1426. #TFCP - Logistics M&A 2026: Who is Buying, Who is Selling, and Why!
Release Date: 04/09/2026
The Freight Coach Podcast
In this episode, Danny Ramon from Overhaul brings another insightful conversation about staying ahead of rapidly evolving strategic cargo theft and fraudulent double-brokering schemes in a global market! Danny shares how bad actors are moving from traditional smash-and-grab tactics to complex fictitious pickups and identity theft, essentially running their criminal enterprises with the efficiency of a direct-to-consumer business, the critical need for carrier verification, the impact of broker liability, and why simply having cargo insurance isn’t enough when the true cost of a loss is three...
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Ready to find out if your brokerage is built to survive the next wave of digital disruption? What does the future of the spot market look like when instant pricing APIs and AI-driven automation become the industry standard? In this episode, Bill Driegert of DAT joined the show at the 2026 TIA Capital Ideas Conference to talk straight about the digitalization of freight! We highlight why operational excellence must come before automation, the shift toward app-centric carriers, and why even the most "old-school" brokers need to start experimenting with different tools to audit their P&Ls and...
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In this episode, Brian Nelson is back to cut through the noise surrounding broker liability and the critical importance of a rock-solid carrier selection policy! We delve into the potential fallout of recent legal arguments, discussing how the Supreme Court’s perspective on safety data—or the lack thereof from the FMCSA—could fundamentally shift the responsibility of vetting onto the shoulders of brokers and shippers. From the tactics of plaintiffs' attorneys to the logistical nightmare of requesting driver qualification files for every load, Brian gives it to us straight on why size...
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Thinking about leveraging AI to scale your brand and outperform the competition in 2026? How do you maintain authenticity in an era of AI-generated content saturation? Let’s welcome RJ Finnegan of SPI Logistics back to the show to discuss the shift toward modern identity marketing and the importance of brand differentiation! RJ dives into how to utilize advanced AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to enhance your content strategy without losing the human touch that builds real customer trust, the importance of niche prospecting and staying consistent in your sales outreach, especially as the...
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How will the latest oil pipeline approvals and Amazon’s logistics expansion impact freight brokers and carriers? Today, get the real scoop on today’s freight market, focusing on the stabilizing rates and the seasonal shifts as we head into prime produce season, the Trump administration's approval of the Bridger pipeline expansion, a massive move for North American energy independence that’s set to boost flatbed and open-deck freight opportunities! Dive in to also hear Amazon Supply Chain Services opening up to outside businesses, and don’t get caught off guard by CVSA International...
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In 2026, the broker who quotes first and most accurately wins the account. Today, I’m joined by Rush Feldhacker of Tabi Connect, to perform a forensic deep-dive into the Tabi Rate Management System (RMS). We are moving past the days of "checking three different tabs" to give a shipper a rate. We discuss the "Quoting Velocity" gap, how Tabi’s RMS allows your team to move from manual spreadsheets to instant, data-backed pricing, and why "Precision Quoting" is the ultimate hedge against market volatility. If your team is struggling with inconsistent margins or losing bids because they’re...
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If you are still leading your sales calls with "we have the best service and the lowest rates," you’ve already lost the room. Today on #TheFreightCoach, I’m joined by elite speaker and performance coach Darryll Stinson for a masterclass on the Physics of the Pitch. In this episode, we perform a forensic audit on how to frame your sales narrative to command attention and close high-value deals. Darryll breaks down the psychological frameworks used by elite performers to shift from "selling a service" to "solving a mission." Whether you are pitching a new enterprise shipper or trying to win...
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If you are still relying on a "Clean MC" and a static insurance certificate to vet your carriers, you are leaving your business wide open to organized crime. Today, I’m joined by Joe Ohr of the NMFTA to perform a forensic audit on the "DNA" of modern freight fraud. Joe pulls back the curtain on the NMFTA’s Freight Fraud Prevention Hub and their advanced Threat Detection Portal. We move past the surface-level checks to examine the behavioral patterns, digital footprints, and social engineering tactics that today’s criminal syndicates use to "wear the skin" of legitimate carriers. This is...
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In an industry that often treats drivers as invisible data points, it’s time for a revolutionary shift. Today, I’m joined by Kathy Young and Amanda Barlow, the founders of Cargo Girls and the creators of TrukOptiks. They aren't just moving freight; they are building the technology to humanize it. TrukOptiks is a first-of-its-kind platform that recognizes the success of the individual driver rather than just the carrier company. We dive into how TKO provides shippers with a critical security layer through visual confirmation of drivers and equipment, while giving drivers a digital profile...
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In 2026, the difference between a fleet that is surviving and a fleet that is thriving comes down to one thing: Operational Culture. Today, I’m joined by Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, for a forensic breakdown of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For report. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this prestigious program, Jane pulls back the curtain on the data-driven traits that separate the Top 20 fleets from the rest of the pack. We dive into the "Retention Revolution," how the best carriers are integrating AI without losing the human touch, and why "Driver Satisfaction" is now a leading...
info_outlineReady to ride the next wave of freight innovation? Tune in to today’s conversation with our returning guest, Chris Kolquist of Koliway LLC!
Chris breaks down the high-stakes world of M&A in transportation and why now, in 2026, the real players are finally standing out.
We’re cutting through the noise to discuss how AI and automation are completely leveling the playing field, making it so you don't need to be a top-five freight brokerage to have world-class resources, the reality of business development, the common pitfalls of hiring expensive sales teams without a system, and why a solid succession plan is the ultimate value-driver for any founder looking to exit!
If you’re a small shop grinding it out or a mid-sized firm looking to scale through a strategic partnership, you shouldn’t miss the raw and unfiltered insights from this episode!
About Chris Kolquist
Throughout his career, senior executive and strategic leader Chris Kolquist has been a catalyst in driving commercial growth, positive financial results, and maximum shareholder value in challenging and hyper-competitive markets. He has built a noteworthy reputation for understanding investments, delivering ROI objectives, managing massive change, and building highly effective cultures.
In 2021, Chris launched Koliway LLC, an investment and advisory firm specializing in investments, M&A transactions, board service, and advisory executive logistics work.
Chris began his career with Arthur Andersen, where he served as Senior Auditor from 1998 to 2001, conducting audits, M&A transaction support, and financial due diligence for buy-side and sell-side clients. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1998 and obtained his CPA license in 2001 (now inactive).
Connect with Chris
- Website: https://koliway.com/
- Email: ckolquist@koliway.com
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