1353. #TFCP - Build or Buy AI? When Custom Tech Beats Off-the-Shelf Software
Release Date: 12/23/2025
1376. #TFCP - W-2 to 1099: Why 2026 is the Year of the Independent Freight Agent!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Thinking about making the jump from W2 to independent freight agent, or wondering why so many agents struggle to scale and survive in the market? Erik Larson (Sage) is back on the show to break down what it really takes to succeed as an independent agent in today’s freight brokerage and logistics market, starting with mindset, capital, and a realistic business plan for the 1099 transition! We talk about why revenue diversification is non-negotiable, how relying on one big shipper can put your entire operation at risk, and why your top customers should never control more than 10% of your...
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1375. #TFCP - The Enterprise Gatekeeper: Why Your Lack of EDI is Killing Your Growth!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Find out if EDI is still the backbone of scalable freight operations and what happens when you stop penalizing brokers for growth in this episode with our returning guest, Brad Perling of Bitfreighter! Brad shares why their EDI-first freight technology strategy is quietly reshaping shipper integration, automated quoting, and brokerage scalability. Brad and I talk through why EDI remains the most reliable foundation for freight data integrity, how unlimited EDI messaging pricing removes one of the biggest cost barriers for growing brokerages, seamless integration through APIs and RPA across TMS...
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1374. #TFCP - The Hybrid Powerhouse: Human Intelligence in an AI Freight World!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Find out where the human edge and automation matter in freight brokerage in this episode with Alex Schick of Alliance Logistix, sharing how smart freight automation, carrier invoicing automation, and AI in logistics can drive efficiency without sacrificing carrier relationships or customer trust! Alex talk through why automating tedious tasks like carrier invoicing and document collection speeds payment cycles, reduces errors, and boosts carrier satisfaction, while keeping real humans front and center for load booking and relationship management, why AI should act as an assistant (not a...
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1373. #TFCP - Nuclear Verdict Defense: Why Your DOT Files are a Legal Minefield!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Are you confident your compliance program would hold up under an FMCSA audit, and are you scaling your fleet without scaling your safety and risk management? Rob Carpenter from Trucksafe is back to discuss why organized compliance, defensible training, and real accountability are no longer optional in trucking! We explore how poor paperwork and weak policies can turn routine inspections into costly enforcement actions, why nearly 80% of driving skills are learned on the job (and how this creates serious legal exposure), and the growing accountability gap where drivers face severe penalties...
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1372. #TFCP - Scaling Globally: How Outsourcing is Changing the 3PL Game!
The Freight Coach Podcast
What happens when sales slip, costs explode, and the market stays tough longer than anyone expected? How do you scale a freight brokerage without burning cash or losing focus? In this episode, our returning guest from Thrivemodal, Kyle Wilson, is back to explain why founders must stay relentlessly focused on business development and how outsourcing operations to the Philippines cuts monthly costs while improving scalability and service quality. Kyle also shares a grounded outlook on the 2026 freight market, infrastructure-driven demand, global workforce integration through cloud...
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1371. #TFCP - Legacy vs. Innovation: The Future of the Family-Owned Fleet!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Today’s episode with John Pemberton from Pemberton Truck Lines is all about creating staying power in the trucking industry through strong company culture, uncompromising standards, and leadership accountability! Stay tuned as we dive into why building long-term customer relationships beats short-term rate chasing, how fleet standardization and preventive maintenance control costs and reduce breakdowns, and why fuel management, driver training, and outward-facing cameras are no longer optional for safety, liability reduction, and insurance control. John also shares how staying focused on...
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1370. #TFCP - SCAC Code Shakeup: The New Rules for Non-Class 8 Fleets!
The Freight Coach Podcast
What happens if you don’t verify your SCAC? Is this the beginning of the end for freight fraud in non-Class 8 carriers? Joe Ohr and Holly Taylor are back on the show to discuss the launch of SCAC Verify on February 26, 2026, NMFTA’s new mandatory identity and address verification program designed to close a major security gap impacting sprinters, box trucks, hotshots, and other non-Class 8 carriers! We talk about how the fast 1–3 minute verification process works using government ID, biometric selfie matching, and DMV checks across 42 states, why failure to comply could mean losing your...
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1369. #TFCP - 5 Hard Truths: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Today, let’s talk straight about why firm quotes matter, how cash flow mismanagement (not lack of freight) kills brokers, and why securing contracts early beats chasing top-line revenue! Listen as I share more about the use of smart freight technology, focusing on automating what already works instead of wasting money on shiny tools, the real power of strong transportation networks when problems arise, and why niche specialization like flatbed and open-deck freight shortens sales cycles fast. Finally, I highlight the rising insurance and regulatory costs and why tight expense audits...
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1368. #TFCP - The SCOTUS Showdown: Will Broker Liability Kill the 3PL?!
The Freight Coach Podcast
Are Midwest reefer lanes really more stable than the headlines say, and where are the real profit opportunities hiding right now? In this episode, we break down the following topics: Why long-term freight market stability still exists in key Midwest reefer lanes Why predictable, Monday-through-Thursday lane pricing beats chasing volatile spot spikes and regional freight lanes are outperforming national averages How accepting short-term losses can build long-term carrier and customer trust The new FMCSA broker bond rule requiring a $75,000 bond with a strict seven-day compliance window and its...
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1367. #TFCP - FMCSA vs. TQL: Is Broker Transparency Finally Coming to Freight?!
The Freight Coach Podcast
The "Black Box" of freight brokerage is under fire. On this episode of #TheFreightCoach, we break down the explosive petition calling for the FMCSA to suspend TQL's authority over broker transparency waivers. Is the era of contracting out of 49 CFR § 371.3 finally coming to an end? We’re diving deep into the 2026 Regulatory Purge: FMCSA vs. TQL: Why carrier advocacy groups are pushing for a total suspension of authority and what it means for your right to see the records. The ELD Blacklist: The FMCSA isn't slowing down. We discuss the latest hardware revocations and the March 15th deadline...
info_outlineAre you chasing AI because it sounds good, or because it actually solves a real problem in your freight brokerage? And are you protecting your data, your margins, and your relationships while you do it?
Let’s hear the real cost of AI in transportation and why proprietary AI and workflow automation can be a smarter long-term play in this episode with Herbert Orellana of Avanza BPO & Nearshoring and Sterling Engelhard of Data Gurus Group.
We discuss AI adoption in freight brokerage, data security, private AI models, why optimizing your internal processes has to come before automation if you want real ROI, nearshore AI development, how logistics-focused teams can help control costs and protect data ownership, and why 90% of brokerage work can be automated—but the human touch is still the competitive edge that builds trust with shippers and carriers!
Herbert Orellana
Co‑Founder and COO of Avanza began his career at GlobalTranz in Scottsdale, AZ, where he thrived in a fast‑paced, tech‑driven freight brokerage environment. At Avanza, Herbert has been pivotal in scaling operations in Honduras, replicating the high‑pressure, SLA‑driven culture of American 3PLs within a nearshore model. His focus is on strategy and client success, partnering with 3PLs and FreightTech companies to design and build high‑performing nearshore teams that drive growth and efficiency.
Sterling Engelhard
Seasoned technology leader with 15+ years of experience building and scaling engineering, data, and product teams across North America and LATAM. He is an expert in nearshore software delivery models, helping companies accelerate roadmaps, reduce costs, and improve quality through high-performing LATAM talent. Sterling has successfully scaled multiple software startups, shaping technical strategy, optimizing delivery operations, and leading digital transformation for enterprise clients.
Connect with Herbert and Sterling
- Website: https://avanzabpo.com/ / https://datagurus.tech/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-orellana-099a1abb/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingengelhard/
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