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Welcome to another live discussion, and don't miss out on this week's last episode for more real-world sales and entrepreneurship insights! Today, you'll learn why a disciplined daily structure is vital for personal success, investing in mindset development and networking, preparing for potential exhaustion when building sustainable businesses, and being resilient during early entrepreneurial stages!  

In this episode, Tristan Bordallo is back on the show to break down more action plans for growing a trucking business! Tristan shares what small carriers are falling in the current market condition, the crucial role of hiring qualified people for cash flow and business development, how to run a successful freight operation, the impact of customer satisfaction ratings on carrier reputations, and more that you shouldn't miss!   About Tristan Bordallo Tristan has been in the trucking business for 21 years, started in LTL brokerage Diversified Transportation and became a 1099 rep after 3 months (did it for 5 yrs), co-owned an agency for Covenant Transport for 10 years , and launched his own brokerage Fr8topia and asset-based carrier Iamfr8 (6 years ago). I'm still figuring it out!   Connect with Tristan Website: https://www.iamfr8.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristan-bordallo-a57860162/  

Our friend Sean Smith from Denim is back on the show, and today, he shares tons of advice for freight brokers and other industry professionals about what shippers are looking for when choosing freight partners! Tune in to know shippers' sentiments in the current market condition, what brokers should prioritize to enhance service delivery and relationships, the importance of effective billing and clean back office processes, and why financial responsibility is critical to business success!   About Sean Smith Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing.  Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet.   Connect with Sean Website: https://www.denim.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithseanp/  Twitter (X): https://x.com/smithseanp  

This week, Andrew has a candid conversation with Jett McCandless, CEO and founder of project44, about his freight journey, from making $12 an hour at Roadway Express to building a global supply chain network that powers more than 1 billion shipments across 180+ countries each year. Jett opens up about growing up on food stamps in Section 8 housing, the hard-earned lessons from his exit at GlobalTranz, and the bold vision behind project44's next frontier: Movement, its Decision Intelligence Platform.In this episode, Jett shares:The story of GlobalTranz's rapid growth, the complexities of its sale, and how that experience fueled his next move.How project44 evolved from an LTL API tool into a global visibility platform and now into the newly launched Movement, an AI-powered decision engine.Why “visibility” today means more than track and trace and how true supply chain intelligence includes inventory in motion, predictive insights, and transaction-level optimization.His big vision and response to industry buzz around project44 becoming an “operating system” for logistics and why that vision could shift power dynamics in the industry. A bold take on the future of transactional brokerages and why tech-forward disruption is just getting started.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

Get the latest equipment financing and industry updates from today's returning guest, James Currier of Finloc! James shares what Ontario is facing that affects freight volumes, the impact of frequent tariff announcements and geopolitical tensions, the overall market volatility, and the importance of preparing for cyclical economic changes!    About James Currier James Currier is the Chief Revenue Officer at Finloc USA, where James leads the sales team across the country in a relentless pursuit for increased market share in the equipment finance field. After starting his professional career as a Business Analyst in the healthcare field, James came to realize that his passions were best suited to dealing with people and organizations aiming for growth. After a two year contract was completed with Fraser & Interior Health Authorities in British Columbia, a career change ensued and James has not looked back since. Combining the analytical fundamentals learned in healthcare and a natural gravitation towards people and business development, James has thrived in a sales career since 2012, leading, managing, and training dozens of people over the past several years. Subsequent to the completion of a >$400MM acquisition at his previous company, James made the jump to Finloc where he was first tasked with hiring and redeveloping the Ontario, Canada market. James was then assigned to manage the US division for Finloc as a player/coach, originating new asset-based financing opportunities and finding, attracting, and training new talent. James has worked in an exceptionally diverse range of roles since the age of 15, starting as a minor hockey league referee. His openness to new experience has allowed James to experience positions as a head of high-profile security, high-adventure whitewater rafter guide, Corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Reserve, business analyst, VIP/Private security operative, personal support worker, guitar teacher, and sales leader. As a well-versed hobbyist who enjoys learning and new experiences, James enjoys coaching/playing/watching hockey, swimming, guitar, hunting, fly fishing, boating/canoeing, cycling, hiking, woodworking, motorcycling, reading, DIY projects, and evening walks with his wife, 2 boys, and golden retriever.   Connect with James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-currier-clfp-232b0842/?originalSubdomain=ca  Email: james.currier@finloc.com  

Today, our first guest for the week, Garrett Bowers of Bowers Trucking, explains the significance of face-to-face networking and its role in building relationships within the transportation industry! Garrett highlights how crucial it is to create a personal connection with potential clients, build systems for business development, prospect consistently, enhance transparency, and operate teams efficiently for scalability and profitability!   About Garrett Bowers Born and raised in Ponca City, Garrett is a proud alumni of PO-HI where he played football, wrestled, and was highly involved in 4H and FFA. Garrett earned a scholarship to attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College for livestock judging and his success there led to scholarship opportunities to join the Oklahoma State University judging team. At OSU, Garrett served as a Senator for the College of Agriculture. His livestock judging team members won several national contests including the coveted national collegiate championship in 2006. He graduated OSU with a bachelor's degree in May of 2007. Although Garrett grew up working alongside his father, Ranond, and grandfather, Glen (who was the founder of Bowers Trucking) – he was no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures. Before the age of 10, he had as many as 20 bottle-fed calves and even sold watermelon and corn in front of the truck yard alongside Highway 60. Later on, at age 16 he started his own custom hay business, which earned him the National FFA Degree recognition in 2004. When Garrett joined the family business after graduation in 2007, Bowers Trucking operated a dozen trucks within a 150-mile radius concentrated on end dump, aggregate, and construction material hauling. By 2010, Garrett diversified operations by redirecting focus to service the vast manufacturing industries located in Ponca City. By 2013, Bowers Trucking was operating in all 48 states and expanded into Canada and Mexico. Increased customer demand ultimately led to Garrett starting his own logistics company to help coordinate customer overflow. In 2016, Bowers Logistics was formed and the first agent was hired to meet the growing customer base with partner trucking companies looking for freight. By 2018, Bowers Trucking and Bowers Logistics became Department of Defense certified – the first trucking company based in Oklahoma to do so. Today, Bowers Trucking and Bowers Logistics employs 58 full-time employees. Together, the companies operate 50 trucks, and 108 trailers and service 5,000+ carrier partners while still retaining their core customer base from over a decade ago. Garrett met his wife Melissa in Athens, Georgia when the Oklahoma State Cowboys played their season opener against the University of Georgia. With some irresistible charm and a truckload of luck, Garrett convinced Melissa to relocate to Ponca City in 2009. Garrett and Melissa have been married for 13+ years, and they have a son, HB, who graduated PO-HI in  2021 and attended Oklahoma State University. Garrett coached HB's elementary year football teams and served on Osage County's Livestock Board, the FFA Booster Club, and the Quarterback Club. He is a graduate of Ponca City Leadership. He currently serves as seat # 3 commissioner for the City of Ponca City and has been an appointed trustee with the Ponca City Development Authority since 2018 and was chosen to serve two terms on U.S. Senator Inhofe's Service Academy Selection Committee.   Connect with Garrett Website: https://bowerstrucks.com/  Email: garrett@bowerstrucks.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-bowers-7a2b9186/  

Dive into our last guest this week, Ed Burns from Burns Logistics, discussing the latest trends in freight and the impact of tariffs and politics on the industry! Ed shares the importance of operational resilience and effective cost management in the current market downturn, a platform to improve contract freight opportunities for shippers and carriers, the current market instability and tariff uncertainty, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in freight!   Resources / References https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trump-new-round-tariffs https://www.freightwaves.com/news/layoff-wave-hits-freight-sector-as-nearly-9000-jobs-slashed https://www.freightwaves.com/news/truck-safety-group-warns-of-political-interference-danger-at-dot   About Ed Burns Ed is the Chief Executive Optimist at Burns Logistics. He recently joined the family business to help widen and deepen their relationships with both shippers and carriers. He brings a background in marketing, which he uses to improve their company's digital presence. When not working, Ed enjoys going for walks, reading, and meeting new people.   Connect with Ed Website: https://trusygnal.com/ / https://burnslogistics.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/relationship-guy/  

Today, Velocitor Solution's Rudy Nemeth talks about the evolution of fleet technology from digitizing basic processes to integrated platforms that enhance safety and efficiency! Rudy highlights how utilizing AI in fleet management helps identify safety issues, existing data challenges in logistics companies, cash flow constraints faced by small businesses, and the benefits of technology advancements!   About Rudy Nemeth As the VP of Sales at Velocitor Solutions, Rudy has over 25 years of experience in new business development for mobile software solutions and managed mobile services. His expertise includes Enterprise Cross-Platform Mobile Apps, Mobile Back-End, and ERP Integration. He also manages a fleet management system that includes GPS tracking, telematics monitoring, FMCSA-compliant ELD system, driver score cards, and in-cab video. His vertical markets include Consumer Packaged Goods, Field Service, Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, and Field Sales. He's passionate about delivering innovative and effective mobile solutions to various industries and helping businesses optimize their operations and performance.   Connect with Rudy Website: https://velocitor.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudynemeth/  

In this episode, you'll hear an analysis of what shippers look for when selecting freight providers, their sentiments and challenges, and how to build long-term relationships with them effectively. Tune in so you won't miss another discussion that will help you stand out as a freight broker! 2025 Shipper Pulse Report: https://shorturl.at/Eixz9  

Today, we're joined by incredible women in transportation, Lacey Olson and Amanda Haire - the co-founders of Transport Express! Despite coming from different industries, Lacey and Amanda share how they got into the freight business and continue to thrive, their challenges due to changing market conditions, and their focus on promoting a work-life balance, creating standard operating procedures, training manuals, and KPIs to enhance operational scalability!   About Lacey Olson and Amanda Haire Lacey Olson is the Co-owner of Transport Express, a Minnesota-based freight brokerage she acquired with her business partner, Amanda Haire, in 2021. She began her career in investment banking before taking a hiatus to raise her three boys. Today, she holds an MBA and co-owns a concrete and masonry company with her husband. Her experience spans finance, logistics, construction, and real estate investing—all rooted in a drive to build strong, values-aligned businesses. Lacey believes momentum comes from doing the little things well and brings a steady, thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship. Amanda Haire grew up around entrepreneurship — watching her dad run a third-generation lumber yard sparked her own desire to build something lasting. Before entering the transportation industry, she spent over a decade as a paramedic, a role that taught her to lead with calm and purpose under pressure. She also invested in and co-owned businesses in the residential construction space. Today, she's proud to help modernize a legacy business and to inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship.   Connect with Lacey and Amanda Website: https://www.transportexpress.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceyroxannolson/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-haire-980424232/  

Tune in and be updated today on the current transportation industry, with significant capacity and challenges in customer relationships, regional freight trends, insights on the impact of upcoming NMFC code changes, and the significance of continuous business development in a competitive market!   References/Resources https://www.joc.com/article/us-trucking-rate-momentum-stalls-amid-volume-decline-cass-ppis-6023976 https://www.joc.com/article/schneider-jb-hunt-see-us-truck-capacity-shrinking-in-h2-6023884 https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trump-california-emissions  

Let's end this week with more business growth strategies with today's guest, John Marienau of Valey, sharing his real industry experience! John highlights the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship in freight, the importance of consistent daily effort and sustainable work practices, Valey's comprehensive staffing solutions, and his goal to promote a supportive entrepreneurial community!   About John Marienau John Marienau blends over a decade of logistics and project leadership with a love for smart systems and great teams. At Valey, he's on a mission to help founders do their best work by helping teams move faster, smoother, and with more intention. Valey's special offer for listeners: https://www.valey.io/freightcoach/   

If you're looking for more strategies to operate and manage your freight business efficiently, look no further and listen to our guest, Kyle Lintner! Kyle emphasizes improving cash flow and profitability, key business assessment processes, the importance of automation, balancing technology and human interaction, and leveraging AI tools for various tasks!   About Kyle Lintner Born, raised, and residing in Chicago, Kyle Lintner is an unapologetic Cubs fan, free market enthusiast, and logical tamer of risk. Utilizing 25 years of investment market experience, Kyle employs a unique methodology to solve problems within supply chains. With an objective, analytical point of view, Kyle is a frequent contributor in print, television, and radio for unbiased assessments of current freight market dynamics, conditions, and industry participants.  

In this episode, we've got another incredible guest, Sean Dehan from Truckstop! Sean talks about the importance of adapting to challenging market dynamics, longer sales cycles post-COVID, Truckstop's strategy for building long-term relationships and effective communication, future development plans, and more that you shouldn't miss!   About Sean Dehan Sean Dehan is the VP of Corporate Strategy at Truckstop and one of the most trusted load boards in freight for almost 30 years. Sean is an expert in carrier success, freight fraud prevention, and industry trends. With fraud on the rise and market conditions constantly shifting, he offers a grounded, insightful view of what's happening behind the scenes — and how brokers and carriers alike can stay ahead.   Connect with Sean Website: https://truckstop.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dehansean/  

This week, Andrew sits down with Harish Abbott, CEO and cofounder of Augment, the AI teammate for logistics. Harish says, “Logistics is broken,” and in this episode, he goes deep into just how broken, talking about the inefficient ways information is shared between numerous parties on any given shipment. He talks about how overwhelmed operators are by emails and manual processes, leading to costly inefficiencies, a lack of time for creative work, high turnover, and burnout. The former CEO and cofounder of Deliverr, which was acquired by Shopify for $2.1B in 2022, is setting out to change that with Augment.In this episode, Harish shares:Why the flow of logistics information is broken and the real-world costs of its inefficiency, including missed appointments, wasted labor, and asset underutilization.How Augment aims to solve these problems with an AI teammate named Augie that can understand SOPs, manage workflows like tracking and document collection, and learn from context, freeing up human operators for judgment-based tasks.The critical importance of living out your company's values and deeply understanding operator pain points in building scalable businesses.Insights on navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, balancing innovation with delivering tangible business value, and Harish's approach to fundraising for a capital-intensive AI venture.A five-year vision for Augment focused on significantly reducing waste in the $10+ trillion global logistics industry and enabling more efficient commerce.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

Whether you're an aspiring or experienced freight broker, listen to this episode with our returning guest from Rocket Shipping, Gabe Pankonin, as he shares his expert insights on upcoming NMFC code changes! Gabe explains how the NMFC changes could represent a significant shift in transportation, the opportunities for brokers to provide proactive analysis, and more about cold calling success, resolving operational challenges, and understanding the impact of class changes!   About Gabe Pankonin Gabe Pankonin has always had a knack for sales and relationships - a skillset that has led him to run a successful, fast-growing freight startup in the industry. After several years servicing E-comm companies moving big and bulky freight, one painful reality set in: Brands had the marketing skills to grow quickly, but they were NO match for outdated LTL shipping solutions. Gabe saw this issue plaguing the LTL space...that as shippers get bigger and start to handle more shipments, half of their business turns into the logistics of just getting things to people's homes Which is why he started Rocket Shipping; Mid-Market Managed Transportation! Rocket's Core Values are an extension of Gabe's deeply held beliefs. Faith, Family, Joy, Grit, and Integrity. Ultimately, the goal Gabe set for Rocket has and always will be to build predictable and repeatable revenue and to impact the people who work with and at Rocket Shipping for many years to come!  

Today, Bob King of Sage Freight brings his over thirty years of experience in the transportation industry and the entrepreneurial mindset that keeps him thriving and growing! Bob emphasizes prioritizing revenue-generating activities, accepting personal liability impacts decision-making, and promoting long-term customer relationships. Tune in to unpack more from this episode!   About Bob King Robert King is a veteran logistics executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in transportation and supply chain leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of Sage Freight, launched in October 2021 in Brentwood, Tennessee. Under his leadership, Sage Freight has grown into a high-performing logistics company with international operations and a strong cultural foundation built on people, purpose, and process.  Before Sage, Robert served as President of One Point Logistics in early 2020, where he was recruited to lead a turnaround of a 250-person operation.  From 2005 to 2020, Robert was the Founder and President of Cavalry Logistics, which he built from the ground up without outside funding. In 2010, he sold Cavalry to Universal Logistics Holdings but continued to lead the company as President for nearly a decade post-acquisition.  Robert began his career at C.H. Robinson in August 1993, starting in the North Chicago office. He rose through the ranks to become Transportation Manager and, ultimately, General Manager of the Nashville office.  He later served as Director of Logistics at Western Express from 2004 to 2005, where he launched a brokerage team that achieved a multimillion-dollar run rate in its first year and helped establish a high-performing, cross-functional culture.  Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Security and Nuclear Warfare from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Known for his strategic clarity, cultural leadership, and operational excellence, he continues to shape the future of freight through innovation, acquisition, and people-first growth.  

Want to learn more about refrigerated freight for the food and beverage industry? Listen to this week's last guest, Michael Cherney, the co-founder and CEO of Cooler Logistics! Michael shares his shift from the financial services sector to founding Cooler Logistics, their company's strategic focus on small to mid-sized customers, innovative operational approaches using technology, and the importance of customer retention and consistent pricing strategies!   About Michael Cherney Michael Cherney is a proven leader in the logistics industry with 16 years of experience. He holds a master's degree in Global Supply Chain Management and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Known for his exceptional leadership, Michael, a first time CEO, leads a diverse team of experienced logistics professionals aiming to provide an exceptional experience to their carrier and customer partners alike. With an ideal customer profile of SMBs in the F&B vertical, his subject matter expertise in shipping fresh and frozen products shines.    Connect with Michael Website: https://www.coolerlogistics.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcherney/  

Today, you'll hear more market trends within the trucking industry, sales prospecting strategies, implementing better financial planning, and leveraging AI for operational efficiency! Tune in so you won't miss an episode that is valuable for your freight business!  

Listen to our featured guest today, Scooter Sayers of Cubiscan, sharing their role in the logistics industry, their four decades of journey, and Cubiscan's advanced automated dimensioning systems! Scooter delves into the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) changes, the importance of shippers understanding these changes to minimize invoice discrepancies and optimize pallet dimensioning processes, and the impact of digital transformation in the industry!   About Scooter Sayers Scooter graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.  He, his wife, and his cat named Princeton currently reside in northeast Georgia. He began his career in transportation with ABF Freight in 1991 as a Pricing Analyst, progressing through several positions including Director – Rating & Traffic Services.  In this latter role, he held responsibility for 100 employees in the corporate office as well as the Weighing & Research team spread across the ABF Freight network.  He developed the LTL industry's first density-based tariff in 1993. Scooter is a former member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) where he served as Chairman of the Weighing and Research Committee and Chairman of the Outreach Committee.  He also served as a member of NMFTA's Weighing & Research Association.  He is a two-time winner of ABF Freight's President's Club.  He is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers. Following a 25-plus year career at ABF Freight and ArcBest Corporation, Scooter spent 3 years in the 3PL and freight brokerage space with several companies.  He then formed Sayers Logistics LLC, an LTL transportation consultancy, to deliver LTL solutions by working with shippers, carriers, trade organizations, 3PLs, and technology providers to help move the LTL industry forward.    Scooter is currently employed at Cubiscan, a leader in freight dimensioning solutions, as their Business Development Director – LTL Solutions.  He spends his days speaking with shippers, carriers, and 3PLs to deploy solutions that maximize revenues and profits, minimize costs, and optimize systems. He enjoys running, the outdoors, BBQ cooking, supporting the special needs community, and following his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.   Connect with Scooter Website: https://cubiscan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scootersayers/  

This week, Andrew is joined by Sean Henry, CEO and founder of Stord, a major player in omnichannel fulfillment and supply chain technology. In this episode, Sean shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, which started by selling Christmas presents on eBay at age seven to launching Stord in 2015 as a student at Georgia Tech. In this episode, he reflects on the company's early days, turning points, and what's next following Stord's recent $200 million fundraise and major acquisition of Ware2Go from UPS.In this episode, you'll hear from Sean on:How a few Christmas sales on eBay, plus a few other ventures, sparked his entrepreneurial drive and how mentors like Ted Alling shaped his approach to leadership.The founding premise of Stord: helping brands compete with Amazon-level logistics by offering flexible, tech-powered fulfillment solutions.How Stord evolved from an asset-light model to owning facilities and building a robust software platform to deliver a Prime-like experience to companies of all sizes.What it takes to make big business decisions, including how he thinks through market shifts, customer obsession, and staying committed to a long-term vision.His advice for entrepreneurs: don't be afraid to ask, learn from people one step ahead, and “just start.” Iteration and momentum are everything.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

In this episode, we've invited a talent acquisition expert from Global Executive Solutions Group, Josiah DiPaolo, to discuss the intricacies of recruiting effective people within the transportation industry!  Tune in to hear his insights on the job market, the demand for specific freight expertise, particularly in sales roles, and his advice for freight businesses!   About Josiah DiPaolo Josiah is a Managing Director and within the Transportation, Logistics, & Supply Chain Management practices, with a focus in Intermodal, Drayage, and Port Logistics. Throughout his career in the executive search industry Josiah has established himself as a top resource in his respective niches in order to provide the top level of both search and consultative practices to his clients and candidates. Through a strong understanding of the industry both on a micro and macro level he is able to efficiently identify the right people and develop strong lasting relationships. Josiah has worked with over 50 organizations both domestically and globally and has been recognized as a top 10% performer within a nationwide network of 650+ executive recruiters for 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024. As a Managing Director, Josiah's personal work consists of executive level & C-suite search, organizational mentorship, and strategic team building.   Connect with Josiah Website: https://gesg.com/  Email: jdipaolo@gesg.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-executive-solutions-group/  

What's the key to maintaining a core competency in freight and succeeding for a multi-generational family-owned trucking business? Today, we've got an incredible guest, Pamela Polyak of Polyak Trucking, and hear her real-world experience, business strategies, and commitment to industry improvement!   Some Takeaways From This Episode: Strategic Company Focus: Polyak Trucking, a family-owned business, has evolved from milk delivery to specialized in dry van, reefer, and intermodal operations. Customer base diversification strategy—ensuring no client exceeds 25% of total revenue to mitigate risks. Business Development Strategy: Diversifying shipper relationships and maintaining a core competency in full truckload services. The Midwest is the main geographic focus, with flexibility for dedicated lanes. Avoiding service overload improves operational efficiency and profitability. Compliance and Education: Compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations is becoming increasingly complex. Pam Polyak's consulting firm focuses on mock DOT audits and compliance education for small fleets, addressing common gaps and enhancing knowledge in regulatory requirements like driver qualification and drug testing.  

Listen to our last guest this week, Rob Rajfer, the founder and CEO of Waggon, as he speaks about his entrepreneurial journey and success in the transportation industry!     Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Rob Rajfer's Entrepreneurial Journey: Rob transitioned from a career at C.H. Robinson to founding Waggon with Tyler Sala. Launched in May 2023, catalyzed by market downturns and a risk-taking mindset post-capital raise from friends and family. Waggon's Growth Metrics: Bootstrapped from personal savings, Waggon achieved $3M in top-line revenue in its first six months and targets 6x growth in the second year, with ambitions to 3x again. Emphasis on talent and processes over tech complexity is vital to this growth. Key Industry Insights: Rob identifies M&A as significant for industry consolidation, benefiting fragmented small brokerages. Automation and AI will enhance back-office functions, but human interaction remains crucial in sales and customer service for maintaining competitive edge.   About Rob Rajfer Robert received his BA in Liberal Arts and Business Management from Indiana University and his MS in Law from Northwestern University. Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire). In conjunction with his work in supply chain / logistics, Robert is the Managing Partner of Seconds Capital LLC, a boutique micro VC.  

In this episode, Joe Ohr and Holly Taylor let us explore the powerful features of NMFTA's new freight classification tool, the ClassIT+! Don't miss out on this discussion to hear how ClassIT+ can help navigate NMFC changes!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: ClassIT+ Launch: Significant focus on the upcoming NMFC code changes with a rollout date of July 19, 2025 and industry urged to prepare using new tools. User-Centric Development: ClassIT+ aims for modernized classification with a user-friendly interface. Positive beta feedback shows high intuitiveness; the knowledge base supports with 150+ articles to assist users. Operational Readiness: Organizations need proactive communication regarding NMFC changes, especially for packaging/density impacts. NMFTA provides resources for shippers, carriers, and brokers to avoid disruptions and ensure smoother transitions.   Visit the Links Below! https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/nmfc-item-lookup-tool https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes https://info.nmfta.org/classitplus  

Today, we'll talk about the keys to building strong and long-term client relationships with SPI Logistics' Mike Ghouleh! Learn the crucial role of having a support system and his own formula for success by listening to this episode!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Client Transparency: Mike emphasizes open cost sharing, building strong client trust despite not being the cheapest. Highlights support team's role in client care as crucial for success. Sales Strategy: Mike advocates for a quality-focused client base over volume, aligning service delivery with client needs. Resilience and Growth: Overcoming setbacks and maintaining a long-term vision, the importance of personal fitness, support systems, and a clear 'why' to combat burnout and sustain motivation.  

Andrew welcomes Clay Curran, CEO and cofounder of FreshX, a young company tackling the tricky reefer LTL space. Clay shares his entrepreneurial journey, marked by a willingness to pivot that has shaped both his personal career trajectory and the FreshX business model. Today, FreshX is a marketplace that connects brokers with more than 80 reefer LTL carriers.In this episode, Clay also covers:His path to entrepreneurship and early lessons learned from his entrepreneurial parents.The evolution of FreshX, including two major pivots from a last-mile delivery carrier to a reefer LTL brokerage, and finally to its current iteration as a tech-driven marketplace.The challenges and nuances of the reefer LTL market, including carrier specialization, capacity visibility, and the difficulties brokers face in sourcing reliable options.How FreshX is working to unlock hidden capacity and digitize pricing by building relationships with more than 80 reefer LTL carriers and providing a "Google Flights-like" platform for brokers.His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the freight industry, emphasizing the importance of good advisors, rapid iteration, and deeply understanding the real problems you're trying to solve.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

How powerful is it to leverage platforms to vet potential business partners in freight? Let's hear it from Robert Light of CarrierSource in this episode!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Industry Insight on Accountability: Rob emphasizes mutual accountability & transparency as critical in freight. CarrierSource aims to empower small fleets/owner-operators lacking online visibility to ensure fair play in the industry. Importance of Online Reputation: Authentic reviews and SEO are shifting from traditional advertising, making a strong digital presence essential for brokers and carriers to stand out. Moderation and Authenticity Assurance: CarrierSource's review system mandates proof of business relationships for publishing reviews, allowing substantiated negative feedback. This balanced approach enhances credibility, vital for combating fraudulent or biased reviews.   About Robert Light Rob Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, the leading carrier review website where carriers and brokers build a fair reputation with customer reviews, and connect with their ideal shipper prospects. Over the last four years, Rob has led CarrierSource as the team has gathered 70,000+ reviews of carriers and brokers, and helped attract an audience of over 400,000 monthly visitors. CarrierSource is the only industry specific intent data platform that helps transportation providers hone in on their ideal customer persona, and target them when they are in the market for new logistics partners. Prior to starting CarrierSource, Rob was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space.   Connect with Robert Email: rob@carriersource.io  Website: https://www.carriersource.io/   

Did you miss listening to some expert insights featured on this show about leveraging AI and technology in your freight business? We're bringing Dhruv Gupta and Brad Hollister back on the podcast for a replay mashup episode to hear their goals in enhancing human capabilities and streamlining business processes through AI and tech!   Connect with Dhruv Website: https://www.drumkit.ai/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhruv4/ Connect with Brad Website: https://www.upwell.com/  Email: brad.hollister@upwell.com Watch Their Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZpZbKdMoSk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exumEsL36FY  

In today's episode, Sean Smith is back for another valuable conversation about capital management strategies, cash flow optimization, and making wise financial decisions! Keep tuning in to the show!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Understanding Working Capital: Critical for business continuity; key sources include asset-based loans (lowest rates), AR lines/factoring, predatory factoring, and unsecured advances (highest rates). Match funding sources to needs to mitigate risks and costs. Emotional Decision-Making in Cash Management: Overpaying for capital or holding excess idle cash traps businesses. Regularly review expenses and maintain lean operations; avoid pitfalls of both excess and insufficient cash reserves. Optimizing Cash Flow and Payment Strategies: Leverage accounts receivable and manage payment timing to enhance liquidity. Recognize red flags (e.g., high credit utilization) and negotiate favorable payment terms to protect business interests. Set clear contracts and maintain open communication for effective relationship management.   About Sean Smith Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing.  Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet.   Connect with Sean Website: https://www.denim.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithseanp/  Twitter (X): https://x.com/smithseanp  

Jeff Carlson of Cass Information Systems is back in today's episode to discuss the extended shipper payment cycle and its potential impact on startups and small carriers in the industry! Stay connected to the show for more market updates!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Freight Market Stabilization: Freight volumes and rates showing stability in 2024; CAS Freight Index indicates steady average transaction sizes. Minor fluctuations noted during events (e.g., DOT blitz week) may signal capacity shifts. Extended Shipper Payment Terms: Shippers shifting focus to cash position; increasing payment terms up to 120 days. Large enterprises favor financial stability with carriers, making it tougher for startups to enter the market without proven track records. Supply chain finance programs target transportation to improve liquidity. Impact on Small Carriers: Small/startup carriers advised to avoid enterprise shippers initially to build stability; extended receivables and large credit lines are essential for handling substantial accounts. Effective cash flow management is critical; recommend lines of credit or factoring to prevent negative cash flow amid extended payment terms.   About Jeff Carlson Jeff joined Cass Information Systems in April of 2019 as Vice President Global Sales & Marketing. Jeff joined Cass with more than 20 years' experience in the freight payment industry, where he served in several strategic management roles. While at U.S. Bank, he played a significant role in the development of key aspects of the PowerTrack solution, pricing model, and marketing and sales processes. He also was part of the supply chain finance team to help build out aspects of that service offering. Jeff also served as a vice president of the technology, consumer products/retail, and manufacturing industry verticals at freight payment provider Trax Technologies. Prior to his experience in the freight payment industry, Jeff spent time with Dart Trucking, Canadian Pacific Railroad after starting his career at Koch Industries. Website: https://www.cassinfo.com/  

How can you protect yourself as a freight broker from fraud and preserve relationships with trusted carriers? Tune in to this episode with Solomiya Tomkiv to learn more about WireBee and its power to streamline brokerage operations!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: WireBee's Mission & Background: WireBee's launch post-COVID to combat freight fraud, leveraging co-founder Andre's VoIP expertise. Targeting fraudulent actors to protect carriers is a core focus. Fraud Detection Mechanism: WireBee's system provides unique phone numbers for brokers, ensuring inbound calls are processed with real-time spoof detection. Integrates with tools like Highway and Carrier411 for compliance checks and alerts on suspicious multiple MC associations. Market Engagement Strategy: Building strong carrier relationships as a fraud defense. WireBee's future roadmap includes attending FreightWaves in November for customer feedback and engagement. Focus on phone-system agnosticism to accommodate all users, enhancing market reach.   About Solomiya Tomkiv Solomiya grew up immersed in the world of trucking, witnessing firsthand the challenges that carriers and brokers face daily. Her family's trucking business gave her early exposure to the complexities of logistics, from managing freight operations to navigating the industry's financial and operational hurdles. With a degree from JCU, Solomiya combined her industry knowledge with a strategic mindset, leading her to take on leadership roles in logistics and transportation. She co-founded FreightRate, a company focused on providing tailored logistics solutions, further deepening her expertise in freight management and supply chain optimization. Recognizing a major inefficiency in the freight brokerage space—reliance on manual phone calls for booking and tracking shipments—Solomiya saw an opportunity for innovation. She co-founded WireBee, an AI-powered communication platform designed to help freight brokers automate routine phone calls, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Under her leadership, WireBee is revolutionizing how brokers interact with carriers, improving response times, and streamlining operations across the industry.   Connect with Solomiya Website: https://www.wirebee.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirebee/  

This week, The Freight Pod flips the mic as host and former Molo Solutions CEO Andrew Silver becomes the guest. Hosted by colleague and friend Derek Zetlin, this candid conversation dives deep into Andrew's journey through freight, including growing up around logistics, learning the ropes at Coyote, and ultimately founding, scaling, and selling Molo Solutions.In this episode, you'll hear Andrew talk about:His early experiences and pivotal moments at Coyote Logistics, from being a high school-aged intern to learning from key mentors and the challenges of early career growth.The decision to leave Coyote and his motivations behind founding MoLo, including the itch to build something independently and overcome his own personal insecurities.The early days of MoLo, the importance of culture, and the strategies behind the company's rapid and transformative growth, going from $5M in revenue in 2017 to $625M in 2021.His reflections on leadership, the pressures of being a CEO, and the acquisition of MoLo.His perspective on the evolving freight brokerage landscape, the potential impact of AI, the future of the industry, and his own next steps.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

In this episode, Brent Hutto of Truck Parking Club joins us to share their initiative to address truck parking challenges and provide safe and efficient parking, targeting large and medium fleets! Listen to our conversation!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Truck Parking Club's Mission: Solving truck parking issues, from single-truck solutions to scalable options for fleets, and enabling property owners to monetize their land. Value Shift for Parking: Truck Parking Club aims to reposition paid parking as a profitability and risk management tool for fleets. The recent partnership with GenLogs enhances cargo theft recovery by supplying law enforcement with real-time parking data, thereby adding value for brokers and shippers. Legal Parking Importance: The necessity of legal parking to mitigate liability and avoid nuclear verdicts. The company is rapidly expanding, with over 2,000 locations and plans for 5,000, which aids operational efficiency. Integrating parking data into route planning helps maximize driver hours and profitability, reducing turnover and stress.  

Today, we'll talk about the power of outsourcing, how offshoring supports operational resilience, and the demand for high-quality offshore talent with Kyle Wilson of Thrivemodal!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Global Workforce Evolution: Shift from 'virtual assistant era' to 'worldwide workforce' allows companies to hire skilled professionals globally for a fraction of US costs.  Offshoring as a Scalability Strategy: Kyle emphasizes retaining key staff through offshoring, enabling Yellow Diamond to scale and remain profitable during downturns (e.g., COVID).  Thrivemodal's Efficient Placement Process: Clients receive pre-vetted candidates in under two weeks, with an average placement tenure of 3.6 years.   About Kyle Wilson For over a decade, I've been immersed in the dynamic worlds of strategic logistics and digital professionals, driven by an unwavering passion to help businesses thrive. As the founder of two successful companies, Thrivemodal and Yellow Diamond Logistics, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of seamless operations and a dedicated virtual workforce. At Thrivemodal, I've spearheaded the growth of a thriving virtual professional agency, connecting businesses across the US with exceptional talent from the Philippines. Our team of highly skilled global professionals seamlessly integrates into client operations, providing administrative, technical, and creative support that fuels business growth. My expertise in strategic logistics extends to Yellow Diamond Logistics, where I guide businesses in optimizing their supply chain operations. I relish the challenge of streamlining processes, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency, empowering my clients to achieve their strategic goals. Whether it's navigating the complexities of logistics or harnessing the power of global staffing, I'm committed to empowering businesses to reach their full potential. I believe in forging strong partnerships, fostering innovation, and cultivating a culture of excellence. When I'm not strategizing in the logistics landscape or steering the Thrivemodal ship, you'll find me exploring new horizons. Let's connect and explore how Yellow Diamond Logistics and Thrivemodal can contribute to the narrative of your business journey.   Connect with Kyle Website: https://thrivemodal.com/ / https://www.yellowdiamondconsulting.com/ Email: kyle@thrivemodal.com  

In the last episode of this week, we've got Cody Koehler returning to the show to explain the impact of DOT Blitz Week on freight brokers and customers, and some trends in the market that you should know!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: DOT Blitz Week Impact: Significant capacity crunches & rate spikes noted; brokers can leverage this time to solidify customer relations, even at a loss. Proactive carrier sourcing essential; reactive strategies expose operational gaps. Insights indicate future market volatility trends. Carrier Relationships & Rate Management: Premium rates are necessary during peak weeks to maintain capacity. Lack of support during tough weeks risks business loss to competitors. Key differentiators: tender acceptance & customer communication. Short-term losses viewed as long-term investments for relationship growth. Market Trends & Data Interpretation: Identify market shifts by tracking rate/capacity changes post-major events. Observations indicate weak fresh produce demand; diversification into dry, frozen, and dairy/deli sectors recommended. Notable muted demand in flatbed/open deck freight tied to construction commodities. Sales Strategy & Prospect Engagement: Consistency in prospecting, such as 50 cold calls/day, remains crucial despite high rejection rates. Establishing relationships early positions brokers for future opportunities. Increased cold call receptiveness observed; onboarding paperwork should be completed proactively. Final Recommendations: Proactively set up shippers with necessary documentation, even without immediate loads. Relationship building and preparedness against market shifts crucial for future success. Highlights contact info for Cody Kaler and encouragement to connect.   About Cody Koehler Cody is a 21-year veteran in supply chain/logistics. He has done just about everything in this industry minus holding his CDL (he did drive a yard dog though). In his current role, he oversees the sales and marketing teams for A&Z trucking, a 20-year old brokerage that specializes in produce and reefer freight, as well as cold storage and cross docking.   Connect with Cody LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-koehler-1a922b162/  Website: https://aandztrucking.com/  Email: info@aandztrucking.com  

If you're considering being an entrepreneur in freight, you must listen to this episode to better understand the realities of running a startup business!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Entrepreneurship Realities: The harsh truths of entrepreneurship; cautions against glorification and the need for thorough understanding before leaving stable employment. Entrepreneurs often risk starting with zero revenue/customers. Cash Flow Challenges: Cash flow as the leading cause of business failure; aspiring entrepreneurs should save aggressively beforehand. Financial strain including depleting savings and retirement accounts, and the importance of working with a CPA for financial planning. Networking: Networking and relationship building; participation in local business groups to build connections. Being strategic in networking and branding oneself can open up opportunities, reinforcing the idea that relationships are critical for success.  

In this episode, Bryan Nelson is back for another insightful conversation about the trucking and language laws, and today, he talks about English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and recent legal and regulatory changes!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: English Proficiency Requirements: Overview of 49 CFR 391.11, B2 emphasizes that drivers must read and speak English to interact with the public and understand road signs; historical enforcement aimed to be employer-based. Concerns raised by ACLU and EEOC about civil rights implications during 1997 proposed rulemaking. Recent Executive Actions: April 28 Executive Order 14286 mandates FMCSA to enforce English proficiency within 60 days; CVSA reinstates out-of-service criterion. Regulatory landscape shifts toward roadside inspections, raising concerns about subjective enforcement by officers across states, affecting consistency and compliance. Operational Risks & Compliance Strategies: Increased potential for fines (500 first offense, 1,000 subsequent) and business disruption due to English proficiency violations - influencing insurance coverages. Recommended strategies for carriers include proactive English training, updating compliance procedures, and monitoring regulatory developments closely to mitigate legal risks and business impacts.   About Bryan Nelson Bryan J. Nelson is a transportation and logistics attorney assisting clients in the development and review of transportation agreements, the resolution and mitigation of cargo claims, and the establishment of corporate compliance strategies in accordance with state and federal regulations.  Prior to joining Taylor Nelson, Bryan practiced as general counsel and served as a chief administrative officer in the transportation industry for over a decade, representing a family of companies that included a motor carrier, a third-party logistics corporation, and a transportation management system (TMS) provider. Bryan graduated from Stetson University earning his juris doctorate and his master's degree in business administration. He received his undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University.  With his hands-on experience in the transportation industry, Bryan recognizes and understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing transportation companies throughout the supply chain.   Connect with Bryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-j-nelson-esq-mba-59876b1b/  Email: bnelson@taylorlawpl.com  

Today, Joe Ohr is back on the show with NMFTA's Director of Operations, Keith Peterson, explaining what to expect from the upcoming NMFC changes and things every transportation professional must know by July 19, 2025! Never miss out on this conversation to stay updated!    Here's What to Learn From This Episode: NMFC Changes Urgency: Major NMFC changes effective July 19th will impact all brokers, carriers, and shippers. NMFTA provides resources at nmfta.org and nmfcchanges.com, including bulletins and checklists. Emphasis on Class IT Plus tool for compliance essential. Density-Based Classification Impact: Shift applies to 2,000+ items; requires accurate weight and dimensions for class assignment. Consolidation simplifies classification but may initially confuse users. Improved accuracy expected to reduce friction between shippers and carriers. Industry Communication Optimization: Changes offer chance to enhance shipper-carrier communication, creating competitive differentiation for proactive providers. Clearer standards will strengthen long-term partnerships, while proper preparation with accurate dimensions is critical to avoid disadvantages.   Visit the Links Below! https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/nmfc-item-lookup-tool https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes https://info.nmfta.org/classitplus  

In this episode, Alex Bezzubets joins us today to highlight the reason behind founding a platform called myMechanic and its features, benefits for truck drivers, and how it resolves inefficiencies in the trucking business!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Inefficiencies in Trucking Repairs: Average wait time for roadside repairs is 4-4.5 hours due to siloed systems among major providers. myMechanic seeks to create a shared marketplace that streamlines access and visibility for service availability. Reduced Downtime Efficiencies: myMechanic reduces breakdown wait times by 40% by connecting drivers to available technicians in real-time, emphasizing that issues stem from poor connectivity, not a lack of mechanics. Comprehensive Service Integration: myMechanic combines diagnostics (photos/videos, fault codes) with a user-friendly interface for fleets, allowing service requests and updates without app downloads. The platform supports diverse services, from roadside repairs to preventative maintenance, and currently manages nearly 300,000 units and 1,000+ technicians.   About Alex Bezzubets Alex is the founder of a SAAS platform called myMechanic, which is designed to provide a quick and automated solution for roadside assistance for the logistics world. Alex is a tenacious, hands-on entrepreneur, experienced in sales, business development, and growth. Above all, he's a dynamic, multifaceted individual who is skilled at adding structure to ambiguity, with a keen eye for business opportunities.   Connect with Alex  Website: https://mymechanic.app/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bezzubets-408533158/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/mymechanicinc/   Email: alex@mymechanic.app  

How does the changing market condition affect M&A in freight? Find out with our returning guest, Spencer Tenney from Tenney Group!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: M&A Market Trends: Current market volatility affecting M&A in freight; mixed industry responses—some waiting, others pursuing acquisitions. Tariffs and uncertainty driving cautious capital allocation decisions. Buy vs. Build Decisions: Companies often prefer M&A to build capabilities like AI due to tight margins and market challenges. Increased diligence in capital allocation noted as firms manage risk, with a cultural inclination towards acquisition over development. Cash Flow & Consolidation: Small transport businesses financially fragile, most operate month-to-month. Rising bankruptcies from cash flow issues. Industry consolidation growing as small operators exit or merge for increased profitability, driven by sustainability and risk factors.   About Spencer Tenney Spencer Tenney is President and CEO of the Tenney Group, a merger acquisition advisory firm dedicated to the transportation industry since 1973. The Tenney family has been serving the transportation industry for three generations. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, He is also the only Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) in North America that is dedicated exclusively to the transportation industry. Spencer and his team have closed hundreds of transportation business sales across the United States. Tenney Group clients are companies in the trucking, logistics, passenger transportation industries with annual revenues of 20M - 300M. Spencer's articles have been featured in Fleet Owner, Transport Topics, School Bus Fleet and many other industry publications. He is a sought-after speaker at national and state industry trade shows and currently serves as Chair of the American Trucking Association's M&A Task Force. Spencer and his wife Lauren reside outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee. He enjoys songwriting and is actively involved in the Hope Clinic, a faith-based organization that equips women, men, and families to make healthy choices regarding unplanned pregnancies, depression, & addictions. He is also the founder of "Tuesdays with Tenney Group, a networking group designed to enrich relationships and business opportunities for Historic Downtown Franklin, TN professionals.   Connect with Spencer Website: https://www.thetenneygroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencertenney/  

Today, Jared Ross of eCarrierCheck is back on the show to give more valuable insights on how freight brokers can stand out and build a successful book of business in the market!   Here's What to Learn From This Episode: Sales Success Rooted in Relationships: Focus on controllable actions; consistently engage in sales calls. Genuine relationships remain critical for small/mid-sized brokerages despite technology. Operational excellence and understanding shipper pain points are vital for strong partnerships. Niche Market Targeting: Brokers should dominate niche or secondary markets instead of just major cities. Preparedness before cold calls (company research, qualifying questions) boosts effectiveness, with persistence essential for reaching decision-makers. Value-Driven Approach: Transition from commodity-based to value-driven conversations helps brokers stand out. Providing real-time market intelligence (spot vs. contract rates) builds trust with shippers and strengthens expertise.   About Jared Ross CEO, eCarrierCheck.com Jared is the visionary leader behind eCarrierCheck.com, bringing years of expertise in logistics and technology to the table. His passion for innovation and streamlining operations has been the driving force behind the platform's development. With a strong background in freight brokering and a commitment to helping brokers and carriers succeed, Jared is focused on building tools that enable the logistics industry to grow and thrive. Under his leadership, eCarrierCheck is empowering businesses to move beyond load boards and discover new opportunities.   Connect with Jared Website: https://ecarriercheck.com/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecarriercheck-com/  Jared's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-ross-31b0282a/  Nate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-marquez-82b444224/  

Be motivated to achieve milestones in entrepreneurship and the transportation market by tuning in to this episode! Learn more about the importance of building systems, focusing on customers, having sales and business development strategies, evaluating ROI, and networking with like-minded people in the industry to thrive in a competitive environment!  

In this episode, Andrew welcomes Matt O'Mara, CEO and founder of Whimsy Intermodal and Whimsy Trucking. Matt's journey into the transportation industry began in 1994 when he worked as an owner-operator for a trucking company. When that company was acquired and its drivers let go, Matt seized the opportunity to start Whimsy Intermodal in 1996 and hired many of those drivers. Today, Whimsy has about 50 company drivers, 145 owner-operators, and 150 trucks. Andrew and Matt also cover:Whimsy's organic business growth and unique capability in handling challenging freight, the importance of finding consistency, and Whimsy's focus on execution, including how they add value beyond transportation.The significant challenges Matt ran into of implementing new TMS systems in a legacy company, the importance of team buy-in, and the eventual success of digitizing and going paperless, including leveraging AI for order entry and real-time driver coaching.Treating drivers with respect and providing robust support as the key to retention, highlighting the reason why Whimsy has a waiting list for owner-operators.The importance of transparency, leading by example and avoiding hypocrisy, and the critical role of communication, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in leadership.Current market conditions, the lack of impact from Chinese New Year, potential tariff effects, and the critical need for robust infrastructure and processes.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

In this episode, you'll learn another effective strategy to simplify and optimize your sales as a freight broker with Salesdash CRM's founder, Josh Lyles! Josh highlights the benefits of using Salesdash CRM, the vital role of cold calling in freight sales, consistent follow-ups, and building relationships, and the importance of targeting small to medium-sized shippers, qualifying and disqualifying leads efficiently, and continuous prospecting!   About Josh Lyles Josh Lyles is the founder of Salesdash CRM, which is a sales CRM specific for freight brokerages, agencies, and asset-based companies. Josh has previous experience in sales management within freight brokerage and also at Tesla.    Connect with Josh Website: https://salesdashcrm.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlyles/   

What mainly causes drivers' downtime, and how can they be eliminated? Join today's guest, Erik Malin of Tetro, for his entrepreneurship insights and his software solution's goal to enhance driver earnings through efficient scheduling and compensation models!   About Erik Malin Erik Malin (erik@tetro.one) is a freight tech founder and operator, currently building Tetro, an AI-native short-haul trucking fleet on a mission to boost driver earnings by eliminating wasted time. As a founding team member at Baton, he built and scaled operations from zero, launched a digital fleet, and later led the company's talent strategy as Head of Talent through its acquisition by Ryder in 2022. Before Baton, he architected Loadsmart's operational backbone, driving its growth from seed to Series B. Erik brings a rare combination of operational grit and talent instinct, known for building elite teams and high-performance systems that set a new bar for the logistics industry.  

As we close the week, we've got two amazing guests back on the show, Towns Agnew and Jonathan Sinton of Drayage Insight, sharing more of their expertise about the drayage market! This episode with Towns and Jonathan focuses on their customer-centric growth, the effectiveness of adapting products to market needs, challenges involving the drayage market, particularly its limited technology solutions, significant business planning challenges due to tariff policy volatility, financial resilience practices, and a new market intelligence tool!   About Jonathan Sinton and Towns Agnew Jon Sinton brings over 20 years of experience in international supply chain management to Dray Insight. His extensive career includes senior roles at Maersk, where he held positions in regional procurement, equipment flow, vessel capacity execution, trade management, and led the global out of gauge and break bulk cargo division. He also gained valuable startup experience at PortPro, a technology company developing a SaaS TMS platform specifically for drayage providers. Towns Agnew brings over 15 years of extensive experience in international and domestic supply chain roles to the table. His expertise spans drayage finance and operations, as well as ocean and rail operations, where he has excelled as a customer, operator, and financial specialist within the industry. This multifaceted background uniquely positions him to comprehend the nuanced challenges in drayage finance from various perspectives, including those encountered by founders and executives.   Connect with Jon and Towns Website: https://drayinsight.com/  Email: towns@drayinsight.com / jsinton@drayinsight.com  Town's Phone: 713 679 8472 Jon's Phone: 704 910 9926  

Why is it important to balance broker and carrier needs for long-term stability in freight? Tune in today with Truckstop's Todd Waldron! Todd joins the show to discuss the crucial element for carrier success, focusing on long-term relationships over short-term gains, the significance of proactive communication during market shifts, setting clear expectations and boundaries to mitigate issues, and improving connections and operational transparency through innovations!   About Todd Waldron Todd Waldron is the Vice President of Carrier Experience at Truckstop. Before joining Truckstop, he served as CEO of Minnesota-based Q Carriers, Inc., an asset-based transportation and logistics provider. He holds a degree in Business Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato. With nearly 12 years in transportation and logistics at two Fortune 500 companies, Todd has extensive experience in carrier procurement, account management, business development, branch operations, marketing, and technology development. His passion for people, innovation, and strategic leadership drives his commitment to improving the transportation experience for drivers and carriers.   Connect with Todd Website: https://truckstop.com/  Email: toddwaldron@truckstop.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-w-21897b19/  

In this episode, Andrew welcomes three seasoned logistics leaders with a unique perspective, having all started on the brokerage world before transitioning to the shipper side: Nicole Schuman, transportation procurement manager at Reser's Fine Foods; Marco Vargas-Avila, director of U.S. logistics at Dole Packaged Foods; and Andrew Dafnos, director of supply chain at KeHE Distributors.Andrew and the panel cover:Balancing cost vs. service, the importance of understanding different provider models (asset vs. non-asset), and strategic bid cycle planning.How shippers evaluate potential partners, the critical role of transparency, and why understanding a shipper's specific network needs (not just offering a truck) is key.Direct feedback on what makes cold outreach successful, common pitfalls to avoid, and the power of demonstrating genuine understanding before pitching.Perspectives on how the logistics landscape is changing and preparing for future trends.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. *** A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

Who really succeeds in a changing freight market environment? Find out by listening to Harish Abbott's journey in logistics! Harish explains the impact of innovation and adaptability in the industry's unpredictability, how AI tools transform operational efficiency and enable small businesses to scale without excessive headcount increases, and highlights persistence and learning from failures as crucial aspects of entrepreneurial success!   About Harish Abbott Harish Abbott is the Co-Founder and CEO of Augment, an AI-driven logistics platform transforming freight operations. In 2025, Augment secured $25 million in seed funding led by 8VC to develop its flagship product. Prior to launching Augment, Harish co-founded Deliverr, a fast-growing e-commerce fulfillment platform acquired by Shopify for $2.1 billion in 2022. His career includes pivotal roles at Amazon, where he contributed to building global fulfillment infrastructure. Harish holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.   Connect with Harish Website: https://www.goaugment.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habbott/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/habbott