department Like an Expert01:21 Introduction to the Guest: Kristin Dino from Trinity Logistics01:39 Kristin's Background and Role at Trinity03:37 Fraud Fridays: Tackling Fraud in the Logistics Industry04:26 The Rise of Identity Theft and Cargo Theft06:41 Sophisticated Fraud Tactics in Logistics17:34 Insurance Policies and Fraud Coverage25:09 The Impact of Technology on Fraud30:36 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeeping it Safety Dawg Simple!#trucksafety #truckinsurance #truckpodcastDo you need a "Truck Driver Safety Policy?" Get it today! https://safetydawg.com/policy
Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call. https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazonTired of hearing that Amazon FBA is “over”? We unpack why the opportunity didn't die—it evolved—and how smart operators are winning by pairing founder-led insight with ruthless execution. Our guest, veteran seller and agency founder Andy Isom, takes us from his first experiments in the Jungle Scout era to the playbooks he uses today across dozens of live accounts. The big ideas: pick products you actually understand, design for shareability so people want to post what they buy, and respect logistics as a profit lever, not a back-office chore.We break down the product criteria that still hold up—small, lightweight, and simple for beginners—and when to flip the script with oversized or “boring” items that live in quieter niches. Andy explains how Amazon's algorithm increasingly rewards external traffic and brand search, why “me too” listings bleed on PPC, and how to choose between rank-first or profit-first ad frameworks. If you've ever felt stuck at break-even ACOS, you'll hear clear ways to test, segment, and scale without gambling the whole account.Looking for immediate upside? Build a seasonal portfolio. Seasonal SKUs consistently convert harder, advertise cheaper, and generate fast turns when timed well. We map how to stagger products across the calendar, forecast inventory to avoid painful fees, and use ocean freight, 3PL staging, and smarter placement settings to keep logistics costs in check. Along the way, Andy shares why he launched a boutique agency, the advantages of cross-account pattern recognition, and the mindset shifts that separate resilient brand builders from the crowd.If you're serious about Amazon in 2025—new seller or seven-figure operator—this conversation offers practical steps to protect margin, spark demand, and scale with precision. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a better game plan, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.Website: https://andyisom.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.comPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-by-business-amazon-fba-e-commerce-brand-building/id1497465347YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJx5K6buMEtislBGkLl4PcwFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyisom100k/?utm_source=chatgpt.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandyisom/?hl=enTwitter: https://x.com/amzwithandyisom?utm_source=chatgpt.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52L8k1GbdWb4mngZNp92b7Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call. https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show
Montreal's industrial real estate market has faced dramatic shifts—from pandemic-driven rent spikes to today's cautious stability. In this episode of the Espace Publication Montreal Podcast, host Axel sits down with Jean-Marc Dube, Executive Vice President at Colliers, to unpack what's really happening in Quebec's industrial sector and where it's heading through 2026. Jean-Marc shares how rents more than doubled in just a few years, why vacancy has stabilized around 4.5%, and how rising interest rates, tariffs, and global supply-chain disruptions are reshaping demand. He also explores why developers have hit pause on new projects—and how that could trigger a future supply crunch as the market rebounds.
Subscribe to The FoundHer Files. Practical advice for your small business. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just what works...because we're better together. SUBSCRIBE HERE Katie Rosen Kitchens didn't set out to build a subscription box, she set out to build a community. What began as an online magazine with product recommendations grew into FabFitFun, a membership that millions of women see as a quarterly act of self-care.In this episode with Lindsay Pinchuk, Katie shares how a 24-hour sellout of the very first test box set the stage for everything that followed: full-size products, full customization, members-only sales, and a thriving community where feedback shapes each season. Storytelling still drives it all, making every product feel personal rather than transactional.She also explains how FabFitFun became a launchpad for brands, using influencers and editorial reach to turn products, like OUAI's leave-in conditioner, into bestsellers. Flexibility is key—members can swap items or even entire boxes—building trust with every shipment.Katie doesn't shy away from the hard parts either, from a million-unit product recall to the operational lessons that came out of it. Today, FabFitFun is expanding its impact with brand investments and 3PL services, proving that listening to your community and evolving with it is the foundation of lasting growth.Episode Breakdown:00:00 Meet Katie Rosen Kitchens Co-Founder of FabFitFun05:52 FabFitFun's Origin Story15:44 Building Community and Listening to Customers26:55 From Media Company to Membership Model28:20 Outlasting the Subscription Box Trend43:11 Final Advice for Female FoundersConnect with Katie Rosen Kitchens:http://www.instagram.com/katieakitchenshttp://www.instagram.com/fabfitfunFollow Lindsay @dearfoundher on InstagramInterested in leveling up your marketing? Get on the waitlist for Marketing Made Simple for Small Business.Join the Dear FoundHer... Forum Networking CommunityFoundHers Mentioned today:October 22 MFactor Screening https://bit.ly/3Id2NoRTween Girls Summit https://chicagonorthshoremoms.com/tween-girls-empowerment-summit/The Small Business Owners HR Vault https://www.wellness-extension.com/sbo-vaultDear FoundHer on Tour: http://www.dearfoundher.com/tourTrailblazer Pod https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trailblazer-pod/id1773328946Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Navigating today's supply chain requires more than trucks and warehouses—it takes vision. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Peter Coratola, Founder and CEO of EASE Logistics. Based in Dublin, Ohio, EASE Logistics has grown from a startup launched during a hectic season of Peter's life into a thriving asset-based 3PL.Today, EASE is piloting an autonomous truck platooning project, partnering with the state of Ohio and major technology providers to test a safer, more efficient future for freight movement. Peter shares how his company approaches innovation, why safety and service remain top priorities, and what autonomous trucking could mean for logistics in the years ahead.Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Dave discusses whether importing from China is still viable in the wake of rising tariffs and changing global dynamics. He explores the impact of tariffs on costs, advantages of Chinese manufacturing, and the quality of products sourced from China. Today's episode is sponsored by Sellerboard. Sellerboard helps users track sales, refunds and fees in real time, and even counts your indirect expenses in final profit. Beyond analytics, Sellerboard also streamlines operations with smart portfolios for PPC, inventory forecasting & management and more! Try Sellerboard free for 2 months — no credit card required. Just go to sellerboard.com/ecomcrew and get clarity on your margins today. Importing from China, even with Trump Tariffs 2.0, may still be viable today and in the near future. Today, it still is the best option compared to the other rising manufacturing companies like Vietnam, India, and Thailand. Compared to America, manufacturing in China is still the best option even factoring in the transit costs and 3PL costs. However, in the far future, China might not be the country to manufacture from. We're holding a special Importing from China webinar on October 8th where we'll be talking about how you can find products that still make sense to source only in China (and skip the ones that don't) while getting the lowest tariff rates and more! Register today! Timestamps 00:00 - Is Importing from China Dead? 02:17 - The Impact of Tariffs on Importing 06:46 - Cost Comparisons: China vs. Other Countries 09:59 -Benefits of Working with Chinese Factories 14:16 - Quality of Products from China 14:45 - Future of Importing from China 20:02 - The Rising Power Theory and Its Implications As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, leave a comment down below if you're interested. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. Thanks for listening! Until next time, happy selling!
Danielle Kidney is the founder of The Creative Pack, a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in packaging design for CPG and DTC brands. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including work with Tesco and a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands—Danielle brings a wealth of expertise in every aspect of packaging, from strategy and brand storytelling to materials and production.In this episode of DTC Pod, Danielle breaks down the behind-the-scenes process of creating packaging that not only looks great but also delivers on function, compliance, and scalability. She covers everything from the earliest stages of design and competitor audits, to the nuances of materials, regulatory requirements, and print production. Danielle shares practical advice on how brands can avoid costly mistakes, streamline their supply chain, and create packaging that stands out both online and on the shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract 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. The importance of packaging in brand perception and sales2. Process: From initial idea to production-ready design3. Building a design brief and establishing project scope4. Competitive reviews and designing for hierarchy and function5. Balancing creative innovation with must-have regulatory details6. Collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and printers7. Prototyping, mockups, and unboxing experience8. Print technology, material choices, and cost management9. Regulatory review, legal claims, and compliance essentials10. Lead times, timeline planning, and pitfalls of rushing production11. Early-stage packaging vs. scaling up for retail and DTC12. Lessons learned: common mistakes and strategic tips13. Pricing, form factor, and packaging design as sales leversTimestamps00:00 Introducing Danielle Kidney & The Creative Pack05:42 The Creative Pack's client process: from idea to brief10:50 Balancing branding vs. functionality for sales and conversion18:03 Manufacturing realities: materials, dielines, and cost constraints24:39 Colors, mockups, and bringing digital designs to life26:22 Real-world costs of packaging mistakes and risk mitigation29:27 Regulatory musts: nutrition facts, barcodes, legal pitfalls35:10 Realistic timelines for packaging launches and scale40:33 Strategies for startups vs. brands scaling up43:23 Lessons learned and tips for optimizing packaging decisions50:20 Where to connect with Danielle and The Creative PackShow notes powered by CastmagicPast 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 ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokDanielle Kidney - Founder of The Creative PackBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
In “Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead is Dead”, Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how PFNZ is using AI to eliminate the deadhead of private fleets, turning empty miles into profitable, superior capacity while simultaneously driving significant progress toward net zero. About Russ Jones Russell Jones co-founded Private Fleet Net Zero to help the 45% of trucks that are in Private Fleets with usually empty backhauls find loads from $50B+ of 3PL freight spend, leveraging his leadership of Cargo Chief, which enables 1,200+ 3PL buyers with $8B+ of spend to buy transportation capacity more profitably. Previously, Mr. Jones co-founded and led two cloud-based physical security firms. He was also the founding CEO of Clearvox Communications, which pioneered the market for cellular phone headsets, which he sold to Plantronics. Beforehand at Adaptec, Mr. Jones doubled a $50M channel products business to $100M. Mr. Jones has been awarded 10 patents, and holds a BSBA with highest honors from Boston University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. About Private Fleet Net Zero Private Fleet Net Zero, PFNZ, is uniquely aggregating 10,000s of trucks with 1,000s of lanes of underutilized, underpriced, theft-free and superior private and dedicated fleet trucking capacity and matching via multi patent-pending technologies and artificial intelligence to $10Bs of freight spend registered on our cloud-based platform, while generating a compelling client ROI. Our network is quickly and efficiently growing both fleets and 3PLs on PFNZ, which is on a path to save 30M+ tree equivalents. Key Takeaways: Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead In “Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead is Dead”, Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how PFNZ is using AI to eliminate the deadhead of private fleets, turning empty miles into profitable, superior capacity while simultaneously driving significant progress toward net zero. The Death of the Deadhead: The core problem PFNZ addresses is the massive inefficiency of empty backhauls ("deadhead"), which characterizes nearly 45% of the total US trucking capacity operated by private fleets. The episode explains how eliminating this waste is the key to both operational profit and environmental sustainability. The $10B Capacity Solution: PFNZ is uniquely aggregating tens of thousands of private fleet trucks, transforming previously unused lanes into a powerful network. This new capacity is highly desirable to buyers, described by PFNZ as "underpriced, theft-free, and superior." AI-Driven Efficiency: Russ Jones details how multi-patent-pending technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are essential to the solution. The AI efficiently matches this newly aggregated capacity with the $10Bs of freight spend from 3PLs registered on their platform. The Sustainability ROI: The episode connects logistics efficiency directly to environmental impact. By eliminating empty miles, PFNZ is on a path to save the equivalent of 30 million+ trees, demonstrating that net-zero goals can be achieved through fundamental changes in transportation economics. Unlocking New Profit Centers: For private fleet operators, the partnership generates a "compelling client ROI" by turning what was a sunk-cost (the empty backhaul) into a profitable revenue-generating leg, fundamentally changing the economics of fleet ownership. A Proven Disruptor at the Helm: Russ Jones brings a deep history of tech entrepreneurship and market disruption, having pioneered the cellular headset market (Clearvox/Plantronics) and successfully built cloud-based physical security firms. His decade of experience leading Cargo Chief provides the foundation for integrating private fleet capacity with the existing 3PL freight market. Leveraging Existing Market Structures: The platform's success is built on Jones's knowledge of the brokerage world, leveraging his previous experience at Cargo Chief, which currently enables over 1,200 3PL buyers with more than $8 billion in annual spend, ensuring rapid adoption and integration. Learn More About Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead Russ Jones | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero 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
Ever felt like your brain has 5,000 tabs open, you're doing all the things, and you're one big order surge away from collapse?
When a truck breaks down, time isn't just money. It's survival. Fleets lose thousands for every day a vehicle is sidelined, while drivers are left frustrated and in the dark. That's the reality Alex Bezzubets, Founder and CEO of myMechanic, set out to fix.In this episode, Alex shares how myMechanic is tackling the technician shortage, cutting wasted calls, and giving fleets, drivers, and service providers the real-time coordination they've been missing.Key takeaways:Roadside downtime can cost fleets thousands per day, making response speed critical.myMechanic eliminates up to 90% of the phone calls typically required during a breakdown.Fleets, drivers, and mechanics see the same updates, photos, and approvals in real time.The platform is agnostic, connecting providers and fleets without bias or ownership conflicts.Connectivity, not just technician supply, is the real bottleneck in roadside repairs.LINKS:Alex's LinkedInmyMechanic's WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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 happens when a trucking kid grows up to become the industry's “Armchair Attorney”? Matthew Leffler is a third-generation trucking professional turned lawyer who has made it his mission to explain freight's most complicated legal battles in plain English. From nuclear verdicts to AB5 fallout, broker transparency fights to chassis choice rulings—he translates court cases into actionable strategies carriers and brokers can actually use. If you've ever felt lost in the legal jargon but know your business depends on getting it right, this conversation is for you.Key takeaways:Broker transparency debates will reshape contracts, workflows, and margins.Carriers can mitigate nuclear verdict risks by controlling safety and documentation.AB5 compliance requires pragmatic playbooks for carriers and owner-operators.Chassis choice rulings are a rare legal win, lowering costs for motor carriers.Non-compete clauses often stifle careers more than they protect brokerages.LINKS:Matthew's LinkedInLord of the Rings Logistics with Matthew Leffler Armchair AttorneyWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
At the 2025 Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) conference in New Orleans, Kevin sat down with two leaders shaping the warehouse automation conversation: Chris Lingamfelter, founder of Robot Advisors, and Tim Barrett, President of Barrett Distribution Centers. The discussion followed their standing-room-only session, “To Bot or Not,” which explored robotics adoption, ROI, and what the future warehouse workforce might look like. Together, they provided a candid look at how automation is reshaping 3PL operations and how companies can make smarter technology choices.Find EPG at IntraLogistex Miami in September! Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
From AI agents that negotiate contracts to the surprising world of private-label branding, this month's Freight Friends covers the big shifts shaping logistics right now. Blythe and Grace Sharkey break down Grace's experience at the Change event, the rise of HappyRobot and other AI-driven workflows, the state of reverse logistics, and how private-label strategies are influencing everything from Costco to Meghan Markle's failed brand.Key takeaways:Supply chain executives at the Change event are prioritizing education and AI readiness.AI adoption is slowing in some areas, but practical agents like HappyRobot are gaining traction.Reverse logistics is becoming a bigger operational challenge for retailers and manufacturers.Private label strategies separate brand failures from retail giants like Costco.Marketing plays, community spotlights, and Source-to-Porch stories keep freight creative and human.LINKS:Grace's LinkTreeReturns Category on CargoRexDidero AINRF and Happy Returns ReportMichael Gessen's Direct Mail Marketing EffortsReachdesk WebsiteHappyRobot WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
Natan Bershtel is the Director of Business Development at Pelagic, a fractional supply chain partner for growing brands and CPG companies. Before Pelagic, Natan spent nearly 20 years as a public school teacher before joining and eventually running his family's contract packaging business—where he worked with iconic names like Seed, Liquid IV, Celsius, and Element. After his company's exit, Natan teamed up with John Morgan to help brands avoid common operational pitfalls and build supply chains that scale.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natan breaks down what it takes to build a resilient supply chain at every stage of brand growth. He shares practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls, tips on sourcing the right partners, and insights on how successful brands approach manufacturing, fulfillment, and logistics. Natan also highlights why supply chain is core to a brand's success and how founders can create real competitive advantages by making supply chain decisions based on quality, relationships, and flexibility.Episode brought to you by StordInteract 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. Importance of supply chain in DTC and omnichannel brands2. Key players: sourcing, manufacturing, co-packers, 3PLs, and fulfillment3. Differences in supply chain needs for emerging vs. established brands4. Supply chain pitfalls and how to avoid them5. Vetting, relationship-building, and collaboration with your supply chain partners6. Overlooked areas of supply chain where founders lose time/money7. How to approach minimum order quantities and negotiations8. When to outsource fulfillment vs. doing it yourself9. Logistics of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution10. The impact of scale on supply chain decisions11. Using data and timelines to make faster, smarter choices12. Leveraging agency and partner networks for supply chain speed13. Why in-person vendor relationships are crucial14. How truly great supply chains build brand moatsTimestamps00:00 Intro and the state of supply chain in DTC01:40 Natan Bershtel's background and path to Pelagic02:24 Lessons from growing a contract packaging family business04:11 Why supply chain is the backbone of every brand05:28 The role of execution vs. creative vision in CPG07:09 How to find and vet the best manufacturing/packaging partners11:15 The agency advantage: getting reps and sharing supply chain intel12:41 Core players in bringing a product to market15:04 Aligning supply chain strategy with brand vision and goals16:56 Two playbooks for scaling: bootstrap profit vs. capital-intensive growth19:48 Timelines—how to ask supply partners the right questions21:41 How and when to ask for what you need from partners26:32 End-to-end product launch: manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment28:42 When to move fulfillment to a 3PL (and when to keep it in-house)33:15 Tech and process innovation at leading 3PLs35:14 Strategic decisions: packaging, location, and unit economics38:58 Challenging assumptions and reviewing supply chain regularly42:08 Supply chain as brand moat and advantage44:13 Final tips: Always go in-person and build real relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast 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 ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatan Bershtel - Director of Business Development at PelagicBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, Joe Lynch and Spencer Tenney, President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. About Spencer Tenney Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm's day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Prior to Tenney Group, Spencer worked as a Director at Merritt Hawkins, a healthcare recruiting firm in Dallas. He also owned a music publishing company. Spencer and his wife, Lauren, reside outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee and have been married for 13 years. He has three amazing kids – 9,6, & 3. He enjoys writing country music, reading presidential biographies, and F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith). He currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty. About Tenney Group Tenney Group are mergers and acquisitions advisors who work with business owners in the 3PL, trucking, and bus industry. These business owners are hardworking individuals or teams who have created and lead companies that are the backbone of America. Unfortunately, pitfalls unique to the transportation industry can threaten an owner's ability to sell their business for what they deserve or even threaten their ability to sell at all. Luckily, Tenney Group has developed an industry specialized process that enables business owners to navigate these pitfalls and maximize their ability to get a deal done. Ultimately, this allows owners to impact their family, employees, and community in profound ways while also giving them peace of mind that they made the best decision. The Tenney Group's unique expertise helps transportation business owners build and protect business value, grow through acquisitions, and optimize the sale of their businesses. The Tenney Group was established in 1973 and has completed over 200 transportation deals. Key Takeaways: The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, Joe Lynch and Spencer Tenney, President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. M&A Activity Has Evolved, Not Ended: While the pace of M&A activity has slowed in recent quarters, the market remains active, albeit more selective. The prolonged freight recession and compressed margins have made buyers more cautious, leading to fewer, but more strategic, deals. Freight-Tech M&A Remains a Hotspot: Despite the broader slowdown in logistics M&A, the freight technology sector is seeing robust activity. Acquirers are focused on securing companies with innovative solutions in areas like artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time visibility to gain a competitive edge and build more resilient supply chains. Differentiation is the Ultimate Defense: In a challenging market, sellers must differentiate themselves beyond price. Building a "competitive moat" through specialized expertise—like a unique technology platform or a highly specific service offering—is essential for attracting serious buyers and securing a premium valuation. The "Flight to Quality" is Intensifying: Buyers are increasingly discerning. They are prioritizing companies with strong fundamentals, including clean financials, a proven track record, and a clear path to profitability. This trend means that well-managed, high-quality companies are still finding strong demand, while others may struggle to find a buyer. Strategic Growth Through Acquisition: The current market environment is pushing companies to seek growth through strategic acquisitions rather than organic expansion alone. Companies are looking to acquire new capabilities, expand into new markets, or integrate new technologies to navigate the challenging economic landscape and position themselves for the next growth cycle. The Importance of Owner Independence: A business that relies too heavily on its owner for daily operations and key relationships is a significant risk for a buyer. To maximize value and attract the best offers, logistics leaders must build a business that can run smoothly without them. Culture and Integration are Crucial for a Successful Deal: Beyond the financial numbers, the success of an M&A deal in the logistics sector often hinges on the smooth integration of the two companies. A thoughtful plan for merging company cultures and operational processes is essential to realize the intended synergies and ensure long-term success. Learn More About The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders Spencer Tenney | LinkedIn Tenney Group | LinkedIn Tenney Group | Homepage Spencer Tenney and the Tenney Group Story What's Driving the 3PL Industry Consolidation with Spencer Tenney Transportation M&A with Spencer Tenney 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
Anne Reinke didn't plan on leaving the Transportation Intermediaries Association, but when the longtime IANA leader retired after more than two decades, she received an offer she couldn't refuse. With a lifelong passion for rail and deep experience at CSX and TIA, Anne stepped into the role of President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America.In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Anne shares how she hit the ground running with a listening tour of IANA's membership, her vision for elevating the association's profile, and the key policy issues she's prioritizing in Washington. She also breaks down the often-overlooked benefits of intermodal and why it deserves more attention from shippers and policymakers alike.Key takeaways:Anne's career path from CSX to TIA prepared her to lead IANA.A nationwide listening tour is shaping IANA's strategy and member priorities.Intermodal's complexity often hides its cost and sustainability advantages.Advocacy efforts focus on labor, infrastructure, and independent contractor protections.IANA is working to boost awareness and build trust in intermodal.LINKS:Anne's LinkedInIntermodal Association of North America WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Maïré Bavarday, CEO and Founder of Ecomspaces, a unique hybrid of a creator accelerator and third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Bavarday's journey into logistics began in her bedroom back in 2013, eventually leading her to launch Ecomspaces in 2020. Today, her company helps small and growing e-commerce brands scale through fulfillment services, strategic guidance, and community-driven support. From overcoming cash flow challenges to building innovative partnerships, Bavarday shares how her team is redefining what founders should expect from their 3PL partners.Find EPG at IntraLogistex Miami in September! Get your free ID Label sample right here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Ryan Bartlett, founder of True Classic, and this one was wild. He took a $3,000 investment and turned it into a $270 million t-shirt company, all without venture funding. We broke down exactly how he pulled it off from finding product market fit to reverse engineering Facebook ads, negotiating every SaaS and 3PL deal, and turning free gifts into a growth engine. He shared the hidden power of starting with a simple agency, why CRO and email are the smartest plays right now, and how you can test 50 product ideas a month with almost no risk. We also went deep on how he uses comedy in advertising to build unforgettable brand moments and why inventory innovation is the future of ecom. Ryan even dropped a few business ideas he doesn't have time to pursue and one of them might be yours now.True Classic: https://www.trueclassic.comFollow Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanBartlettEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Michael DeLeonardis, Chief Revenue Officer at Verity, about how the company is transforming warehouse operations through autonomous drones, computer vision, and AI-driven insights. Verity positions itself as a warehouse intelligence platform that goes beyond traditional cycle counting to uncover lost goods, increase accuracy, and boost operational resilience. With more than 150 deployments worldwide across industries like retail, 3PL, and manufacturing, Verity is setting a new benchmark for warehouse inventory accuracy and supply chain efficiency. Michael also shares details about a recent RFID pilot project with Maersk, highlighting how drones can deliver even greater precision in environments with high-value goods.Find EPG at IntraLogistex Miami in September! Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Jason Murray—CEO & co-founder of Shipium and 19-year Amazon vet—joins Everything Is Logistics to unpack what really moves the needle for shippers: accurate delivery promises, multi-carrier execution, and where AI agents add real value today. We get into the “coordination layer” most retailers are missing across OMS/WMS/TMS, building a digital twin of your network, and why faster can actually be cheaper when your method mix and lanes are modeled correctly. Favorite line: Shipium's role is a “super-sophisticated calculator” for decisions the human brain (and spreadsheets) simply can't keep up with.Key takeawaysThe coordination gap is costly. Most enterprises make siloed decisions in OMS/WMS; the win is a horizontal optimizer that weighs transportation, inventory, and cost together. Promise precision beats blanket speed. Customers want confidence in “by Thursday,” not generic “2-day.” Model ship dates and probability of arrival—and constantly backtest your predictions. Digital twins drive smarter choices. Shipium models lanes, cutoffs, and costs in real time to choose carrier/method, where to ship from, and what to promise. AI agents = productivity multipliers. Early wins: a “what happened to this shipment?” chat workflow, and agents watching network signals (the old Amazon “little red button”) to trigger reroutes. Money on the table. Method optimization and delivery-promise installs have driven multi-million-dollar annual savings for large retailers. LINKS:Shipium's WebsiteJason's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
Discover how C.H. Robinson's aggressive adoption of AI has significantly boosted its stock price, even in a weak freight market, leading to a 52-week high. Learn about their new "Always-on Logistics Planner," an agentic AI-driven "digital teammate" within its Managed Solutions 4PL arm, which autonomously handles tasks 24/7 and has achieved 100% customer adoption among its clients. We confront the growing peril of escalating cargo theft, a critical concern in the industry, with North American cargo thefts surging 27% year-over-year in 2024, resulting in $455 million in stolen goods across 3,625 incidents. Hear how Ceva Logistics alone suffered over $18.3 million in losses from eight incidents, often due to security policy breakdowns like using unvetted carriers or inactive GPS trackers, making warehouses particularly vulnerable. Analyze major shifts in international trade, including a new EU-US trade truce framework designed to stabilize container flows for goods like pharmaceuticals and agricultural products on transatlantic lanes. However, this framework notably excludes automobiles, with continued high tariffs leading to a 16.8% decline in European car exports to the U.S. in the first half of this year, potentially shifting consumer demand towards domestic or Asian suppliers. Examine developments in workforce and infrastructure, as FedEx Supply Chain is laying off 611 employees in Memphis after Cummins Inc. moved a significant portion of its distribution to a new 3PL in Indianapolis for efficiency. In stark contrast, South Korea's Hanwha Group announced a $5 billion investment to expand its Philadelphia shipyard, aiming to increase shipbuilding capacity to 20 vessels annually and double the local workforce to 3,000 by 2025 as part of a larger $150 billion commitment to revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector. Finally, we unpack the serious rail regulatory turbulence caused by President Trump's firing of STB member Robert E. Primus, creating a 2-2 partisan split and leaving the board short two members. This controversial move comes just months before a major merger application (Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern) is expected and has already stalled other important rail proceedings, raising concerns that it could weaken the board and harm the freight rail network, consumers, and the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover how C.H. Robinson's aggressive adoption of AI has significantly boosted its stock price, even in a weak freight market, leading to a 52-week high. Learn about their new "Always-on Logistics Planner," an agentic AI-driven "digital teammate" within its Managed Solutions 4PL arm, which autonomously handles tasks 24/7 and has achieved 100% customer adoption among its clients. We confront the growing peril of escalating cargo theft, a critical concern in the industry, with North American cargo thefts surging 27% year-over-year in 2024, resulting in $455 million in stolen goods across 3,625 incidents. Hear how Ceva Logistics alone suffered over $18.3 million in losses from eight incidents, often due to security policy breakdowns like using unvetted carriers or inactive GPS trackers, making warehouses particularly vulnerable. Analyze major shifts in international trade, including a new EU-US trade truce framework designed to stabilize container flows for goods like pharmaceuticals and agricultural products on transatlantic lanes. However, this framework notably excludes automobiles, with continued high tariffs leading to a 16.8% decline in European car exports to the U.S. in the first half of this year, potentially shifting consumer demand towards domestic or Asian suppliers. Examine developments in workforce and infrastructure, as FedEx Supply Chain is laying off 611 employees in Memphis after Cummins Inc. moved a significant portion of its distribution to a new 3PL in Indianapolis for efficiency. In stark contrast, South Korea's Hanwha Group announced a $5 billion investment to expand its Philadelphia shipyard, aiming to increase shipbuilding capacity to 20 vessels annually and double the local workforce to 3,000 by 2025 as part of a larger $150 billion commitment to revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector. Finally, we unpack the serious rail regulatory turbulence caused by President Trump's firing of STB member Robert E. Primus, creating a 2-2 partisan split and leaving the board short two members. This controversial move comes just months before a major merger application (Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern) is expected and has already stalled other important rail proceedings, raising concerns that it could weaken the board and harm the freight rail network, consumers, and the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Private Fleet Net Zero's co-founder, Russell Jones, talks about how his platform is delivering better pricing, safer service, and stronger margins, transforming the way brokers access private fleet capacity! Russ shares his journey to building a multimillion-dollar business that helps fleets and brokers unlock billions in freight spend through AI-powered freight matching, long-haul opportunities, and the future of freight brokerages in the age of technology and automation! About Russell Jones Russell Jones co-founded Private Fleet Net Zero to help the 45% of trucks that are in Private Fleets with usually empty backhauls find loads from $50B+ of 3PL freight spend, leveraging his leadership of Cargo Chief, which enables 1,200+ 3PL buyers with $8B+ of spend to buy transportation capacity more profitably. Previously, Mr. Jones co-founded and led two cloud-based physical security firms. He was also the founding CEO of Clearvox Communications, which pioneered the market for cellular phone headsets, which he sold to Plantronics. Beforehand at Adaptec, Mr. Jones doubled a $50M channel products business to $100M. Mr. Jones has been awarded 10 patents, and holds a BSBA with highest honors from Boston University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Connect with Russ Website: https://privatefleetnz.com/ Demo: https://privatefleetnz.com/get-a-demo/
Freight fraud is one of the biggest threats facing independent brokers today, and many agents are left without a playbook for how to respond. In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Blythe talks with Mark Funk and Shiv Narayan of SPI Logistics about building an action plan to protect agents, their customers, and their carriers. From red flags to response strategies, this conversation lays out the steps every agent should know.Key takeaways: Why freight fraud is escalating and what makes agents vulnerable. The most common fraud tactics used against brokers and carriers. How SPI equips agents with tools and processes to fight back. The role of culture, training, and communication in prevention. What agents should do immediately when they suspect fraud.LINKS:SPI Logistics Freight Agent WebsiteSPI Freight Agent ProgramMark's LinkedInShiv's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL VIDEO HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
Briana Birkholz and Joe Lynch discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. Briana is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce, the world's leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. About Briana Birkholz Briana Birkholz is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce. With a passion for overcoming supply chain and logistics challenges, Briana is committed to addressing the distinct needs of customers through comprehensive, full-service solutions. Briana's extensive experience in driving innovation, strategic development and execution consistently delivers outstanding results for third-party logistics companies. 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: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain Briana Birkholz and Joe Lynch discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. The hidden enemies include the following: Inconsistent Time to Revenue: The Silent Growth Killer - Lengthy onboarding processes erode cash flow and strain customer relationships, highlighting evolving customer expectations. SPS Commerce's "plug-and-play" solutions drastically reduce onboarding time from months to days. The Cost of Chaos: Inconsistent Order Intake - Managing orders through disparate channels (phone, email, portals, PDFs) breeds errors and jeopardizes SLAs due to human error. SPS Commerce standardizes order formats for improved efficiency and control. Decoding Retailer Complexity: Unravel the challenges of adhering to intricate retailer requirements (packing slips, labels, routing guides, ASN timing) and the costly consequences of non-compliance (chargebacks, damaged relationships, lost shelf space). SPS Commerce automates document generation and validation to ensure first-time compliance. SPS Commerce is the world's leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. SPS Commerce brings the following advantages: Industry Leader in Cloud-Based EDI Solutions: SPS Commerce specializes in cloud-based supply chain management, helping retailers, suppliers, and logistics providers automate and streamline their operations through advanced EDI and data analytics tools. Demonstrated Consistent Growth as a High-Performing Public Company: SPS Commerce has a long and consistent track record of growth, primarily organic, underscoring its position as a strong performer on NASDAQ (ticker: SPSC). Global Presence with Local Support: Headquartered in Minneapolis, SPS has expanded internationally with offices in major cities like Toronto, Melbourne, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong, supporting a worldwide customer base with localized service. Growth via Smart Acquisitions: Strategic buys like Data Masons, InterTrade, and SupplyPike have allowed SPS to broaden its tech stack and deepen its value across the retail supply chain ecosystem. Recognized for Culture and Innovation: Known for its positive workplace environment, SPS was ranked the best large workplace in Minnesota in 2015 and continues to invest in talent and innovation to drive forward-thinking supply chain solutions. Learn More About Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain Briana Birkholz | Linkedin SPS Commerce | Linkedin SPS Commerce Woods Distribution Case Study Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics 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
Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the logistics tech landscape. In this episode of Freight Friends, Blythe and Grace Sharkey unpack what recent deals mean for the industry, how SEO strategies are shifting under AI pressure, and what freight markets could look like in the coming months. They also explore the ripple effects for carriers, shippers, and the tech companies caught in the middle. Key takeaways: Tech consolidation is reshaping how freight companies compete and collaborate. SEO strategies in logistics are changing fast with AI and shifting consumer behavior. Carriers and shippers are feeling the pressure of an uncertain second half of 2025. Market moves today will set the tone for 2026 freight demand and technology adoption.LINKS:Grace's LinktreeFreightGames.io"Flexport Tycoon"LinkedIn post on Instagram SEOCloudflare fighting against the LLM botsWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.RICHPANELCut your support costs by 30% and reduce tickets by 30%—guaranteed—with Richpanel's AI-first Customer Service Platform that will reduce costs, improve agent productivity & delight customers at http://www.richpanel.com/partners/ajf?utm_source=youtube.//Most DTC teams want wholesale but treat it like a black box. In this episode, Jared Mehr (Pura Vida) lays out the exact path he used to build a $35M wholesale program—from first doors to trade shows to rep groups—without blowing up margins or ops.What you'll learn:- Readiness checklist before you call a buyer: inventory, UPC/SKU hygiene, pricing, 3PL capabilities, and wholesale order flow- The real margin model (retail 50 / brand 50), why big boxes demand an extra 10–20% off wholesale, and how to price with future sales-rep commissions- Why “permanent promo” DTC tactics kill retailer interest—and what to do instead- Cash-flow realities: net-30/60/90, chargebacks, AR risk, and why a mom-and-pop baseline protects you when majors change POs- How to get your first accounts: outreach scripts, sampling, store-locator lead lists, and door-to-door tactics that still work- Operational must-haves: displays that drive sell-through, starter packs, minimums, and a reorder cadence that compounds- When wholesale beats ecom on profit, and how channels can lift each other rather than cannibalize- Scaling playbook: when to add trade shows, inside sales, and regional rep groups—and how to vet the right partners- Merch & forecasting: use pre-booking data to decide what to actually make (and what not to)If you're feeling margin pressure, stagnant growth, or rising CAC, this episode gives you a practical, de-risked way to add a meaningful revenue channel—complete with the numbers, sequences, and pitfalls to avoid. No hype. Just a clear plan to get into stores and sell through.//CHAPTER TITLES:00:01:36 - The Retail Experience: Should I Do It For My Brand?00:02:18 - How Jareds Got His Start In The Retail Business00:04:54 - Why It's Important To Establish A Brand Online00:08:24 - Good $ Starting Point For A Brand To Turn Retail00:12:14 - First Things To Do 00:16:10 - How Profit & Margin Work In Retail Relationships00:23:31 - Wholesale Vs Ecommerce00:25:57 - The Sales Process00:32:47 - The Hotel Gift Shop00:35:38 - In Store Merchandising00:41:25 - What Sales Pitch Worked For Me00:45:13 - How To Be Successful Once You Are In Stores//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Kashif Raza, founder and CEO of 3Linx Unified Commerce. Kashif shares the company's evolution from a basement operation to a technology-driven fulfillment network and how it now serves as a bridge between e-commerce brands and 3PL providers. Built out of frustration with slow, expensive warehouse management systems, 3Linx was designed to simplify operations, foster collaboration, and keep brands informed in real time. Kashif offers candid insights on the challenges 3PL operators face, from expensive leases to commoditization, and explains how 3Linx's hub-and-spoke model, values-driven operations, and “family” approach are helping members diversify revenue and survive in a competitive market.Find EPG at IntraLogistex Miami in September! Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
This solo episode of Everything is Logistics pulls back the curtain on CargoRex's new Associations directory—why we built it, who it serves, and how to use it to find the right freight, logistics, and supply chain associations for your goals.You'll hear the product decisions behind the category (taxonomy, search, and selection criteria), the problems it solves for busy operators, and a simple workflow to turn a membership into a pipeline. Plus, how you can suggest an association, claim your listing, and what's coming next in the CargoRex roadmap.Key takeaways:The problem: association info is scattered, outdated, and hard to compare.The build: a clean index of freight/logistics associations with filters that match how pros evaluate membership.The win: faster discovery, better fit, clearer ROI on dues and time.How to use it: shortlist, compare perks, plan engagement, measure results.What's next: more categories, better search, and member playbooks.“Membership only works if you work it. CargoRex helps you pick smarter and act faster.”Try it: Head to CargoRex and open the Associations category to search, compare, and submit missing orgs.LINKS:CargoRex WebsiteCargoRex AssociationsBest Trade Associations for Logistics Professionals: Boost Your Network, Knowledge & CredibilityWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
Tidalwave was born out of bringing production in-house for their e-commerce brand. While Bradley & Matt may have underestimated the gravity of this endeavor, they found greater value in the opportunities that came with it, propelling them to becoming the 37th fasting growing business in 2025. Topics of discussion include: grass being greener on the other side, having sales before skills, 3PL & fulfillment, utilizing twitter/X, focusing your customer profile, automations and equipment, print on demand, box robots, managing your PnL, and the value of friendship.
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, host Kevin speaks with Jason Minghini, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at Kenco, a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) solutions. Jason shares how Kenco proactively navigates tariff complexities affecting global trade and innovatively leverages automation and robotics to overcome persistent labor shortages in warehousing. They explore recent automation initiatives, including collaborations with AutoStore and GreyOrange, delivering valuable insights for operational flexibility and efficiency.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Before we can build a base on the Moon, we need something even more important than astronauts: a supply chain. In this episode of Everything is Logistics, we're exploring the "New Silk Road in Space" with Joe Pawelski, CTO and co-founder of CisLunar Industries. Joe breaks down how his company is developing the infrastructure to support in-space manufacturing, power systems, and debris recycling—all to make lunar logistics a reality. From turning orbital junk into usable fuel and metal to enabling sustainable lunar operations, this conversation connects the dots between space innovation and real-world logistics strategy. We cover: How the Space Foundry and Power Processing Units (PPUs) enable space-based supply chains What it takes to build and power a Moon base Why orbital recycling is more than space cleanup—it's a new source of fuel and materials The METAL framework and what it means for lunar logistics infrastructure What logistics pros on Earth can learn from solving supply chain challenges 240,000 miles away Whether you move freight by truck, ship, or spacecraft—this episode delivers.Listen in and imagine the future where cargo routes don't stop at the atmosphere.LINKS:Joe's LinkedInCisLunar Industries LinkedInCisLunar Industries WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
John Melizanis believes third-party logistics fees often produce surprise charges. Per-item pricing for picks, packs, and receiving can turn an anticipated $1 per order fee into $2.50 or more, he says.John is the co-founder of ShipDudes, a New Jersey-based 3PL launched in 2020. His company uses flat-rate pricing for pick-and-pack and warehousing, and no markup for shipping. "Brands appreciate knowing their exact costs," he told me.In this episode, John addressed the origins of ShipDudes, in-store retail, warehouse automation, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/the-no-surprise-3pl-pricing-modelFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel. ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com
The logistics industry can often feel like a numbers game, but Linda Carrion is here to remind us it's always been about the people, especially the drivers. In this episode, Linda shares how she went from medical assistant to CEO of two freight companies, why her approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, and how local networks like the Propeller Club are changing the business landscape in Jacksonville. Whether you're building a freight business or just trying to hold on during a tough market, Linda's story offers real talk and practical advice. Key takeaways: The agent model gave Linda the safety net to grow her business without sacrificing independence. Building trust and transparency with drivers leads to better retention and long-term reliability. Intermodal operations are anything but cookie-cutter and require constant problem-solving. Local organizations like the Propeller Club play a critical role in fostering freight community connections.LINKS:Linda's LinkedInCarry-on Transportation Solutions WebsiteJAXPORT WebsiteTALON Jax WebsitePropeller Club - Port of Jacksonville WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry's go-to search platform—connecting you 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.
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Charles Ickes, CEO of Bergen Logistics and CloudX Systems. With a background that began in high-end dry cleaning and led to leadership roles in fashion logistics, Charles shares how his journey shaped Bergen's approach to global 3PL services and warehouse technology. Now operating under the Elanders Group umbrella, Bergen Logistics has grown from a regional fashion-focused provider to a worldwide network of 19 fulfillment centers—all powered by a single WMS: CloudX.Charles walks us through the benefits of owning their tech stack, how they're helping brands navigate supply chain disruption, and why bonded warehousing and FTZs are becoming critical for fashion brands facing skyrocketing tariffs.Learn more about Collision Awareness here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Rodney Galeano, Founder and CEO of Loki 3PL, about his journey from overseeing massive warehouse operations to launching his own third-party logistics company. Recorded live at Supply Chain Point 2025, Rodney opens up about the hustle, the strategy, and the sheer grit it took to launch a fully operational 3PL in under six weeks, with clients, forklifts, a WMS, and thousands of pallets ready to go.Rodney shares how his extensive industry experience and strong relationships enabled him to transition from idea to execution in record time. From subleasing space and signing tech contracts to building a reliable team and onboarding clients, his story offers a raw, real look at what it takes to succeed in the ultra-competitive 3PL space. The conversation also touches on his take on tech investments, client expectations, and the naming inspiration behind “Loki.”Learn more about Collision Awareness here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Bill Carlin didn't just build a business; he built a movement. From shipping packages out of his bedroom to launching Racklify, a no-BS platform that connects merchants with warehouses (without shady middlemen), Bill's story is a crash course in modern e-commerce, fulfillment, and hustle. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fulfillment is make-or-break for online sellers What COVID did to the world of shipping and logistics How to avoid getting screwed by bad 3PL (third-party logistics) providers The smarter way to grow your product biz (locally & globally) Who is Bill? William “Bill” Carlin is the founder of Shipmate Fulfillment and Racklify, the latter now operating in 50+ countries. A Wharton alum, Bill built a $10M e-commerce business, expanded it into 3PL operations, and now redefines logistics with a tech-driven marketplace. Why Should You Listen? This episode is packed with usable tips for anyone selling online, whether you're just starting out or scaling fast. If you want fewer shipping headaches and more smart growth, hit play. Favorite Quote: “Business schools do not teach sales. If you want to sell, you gotta learn it yourself.” Connect with Bill: Website: https://racklify.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-carlin-2100b5189/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd6or1xDBCclDJ-PGWy0cbA